Column One: Draw a Line in the Sand

Along with five other memorable and accomplished men, Rod Woodson, a defensive legend for the Pittsburgh Steelers was inducted into the 2009 Class of the NFL Hall of Fame this past weekend. (Click the link to view his acceptance speech.)

His story is inspiring, his football achievements are impressive and he's a really humble guy. But his comments in an interview after the ceremony were the words that prompted me to write this column. He said, “Four years ago, I quit drinking because I have young kids and I can’t ask them to do something I won’t do.” He knows, like I know, that athletes and alcohol, especially in high school and college, go hand in hand. And as an athlete, coach, or even more importantly as a parent, you possess a lot of power to influence those around you. And if you haven't noticed, this young generation needs and wants to know it is possible to effectively and happily live above the temptations and pressures of this culture.

This year I celebrated my 31st year of sobriety. One day, like Woodson, I drew a line in the sand.

And like Woodson, I became more courageous to stop doing something--that was fun and popular by the world's standards--when I realized that I had young people watching me, counting on me. They were begging for role models who would stay sober or stay married and say, “Follow me" without being afraid to be a leader who makes it to the end of the race.

If you are a coach, a teacher, a boss, or parent, one of the most powerful tools that you possess is the ability to draw a line in the sand in an area of your life where others are counting on you. If you can say, “no” to something that everyone else is doing, you'll give others strength. If you can say, “never again,” you'll give others hope that they too can do something difficult.

Little changes do turn into big results...one decision, one day, one line in the sand at a time.

Be encouraged,

Becky