We need on occasion to train for the unthinkable — a complete “system failure.” This means an “outside-of-the-box” problem like that facing Captain Sullenberger, suddenly in command of a “glider” in search of a landing strip. A coach can be faced with endemic flu that leaves his entire squad barely able to walk, let alone compete effectively. How about those Madoff investors that are now in a survival mode after financial ruin.

Captains are usually trained in a drill that gradually eliminates the various sources of electricity so that the airplane must inevitably return to Earth, whether successfully or otherwise. On such a “dark and stormy night,” when weather, fatigue, and crew scheduling are all arrayed against him, the captain must make instant decisions on how to conserve the remaining electrical power and find a place to land within the few minutes still available to him. There is no single “checklist” to follow. He must draw upon his available knowledge of all the aircraft systems, external resources available to him, and his professional judgment honed from previous training and experience.

In an even competition, the champion that emerges will usually be the person or team that has gone beyond the usual preparation. The champion believes that he has an edge because he is ready to exploit a perceived weakness in the other team not otherwise known. He has studied all aspects of his opponent, not just his on-field capabilities.
The champion has prepared “out-of-the-box” and is ready for anything. Then, he is ready to fight!

That right, Good Luck at State.
Play Hard, Play Smart
RM