Second Chances

There’s only one right answer to the question, “What do I do with a second chance?” You make the most of it.

That’s what NFL coach Mike McDaniels did. He was an assistant coach for the Houston Texans when he was fired after showing up late a second time to a 6 a.m. meeting. One minute, he was living his dream. The next, he was wondering if he’d ever get to coach in the National Football League again.

To earn another opportunity, McDaniels had to start over at the bottom. For years, he worked as an assistant to other assistants. The hours were long, and the pay was low, but he stayed focused. From Washington to Cleveland to Atlanta to San Francisco, he honed his craft and earned respect from players and coaches alike.

After 865 days, McDaniels finally got a second chance. The Miami Dolphins called and offered him a job as their new head coach. McDaniels now keeps an index card in his office with the number 865 on it, so he never forgets the hard work and dedication it took for him to get a second chance.

Whether your goal is to get your career back on track, to save a broken marriage, or to overcome your mistakes as a parent, seize every opportunity you can. Let go of the past and learn from your mistakes. Then, keep working hard and move forward with purpose. Create a new future for yourself by making the most of your second chance.