(2 minute read)
Many will be familiar with the phrase, “Fall down seven times, get up eight”.
This saying has its origins from a Japanese proverb known as Nana korobi ya oki, which symbolizes resilience, perseverance, and the determination to never give up, even after repeated failures. The underlying emphasis is that strength lies in rising one more time than you have fallen.
During a recent online conference, we had the opportunity of interviewing an accomplished ex-professional sportsperson, Nick Maxwell, who rose to the lofty senior leadership position of Captain of AFL Football Club, Collingwood.
During the interview, we asked Nick about the role and importance of persistence and resilience during the journey toward elite sporting representation.
It’s important to know that Nick was knocked back or ‘cut’ from one of the AFL’s feeder teams (Geelong Falcons) on 4 separate occasions – including being sidelined with a broken vertebra.
Asked about this level of persistence, Nick shared, “It’s really about what it means to you and how much you want it. We’re all going to go through tough times and we’re all going to be overlooked for a job, etc. It’s important to know that you can’t change the situation, but you can change yourself.”
In his quest to be drafted into the AFL system, Nick did what many aspiring professionals do and sent video footage of his ‘highlight reels’ to a range of clubs. What differentiated Nick’s videos from the many others that clubs needed to sort through was the notes that accompanied his videos.
Nick went on to explain, “In the videos I sent around to the clubs, I made it clear that there are areas I need to improve upon, of which I am aware, and this is what I am doing about it!”
He was later informed by several recruiters that this was a key differentiator in his video submissions from other applicants. Not that he was more skilful, but his awareness of his strengths and his current weaknesses, and the work his was doing to bridge those gaps.
In cases like these, where giving up can present itself as an easier option than persisting in the face of adversity, true leaders are forged.
Nick was drafted by the Collingwood FC, and eventually elected as Captain of the club, before succeeding at the ultimate level, holding the 2010 AFL Premiership Cup aloft after an historic Grand Final victory.
Fall down seven times, get up eight.