"IT" or "X" - You have Control

The “IT” factor has long been identified as the factor that made the difference either in individual, team, or organizational success albeit in sports, entertainment, politics, or etc.  Defining the “IT” factor not scientific in any way.  That’s why it is an “IT” or the X factor - you know it when you see it, hear it, feel it, or experience it. 

As professional football concluded their annual draft, the “IT” factor was tossed around and attached to several accomplished college athletes – some more known than others.  The pundits and prognosticators provided their speculation, conjecture, and opinion of “IT” before and after each selection.  “IT” was graded, rated and reported by “experts” not necessarily knowing what, why or how the drafting team had assessed the prospect – all part of the glitter, glamour, and drama of the draft.

Not one draftee has made a roster or played a down.  Teetering on letting the air out of the balloon, “IT” is to be determined.  Several factors will determine whether or not “IT” will happen.  Given the NFL is a business, much time, energy, and effort is devoted to assessing the athletes to increase their likelihood of success.  The common fan may not know that a wide variety of tools that evaluate both physical and mental acuity of potential players.  These include on-field skills, speed, strength, quickness, reliability, personality, and cognitive ability assessments to assist teams in making player selections.

The import and utility of actual college game performance are more or less about getting the attention of would be employers.  Too often, outstanding college performers do not translate into pro bowl selections and world championships.  Thus, the need and employment of multiple measures to assess and complete a player’s portfolio that provides a more robust assessment of their potential.  

Still, the “IT” factor goes unexplained or measured for that matter.

“IT” will depend on more than the assessments.  What defines great performances, great contributions, and great achievements cannot necessarily be measured by an assessment.  If it could, it would.

How does any of this relate to education?

More than we think.

The NFL draft is akin to college or university admission, selection, and acceptance.  The SAT, ACT, GPA, letters or recommendation, high school transcripts, community involvement, activities, athletics, and essay to name just a few of the multiple measures used in determining admission do not necessarily generate an “IT” factor during or after the university experience.   

Much to the chagrin of many parents, the “IT” factor for college and to a certain extent, the NFL will develop from characteristics, habits, attitude, resilience, perseverance, preparation, humility, and learning – some of which are learned and some of which are natural.

I recall vividly a conversation with a former NFL player who shared with me the parity of athleticism in professional football.  He told me there were countless individuals that possessed athletic traits such as speed, strength, and agility far better than his that never played a down in the NFL.  The difference between him and the others were drive, determination, discipline, and something he described as “readiness”. 

I asked, “What is readiness?”

“Readiness is preparing, training, practicing, rehearsing and not hesitating when the opportunity presents itself”.

That’s “IT”.

“IT” is not chance, luck, circumstances, or whether or not you are drafted in the first or last round or not at all.

For those not selected in the draft or not accepted to your “dream school” - Let it go! 

“IT” is still a reality for you – if you choose it to be.