UNEXPECTED VICTORY

SPORTS HEADLINE-OREGON STATE SHOCKS #1 USC 27-21
Thursday night in Corvallis, OR, the unranked Oregon State Beavers upset the previously unbeaten and undisputed #1 team in the land, the USC Trojans.

Led by freshman running back Jacquizz Rodgers 186 yards and 2 TD the Beavers knocked off the Trojans for the second consecutive time on their home field.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
This one is really simple, no obstacle is too great to be overcome. The sports landscape is littered with Goliaths that David has slain along the way. One of the mantras often repeated in sports is 'on any given day' which means that nothing is impossible. There are going to be hundreds of times in your life where the challenges that lie ahead seem to dwarf potential solutions. In those cases, you just have to buckle down, dig deep and have the ultimate belief in yourself that you will be victorious!

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
Whenever a major upset occurs, some of the same tenets are always quoted. 'Outstanding teamwork.' 'Solid leadership.' 'We had a plan and we executed it.' These aren't unique concepts. It's rare that you can have success at any level without teamwork, leadership and a plan. The difference between taking your team or your business to the next level or winning in the business arena against the odds is perfect execution.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
Amongst the feelings of joy after a major win is, now what do I do? It almost seems deflating to have a big score and then not follow it up with another one. This can tread into dangerous territory financially. There are going to be times when you get an unexpected financial increase. While it's great to savor that increase, if you splurge and squander it then what? It's fine to celebrate a little, enjoy the spoils, but keep in mind that wins like that come rarely if at all so you should try to make it last as long as you can.

GAME PLAN-
We are accustomed to winning and losing and most of us can navigate those with a certain level of predictability. One of the great things about the game of life is the unexpected wins. These are the times in life we cherish most when we look back and revel in our accomplishments. The times that while we knew all along that we were capable of greatness, we are even a little surprised at ourselves for what we've accomplished. Celebrate all of your victories, expected and unexpected and continue to believe that your next great victory is just ahead.