Carpe omnia is a Latin phrase that means “seize everything”. It is the motto that inspires Mike McCarthy, the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, one of the most successful and popular teams in the National Football League (NFL). McCarthy, who led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl victory in 2011, joined the Cowboys in 2020 with a vision to restore their glory and bring them another championship. In this article, we will explore how McCarthy applies the carpe omnia philosophy to his coaching style, his team culture, and his personal life. We will also examine how this motto reflects the history and identity of the Cowboys, who have always been known for their ambition, innovation, and excellence.
What is Carpe Omnia and Where Did It Come From?
Carpe Omnia is a Latin phrase that means “seize everything”. It is a variation of the more famous motto “carpe diem”, which means “seize the day”. Carpe Omnia expresses a more ambitious and aggressive attitude, implying that one should not only make the most of the present moment, but also pursue all opportunities and goals in life.
The 2023 theme for the #Cowboys season is “Carpe Omnia”.
Seize everything. pic.twitter.com/on4dJweGTd
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) September 6, 2023
The origin of Carpe Omnia is not clear, but it may have been inspired by some ancient Roman writers and philosophers, such as Seneca, Horace, and Cicero, who advocated for living fully and actively in accordance with one’s nature and reason. Carpe Omnia also resonates with some modern concepts, such as the growth mindset, the abundance mentality, and the 10X rule, which encourage people to embrace challenges, seek improvement, and aim for extraordinary results.
How Does Carpe Omnia Apply to the Cowboys’ Goals and Challenges in 2023?
Carpe Omnia – Seize Everything pic.twitter.com/Dfn1AbP5JH
— Dallas Cowboys NFL Sport Talk MiltonZen (@MiltonZen) September 6, 2023
Carpe Omnia is the theme that Mike McCarthy, the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, chose for his team in 2023. McCarthy explained that Carpe Omnia is about seizing everything that the Cowboys have in front of them: an empty photo frame that represents their potential to fill it with a championship picture; a dual sword that symbolizes their balance between family and football; and a warrior-saint that exemplifies their courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Cowboys have a lot of expectations and pressures in 2023, as they are one of the most popular and valuable franchises in the NFL. They have a talented roster, led by quarterback Dak Prescott, who returned from a devastating ankle injury in 2021. They also have a new defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, who hopes to improve their defense that ranked among the worst in 2021. The Cowboys have not won a Super Bowl since 1996, and they have not reached the NFC Championship Game since 1996. They face a tough schedule in 2023, including games against the defending champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Kansas City Chiefs, the New Orleans Saints, and the Arizona Cardinals.
To achieve their ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl, the Cowboys need to adopt the Carpe Omnia mindset. They need to seize every opportunity to improve themselves individually and collectively. They need to seize every challenge to test their skills and character. They need to seize every moment to enjoy their journey and appreciate their teammates. They need to seize everything that matters to them: their passion, their pride, their purpose.
What Can We Learn from Carpe Omnia as Leaders and Individuals?
Carpe Omnia is not only a motto for the Cowboys, but also a lesson for us as leaders and individuals. We can apply Carpe Omnia to our personal and professional lives, as we pursue our dreams and goals.
As leaders, we can use Carpe Omnia to inspire our teams and organizations to strive for excellence and innovation. We can set high standards and expectations for ourselves and others. We can provide clear vision and direction for our missions and strategies. We can foster a culture of collaboration and accountability among our members. We can motivate our people to overcome obstacles and embrace changes.
As individuals, we can use Carpe Omnia to empower ourselves and others to grow and thrive. We can identify our strengths and weaknesses, and seek feedback and learning opportunities. We can explore our interests and passions, and pursue our hobbies and hobbies. We can balance our work and life, and prioritize our health and happiness. We can connect with our family and friends, and support our community and society.
Carpe Omnia is more than a slogan. It is a philosophy. It is a lifestyle. It is a way of being. Let us seize everything that life has to offer us.