For some reason, over the past week one of the things I keep thinking about with regard to the 2008 presidential election is a moment after the last Super Bowl. As the New York Giants were just minutes into celebrating one of the most exciting victories in sports history, a sports reporter on the field asked a euphoric player how they could possibly top this next year.

Are you kidding me?

Having been a sports writer for nearly 15 years, I was disappointed that someone could reach that level in a journalistic career and not report what is happening in the moment. Celebration is a time for those involved to revel and express and for those reporting to absorb and listen. It is not a time to set out the game plan for next year. That question is more appropriate in training camp the following season.

Triumphs and setbacks reveal so much about people, don’t they? Whether they live in the moment or must always think ahead. If their glass is more often half empty than half full. If then can enjoy joy. If in loss they immediately go to excuses instead of reasons.

And therein lies the comparison to our political climate now. There has been a clear victory and a clear loss. A shift has happened and it has produced -- depending on the camp you’re in and your overall attitude about life -- euphoria, disgust, hope, dread, change, fear. There have been sore winners and sore losers running rampant.

Debates rage on. Does our country lean right-center, left-center or center-center now? Is there a mandate for the president-elect or isn’t there? My oh my. Could these discussions be any more grounded in ego?

Dr. Phil often asks guests on his show when he’s trying to mediate if they want to solve the problem or if they just want to be right. If he senses it’s the latter, he puts his hands in the air or shrugs because he knows the issue will not get resolved if ego is controlling the process.

Likewise, when life-coaching clients present me with a situation like a difficult relationship with a co-worker, the first thing I try to assess is their willingness to really resolve the bigger issue of the relationship. That means, are they willing to take a role in making their work environment more peaceful? If they are bogged down in “he said this” and then “she said this” and then blah, blah, blah, I know I’m dealing with someone for whom resolution means the other person does all the changing. At that point, they’re presented with a choice -- take your power or wallow in your bruised ego.

That applies in our nation now. Perhaps whatever your political affiliation, it’s a good time to jump in and get more involved. Be proactive instead of reactive. Express yourself to your elected officials. Do some volunteering. Write a check to an organization you believe in. Be the change instead of railing against it.

I started this column talking about being in the present. As we move into the transition phase of our electoral process, as the euphoria, disgust, hope, dread, change, and fear level off a bit, it would be so gratifying if we could optimistically approach the gradual unfolding of a new administration taking shape.

Should the political parties create a game plan for moving forward and take a hard look at themselves? Of course.

But please. Let the feeling of glory and pain that come with winning and losing breathe for a little while. Let them wash over us.

After all, an underdog doesn’t beat an established powerhouse to win the Super Bowl in miraculous fashion very often. Methinks they both have a lot to digest, in the moment and otherwise.

Nancy Colasurdo is a practicing life coach and freelance writer. Her Web site is www.nancola.com. Please direct all questions/comments to FOXGamePlan@gmail.com