It Has Nothing to Do with Age

“Great minds have purposes, little minds have wishes."
– Washington Irving

As many of you may know, I am researching the concept  “mental toughness.” The main focus of this current research has to do with  college football players. More specifically, I have chosen the 1969, Michigan Wolverine team with new head coach,  Bo Schembechler. His team, in their last season game, were  a 17 point underdog to the national championship team of Woody Hayes’, Ohio State Buckeyes.

However, I want to make it clear that there are many individuals who have exhibited mental toughness, historically. Some of you might ask about a definition of this term? Mental toughness has to do with perseverance, persistence,” stick with It ness’ in spite of hazardous internal or external conditions. A hazardous condition has to be physical and emotional. It may be self-inflicted, imposed by others or some external circumstance. In any event, the individual continues and does not give up, regardless of the situation or conflict. Some might argue, that by not giving up or discontinuing might not be the intelligent thing to do.

How one determines and evaluates the situation is unique to that individual. The evaluation happens between ones ears , or the  thinking that takes place. Sometimes , a defense mechanism like rationalization, denial or intellectualization can or does distort the reality. Sometimes, a need, drive or overcompensation makes it difficult to stop or, give up. Sometimes, the identity drives the individual to succeed or continue.

In my research so far, I found that the group that the individual belongs to is a main contributor for mental toughness regardless of religion, color or socio-economic standing. This Michigan team was comprised of talented sophomores, juniors and seniors that bonded and became one powerful juggernaut. Some members of the team point to an early-season loss to arch rival Michigan State University that contributed greatly to team bonding, and cohesiveness. They believe that the different coaching methods by Schembechler became  assimilated, accommodated  and integrated at that time.

The players had a run of unimagined success after that early-season loss and became quite the force themselves. After annihilating the University of Iowa, the week before ,their expectations, confidence , motivation , and goal achievement was not to be denied. These players exhibited mental toughness in that classic 1969 game with the Buckeyes. I’m not at all suggesting that the national champion Buckeye’s were not mentally tough. I plan on talking with them also.

The interviewing of the players has been fun for me and cathartic for them. Their achievement on the football field is clear, as well as their success in later life. The bonding that took place in 1969, remains strong today as well. The neurotransmitter oxytocin facilitated good feelings then and now. Once again, friendships, relationships, enhance one’s emotional life and don’t forget it. In other words, keep moving, laughing, smiling, deep breathing and bonding because it’s good for you.