“I think the big thing that helped me was knowing that I didn’t have to be Superman. I have amazing teammates, amazing coaches around me. And all I had to do was just go play as hard as I could, and play for one another, and play for those guys.” -Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles QB
Browsing an Inc Magazine article online, I read that Nick Foles, backup QB, only became the Quarterback for the Eagles a couple months ago when Carson Wentz tore his ACL.
In a world of primadonna athletes, and endless palaver by sportscasters, leaders are those who step into the fray, and focus on their team’s strengths and do their part to the best of their ability. When things are not easy, when the opposition is also doing their best to advance, is precisely when leadership is most needed and most appreciated by everyone. The focus for me, who does not live or die by who has the winning record or brings home the Lombardi Trophy, is the quality of effort on whatever is the field of play. In the sports world, like in the average man or woman’s endeavors, victory is most rewarding when others count them as underdogs. 
As recently as December 31st, ESPN was rating the Eagles as underdogs, this team rallied and won, dominating a team with a storied coach, a storied quarterback and a number of victories during each’s tenure at the New England Patriots. Most notable, the Eagles executed the credo of the opposing team coach better.
1. Do your job.
2. Be attentive.
3. Pay attention to details.
4. Put the team first.
Without contracts, sponsorships, and the glare of media attention, dogs are motivated to please their owners. They neither care about public opinion, nor the score, but performing their role to the best of their ability. Hunting dogs flush out game, or retrieve the prey for their hunter. Military Working Dogs protect their handler and team to which they are assigned. Search and Rescue dogs find the victims of a calamity. Herding dogs work under the direction of the rancher or farmer to watch the flock. Police dogs protect their handler and subdue a perpetrator. Guide dogs assist a person with physical limitations. A family pet comforts their family members and protects the home. 
A dog without proper training and without a suitable role, does not live up to its potential. The lead dog, and I’m speaking about a human being here, should also live by the same four principles. The goal for a good life is not necessarily to bring home a coveted trophy, but to do the job to the best of one’s ability. And in so doing, dog and Man will thrive.
Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.
Deuteronomy 5:33
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2: 17
It's a Dog's Life 