We Don't Use The Word Loser Around Here

I am fascinated by the term "rebuilding year" that is used by so many teams in sports. I suppose rebuilding implies that the team is starting from the bottom rung of acceptable performance and toiling for better chemistry and success as a team with an unspoken promise to completely rock the socks off of every spectator NEXT season. The best part is that people actually leave room in their hearts for these come-back years. Touching.

What cracks me up is when I hear college and professional teams that are currently in a rebuilding year. Never mind that every one of those teams have set aside a panel of experts to fly around the world stalking the up-and-coming talent to recruit for their teams. Never mind that these young athletes have dedicated their lives and poured blood, sweat, and tears into perfecting their game so that they stand out above the other mediocre dreamers. How does it happen that a team is built from the best of the best... I mean we're talking these stars have proven themselves... only to have a rebuilding year? Where did the "wow" go? It's amazing how easily a football player can forget how high and far to throw a football. And not to mention the basketball player who passes to the opposite team. If these guys were taken off of a back-alley court where they always played 1 on 0 it would make sense that they would need an entire year to learn how to get along and play well with others. I understand that chemistry and smooth plays don't come right off the bat... but I'm sure the first game of the season isn't exactly the first day they've done their homework. Training camps, practices... it all happened.

I love sports. I've watched my favorite athletes improve over time, and I know it's possible to get better and better. But that's not "rebuiling", that's hard work paying off. Eventually anyone can win. But until they do... they lose.

I do like how much more deliberate it sounds to say a team is rebuilding though. We should all use that philosophy from now on. "I didn't fail at my diet, I'm in a rebuilding year", "Please don't take my car away, I will start making my payments again once I am out of this rebuilding year", "If it wasn't for this rebuilding year I'm sure I would be dating a lot more", "I can't... I'm rebuilding".