The Thrill of Victory

By Coach Carl Hargrave

“Integrity and character are the cornerstone to our success. This opens the door to meet our objective, to build an excitement and understanding about living and growing in sobriety. Here we experience the joy and confidence that comes as we unearth and demonstrate those positive character traits that so easily escaped us.”

It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to impart into the minds and hearts of the many who are mired in the agony of addiction, that they know Victory is imminent when “Recovery” becomes a intricate part of who we are.

I liken it to the playing field. Having been a significant participant in guiding and mentoring numerous individuals on the football field, I now coach people in the game of life. When I say “Life” that’s exactly what I mean.

The fight or game of addiction is about life. We must be cognizant in the reality of winning this game. It’s for keeps, the stakes are high, and we must play to win and understand with addiction — looms death.

To insure we align ourselves with the quest of the end goal, I present the “X & O’s of Sobriety,” the playbook of champions. Here we will bring to life the game plan in attacking the opponent.
You will see the importance of a positive attitude as step one, gaining and launching an assault against the strong but not so worthy opponents drugs and alcohol ravaging our society.

We must understand we are digging out of a situation that calls for intention and singleness of purpose, and it is imperative we identify our expectations and commitment. What are our expectations and what is the commitment to meet them? What do you want to achieve, and what are you willing to do to achieve your goal? This must be defined prior to kick off.

Point of Launch

 Commitment is the stuff character is made of; the power to change the face of things. We must be committed to the process. Challenges are only challenges until you accept them, once you do they become opportunities. We have a great opportunity to change our lives forever, a day at a time.
Integrity and character are the cornerstone to our success. This opens the door to meet our objective, to build an excitement and understanding about living and growing in sobriety. Here we experience the joy and confidence that comes as we unearth and demonstrate those positive character traits that so easily escaped us. What I have found in the initial preparation phase, is the importance of encouragement, be it from family or friends. Encouragement is a key element to our success in the game.

The Winning Game Plan

From a football analogy, taking a radical approach gives us the best chance of beating our opponent. Launching an offensive assault coupled with a staunch defensive front becomes the task at hand as we set our goals on both sides.

Offense: 
In the Pass (I will pass up that drink or drug) 
Top 3 in the Rush ( a. I will do it now. b.Take the action immediately. c. Rush to get it accomplished.) 

Defense:
The Rush (I don’t need the rush, avoiding the triggers, great avoidance technique)
TOP 3 vs. PASS (a. Don’t Pass It To Me, (b. I will break up the pass, c. I will sack the QB. “the dealer” 
# 1 in Turnovers ( I turn it over to my Higher Power) 

The offensive philosophy is one of “Attack, Attack, Attack, wanting to strike fast and often. We want to take the game to the opponent. Take the initiative (show up) I can’t stress enough the importance to GET UP and GET GOING. Don’t lay around feeling sorry for oneself, and expect anything to change.

The champion dictates the game. It is imperative we keep the opponent off balance. Remember  “Enthusiasm ” is contagious. Talk about it; (Share your story) Be about it; (Service) this allows you to be unselfish.

I encourage you to put your huddle together and surround yourself with those you trust. The Huddle is the most sacred place on the field, where you can gain the support of those who love you. Your Huddle may consist of family, friends, and sponsor,and therapists. They are in the game with you, inherently committed as you are, if not kick them out of your circle.

The defensive philosophy must be one of tenacity as you SWARM the opponent. Gang tackle the disease: (attend meetings, there is power in numbers.) Force turnovers: (turn it over to your higher power, work the steps) Dictate the game: (be large and in charge of your mind. Call your sponsor).

The Recovery community will overtake the addiction community as we become less anonymous, less frightful and less self consumed. We will one day see more people in active recovery than active addiction. Stand strong! It truly takes more than a village, it takes a society.


Coach Carl and Fit Four Recovery will be presenting at the 12th Art of Recovery Expo on Saturday, September 16, Phoenix Convention Center, Hall F. artofrecoveryexpo.com