I’m sure you have heard the phrase “wanted it more”.

It pops up in cricket post-match interviews when a result is unexpected. Ireland beating Pakistan in 2007 is one example.

Is it a meaningless cliché or truth?

Can you be inspired to overcome the odds and win games on willpower alone?

I think you can.

So do the All Blacks rugby team, possibly the greatest sporting team of all time, who put their winning legacy down to their sheer will.

Wether you are already a great team, or you aspire to beat someone against the odds, there is a common thread.

It’s called a purpose.

Even in amateur club and school teams, purpose is more important than talent, hard work, tactics or techniques. All those things stem from your purpose. Without knowing why you get together as a team every week, you can’t improve the how.

It’s never just about winning a game of cricket.

Not deep down.

But enough of this philosophy, let’s talk practical actions.

Recognise sacrifice

Every successful cricketer in every successful cricket team has given up a great deal to sit together in the changing room and to walk on the field together.

Recognise this.

Perhaps you have given up,

• Other sports
• Other activities
• Family time
• Holidays

And you have certainly spent more money than you should.

When you recognise these sacrifices you find great motivation to be your best. You’re no longer alone. You have struggled together and supported each other.

You understand what it has taken on more than a cricket level.

Then, on a cricket level, you find yourself putting much more effort in.

Why would you play half-hearted when you could be doing something else? You may as well do everything you can now you are here.

You don’t want to let down those 10 others who are doing exactly the same for you.

Build your legacy

Speaking of letting people down, a big part of cricket is the legacy. That’s why we play in teams that have existed for decades.

Your team has a history. Perhaps it’s a grand and powerful one. It’s up to you to continue this legacy and prepare the way for the future. You’re always only in temporary possession of your place. Even if you play a thousand and games, one day you retire. The team changes even faster.

The big question is this: what will those in the future look back at?

Will they see a team who took their chance when they had it?

When you see the big picture like this, the little differences matter much less. Every game is one closer to defining the legacy you leave for the next generation.

Feel that weight of history in you, because it will make you act. It gives you meaning to know everything you do is important. And meaning gives motivation. And motivation leads to work. And work leads to success.

This is not just high-minded motivational speaking. It’s action.

Right now.

Because everything you do contributes to how you leave things for the next person.

Summary

• Having a purpose is what creates a team that “wants it more”.
• Sacrifices are easier when you have purpose.
• The desire to leave a legacy is one of the great purposes.
• Purpose is not easy to find or turn j to action, but when you do there is nothing more powerful to drive success.