My alma mater, Florida State University, won its first ACC basketball championship this past Sunday. It was an exciting moment for fans of a school that has been known for its football prowess far more than its power in the “paint.” I celebrated by immediately ordering a championship t-shirt, and even snagged a ticket for the Seminoles’ first game in the “big dance” tournament that commences this week.

The ‘Noles were a joy to follow down the stretch of the 2011-12 regular season. They beat Duke at the buzzer on the Blue Devils’ home court, which no team had accomplished in quite a while. The Tribe also stomped a highly-rated University of North Carolina team by more than 30 points. Several other victories were decided at the last second, and this past weekend’s ACC title was clinched with back-to-back repeat victories over Duke and UNC.  It has been a Cinderella season for the boys from Tallahassee, with several David-vs.-Goliath type of episodes.

Sometimes when few people (especially “experts”) expect you to win, the taste of victory is even sweeter. I wonder who is underestimating YOU right now, even as you are quietly and patiently persevering in your work; a relationship; a project…and is it possible that you might even be underestimating yourself?

Stay focused on your goals or calling; what are you passionate about achieving? Remain mindful of your core, innate preferences and your demonstrated strengths; what do you want to do with your time more than anything else, and what can you do better than most people?

Continue to harness this extreme focus on what matters the most, and the seeds of victory are already at bloom. Believe that you’ve got game!