Trevor Lawrence has the “Slight Edge” Mindset
I was stunned to see the recent uproar on social media regarding comments made by the number one NFL draft pick, Trevor Lawrence, who is now headed to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Lawrence is quoted saying, "I don't need football to make me feel worthy." He went on to say, "It's not like I need this for my life to be OK. I want to do it because I want to be the best I can be."
Is it possible to be the best you can be while loving your job? Seems like a silly question. So why was there such an uproar? Isn't that the mindset most workers wish they had about their jobs as it relates to living a fulfilling career and life? I have worked with hundreds of thousands of people and many organizations for over twenty years. After every speech someone inevitably tells me, "TJ, I'm not happy. My job drains me," and then, "One day I'll do what I love."
Is Lawrence expected to hate his job and grind through to feel accomplished as if there were innate virtue in that? Effective leaders and coaches don't expect you to have disdain for your job as though that indicates your utmost commitment to the company. That would be foolish. Great leaders should spend most of their time encouraging each employee; participant; or in this case, athlete, to love their job.