This weekend, we have a chance to witness perfection.  As the New England Patriots take the field on Saturday night, they have a chance to do what no other team in the history of the NFL has ever done− finish the regular season with a perfect 16-0 record.  Their head coach, Bill Belichick would be the first to say that they’ve gotten to this point through hard work and their ability to stay focused week to week.  When the commentators were speculating if this Patriots team could run the table back in week three, Coach Belichick had his players eating humble pie and taking it one game (and one win) at a time.

Yes, this might be the most talented Patriots squad to play in the Belichick era, but make no mistake; Coach Belichick has won three Super Bowls, and could win his fourth this year, by keeping his team focused on the basics of football.  In all of their three previous championship years, the Patriots were not the most talented team in the league, but they won the Super Bowl by mastering the fundamentals of the game.

And this year, as the Patriots steamrolled team after team, Coach Belichick always kept his players focused on improving their weaknesses.

The Patriots are not in the position to make history this weekend by accident. It has taken them weeks and months and even years of dedication, focus, and hard work.  The lesson?  Talent by itself is simply not enough.  You have to want it more than your competition.

Remember, successful people (and successful athletes) do what unsuccessful people won’t do.  They master the basics, work hard, and never quit.  That’s why Patriots quarterback Tom Brady shows up to Gillette Stadium every morning before it’s light outside to be the first one in the weight room.  And that’s why he has engineered an amazing 27 fourth quarter comebacks already in his career.  He, and the rest of the team, has committed himself to being successful.  And that is why they have a shot at perfection this Saturday night.