Macte Virtute is a Latin phrase that means “to increase in excellence and prosper by merit.” Our football program knew going into the 2004 season that we were a talented bunch with potential. We had been 7-3 in my first season as head coach the year before which was the best season in 20 years at the school. We had most of our starters back and I wanted our players to have an edge going into the season. We entered camp with Macte Virtute as our slogan and daily reminder that while we were good, we weren’t as good as we could be. This was a crucial belief for our team to reach its full potential. That team pushed through, worked as hard as any team we have had, and fought tooth and nail to be their best. They treated every game as a championship game regardless of the opponent. Because of this, we got better every week and achieved the goals we set for the season. We never settled. We never rested. We stayed hungry and went 10-0. We advanced to the state playoffs for the first time in 30 seasons and set the standard for our program to be a perennial power.
While the idea of Macte Virtute was important for that team, it is just as important as a belief to succeed in life. To increase in excellence is to know that you are good and want to improve on it. This is at the core of Win with PMA. The idea that we are good and born for success is vital in becoming great and allows us to not let doubt into our thinking. We become strong and difficult to defeat when we believe in ourselves and our abilities. This is the winner’s swagger. It is confident, not cocky, which is important to distinguish. Confidence is the belief in self with the desire to prove that you are good. Being cocky is a facade that is shallow and easily beaten. Cockiness is for pretenders that fear defeat.
Confidence is only half the battle in the idea of Macte Virtute. It is what inspires us to get better. We want to increase our excellence and work hard with positive action to be the best we can. This is how dynasties are made. Dynasties become great and then keep grinding and pushing out of the comfort zone to raise the bar. This is rare and makes it special when people do it. Too many people are entitled or want something for nothing. Champions know that prospering by merit is the only way for true and lasting success.
It is easy and comfortable to be average, but it is not fulfilling. We are made to be better and use our God given talents to the best of our ability. This is why it is imperative that we don’t limit ourselves and settle for less than our absolute best in life. Never accept average. Always demand excellence in your thoughts and deeds. Macte Virtute is a daily reminder to keep moving forward and getting better regardless of the circumstances.
Win with PMA 