Inspiration comes in many forms. Sometimes in wealth, other times in the words of a powerful speech, but most of the time it comes in the form of action. The saying “action speaks louder than words” doesn’t even begin to summarize the power of Tyrann Mathieu’s performance on the field during any LSU game this season.

Mathieu’s athletic abilities are known across the country and have recently been recognized formally by his nomination as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the top college football athlete. It is important to applaud his physical achievements on the field and his ability to transform his body’s movement in the middle of a play to capitalize on every development: a fumble, a ball ripped from an opponent’s hands, or a blocked kick.

However, I hope the skill being recognized by the youth of America and those around the country who need an inspiring mentor is not the skill of Mathieu’s football ability but his sheer determination to succeed regardless of the obstacles thrust in front of him. It is this skill that has earned him the nickname of “The Honey Badger” and it is that mental skill that allows his physical body to achieve greatness. You can almost see his mind working by watching his body on the field. Mathieu leans forward every second, ready to manipulate his opponents’ every action for his advantage.

In a world where determination is looked upon as greedy, winning is sometimes ridiculed by the losers, and being undeterred by failures is sometimes regarded as ignorant of the facts; it is refreshing to listen to Mathieu discuss his motivation and drive. In a recent interview, he said that he simply tells himself he is going to win and then does whatever it takes to do it.

“Whatever it takes” to get it done. Imagine if all of us woke up every day and did whatever it took to succeed. I am not speaking of illegal or unethical acts but going beyond the job description, working extra hours, or even sacrificing short-term convenience for long-term success. Imagine if our elected officials started saying “it CAN be done,” our teachers sat with a child a little longer to make sure they could read, or if an employee put in an extra 30 minutes to help the company survive in this rough economic period.

Imagine if we all leaned forward instead of sitting back. Imagine if we were all honey badgers.

The last bite…

This weekend, I attended a brunch hosted by Eliza Eugene’s “Blessed to be a Blessing” group where the price to get in was a donated toy for a child whose parent will be in jail for the holidays. The keynote message of Judge Penny Brown Reynolds of the courtroom TV show was on point and absolutely uplifting. Judge Reynolds was honored by Congressman Cedric Richmond and Parish President Natalie Robottom. Ms. Robottom gave a personal testimony to the power of aligning oneself with God’s plan and the timeline that He wants you to achieve it. The event was made even better by the amazing meal — from sweet potatoes to gumbo — none of the meal left anything to be desired. I could have had a gallon of the gumbo! I give enjoying a meal with a purpose 5 (out of 5) crumbs!

Buddy Boe, a resident of Garyville, owns a public relations and program management company and is well known on the local political (and food) scenes. His column appears Wednesdays in L’Observateur.