We were lucky to attend schools where, even though it was prior to Title IX, girls athletics were already underway; our *sports* options were not limited to playing four-square in skirts.

I wasn't a great athlete but I was athletic. I grew up knowing I was strong, which made it less awkward to be bigger than most of my friends. While never great at any particular sport, I understood sports and what it took to step up as a player, team member, at times leader, win or lose.

Sports also taught me the relationship between a good workout and a bright mind.

Those who grow up playing sports grow up with a distinct advantage. On the playing field we learn BOLD!ness by realizing it's up to us to literally step up to the plate and contribute our best. We also learn humility in a lost game, a poor decision, or days you knock over every hurdle usually jumped with ease (and believe me, that hurts).

Playing sports with my brothers and their friends had its advantages: accomplishing team goals in the workplace became a natural extension of having worked hard toward a common goal on the field or court.

But there were also lessons learned. Like the fact that no matter how much I begged, the boys were not letting me play hockey on the pond that day, and it took a perfectly-placed slapshot to my cheekbone for me to get the message.

The BOLD! Factor in action...don't sit on the sidelines, get into the game at work and in life!

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