For this month’s PACE (Partners Advancing Character Education) character trait, we will discuss the trait of diligence. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines the term diligence as “persevering application.”
Ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius noted “The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.” American icon Mark Twain once said “Diligence is a good thing, but taking things easy is much more restful.” Founding Father Benjamin Franklin used diligence extensively throughout his writings and believed that “Diligence is the mother of good luck.”
As I was writing this article, I happened to be watching Super Bowl 50 and witnessed the performance of Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. Whether or not you like Manning, there is no question that he is one of the best quarterbacks to ever have played the game of professional football. Upon further examination into his career and life, there is no question that he is a great example of diligence put into action.
Manning has been in the NFL for 18 years as a starting quarterback, which is far longer than the 4.44-year average career length of a NFL quarterback. To accomplish that feat, Manning has had to be relentless in his preparation and focus on keeping at the top of the ranks of NFL starting quarterbacks.
Over his career, he won two Super Bowls, five NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, 14 Pro Bowl selections, set an NFL record for touchdown completions in 2013, and broke the career passing yards record in the 2015 season. He is the oldest quarterback to ever start in and win a Super Bowl. He is the only quarterback to have won a Super Bowl with two different franchises and finished this season with the most regular and post-season wins of any quarterback in NFL history.
Manning had a great career with the Indianapolis Colts from 1998 – 2011. In 2011, he sat out the entire year with a neck injury that many believed would signal the end of his career. He could have easily retired that year with four MVP awards and a Super Bowl ring, but he decided to go through an extensive rehabilitation process and was signed with the Denver Broncos in 2012.
In 2013, a poor performance and a loss in Super Bowl XXVIII led to talk that his career was over. He came back. Nagging injuries and a poor performance in the 10th game of the 2015 season led to him being benched as the starter.
He fought back from the demotion and was put into the final game of the season where he brought the Broncos from behind to win and secure the top seed in the playoffs. The Broncos advanced through the playoffs and beat the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in the Super Bowl Feb. 7.
Any kid who has ever had dreams of being an NFL quarterback would love to have the career of Manning, but in reality only 0.08 percent of high school football players make it to the NFL. Diligence can be applied to any goal or pursuit and translates into all aspects of life. Whether the goal is to excel at sports, earn good grades, have a successful career, or even be a nicer person — diligence will help you overcome obstacles to accomplish your task.
Opportunities for those who work hard and have defined goals are much more plentiful than for those who do not have a clear purpose or the drive to work. Goals are easy to set, but setting a goal by itself without a plan for how to accomplish it or the determination to do the things necessary to achieve the goal will rarely lead to success.
Any goal worth having is going to be a challenge and there will be no shortage of obstacles that can derail the best plans to achieve the goal. Diligence is the quality that sets those who accomplish their goals apart from those who give up at the first sign of difficulty.
Mike Charter is a Captain with the Spokane Valley Fire Department. He is also an adjunct professor in fire science and emergency management and is involved in numerous community activities. He lives in North Spokane with his wife, two daughters, and his Chocolate Lab.
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