Some experiences are so motivational for the sole reason that they make us realize we simply aren’t trying hard enough sometimes. There is always another example of someone who is willing to try harder and do or risk more to accomplish their objectives. And there is always someone else with a set of greater talents and a larger wealth of experiences that will overshadow us in some parts of our lives. What matters more than talent or experience though is often sheer determination.

All other things can be traced back to this incredible energy that manifests itself as determination. At its core, it is a zest for life and a hunger for accomplishing meaningful tasks; things that add value to life and make it better for everyone.

Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints demonstrated great determination this year with their historic season and Super Bowl victory. As the troubled franchise’s first super bowl championship team celebrated the victory, it was apparent that they deserved their spoils.

The greatest victories, however, were won and celebrated off the field in the city of New Orleans, and in the hearts of a determined city of people all in need of something to hope for and something to celebrate. Through all the hardship, they have endured and struggled on, even as the worldwide attention shifted away from their very real plight.

For myself, I take away a renewed energy for life, sprouted from the rags-to-riches story of one of the NFL’s historically underdog teams. We all are underdogs to somebody in one part of life or another. It’s a tough spot to be in and a hard fight to win, but with determination and the right motivation, anything is possible. The only thing we’ve got to do is quit barking and start sweating our way to the top.

As the years pass, we will come across many inspirational stories, and what we learn from each case is that only the determined survive. There are a few stories that will stick with us forever. For Saints fans in the “Who ‘Dat?” Nation, this will be an experience of a lifetime.

Wherever your NFL allegiances lie, let it be known that this is not just a football story. It is a lesson in the benefits of incredible determination and effort. If we applied ourselves with even a fraction of the determination required for the Saints to win their very first super bowl, just imagine what we could accomplish.