Room to Fail
"I have missed more than nine thousand shots in my career. I have lost almost three hundred games. On twenty-six occasions I have been entrusted to take the game-winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." ~ Michael Jordan
I enjoy a good basketball game and rivalry (specifically the Lakers vs. Celtics circa the 1980s) and in particular, love the quote from Michael Jordan referenced above. If you follow basketball or know (and love) someone who does, you probably know of his name. He is one of the dozens of high profile celebrities, athletes and other change makers that when you hear or see them, make everything seem so effortless and easy. As though they were just born with their gifts and talents. Intellectually, you and I know (and they are more than happy to tell you), that to be where they are or were at the height of their career or profession took a lot of perseverance and courage - in what?
FAILING
Michael Jordan chose to keep moving forward by staying in action. No matter how many times he missed his shots. No matter how much the mind threw him all those thoughts to keep him out of trying to stretch himself and move out of his comfort zone.
Fear is the main ingredient that keeps most of us out of trying. ~ Did Michael Jordan have a thought of giving up? I would imagine. ~ Did Michael Jordan feel frustrated, irritated, exasperated, scared, unsure? I would imagine. ~ Did Michael Jordan question whether he should stay the course? Probably. ~ Did Michael Jordan have a thought that it may be easier to change direction and try a career at something less arduous? Maybe. ~ Did Michael Jordan keep the vision of what his heart knew would feed his passion (vs. the messages from the mind)? YES The fundamental difference in creating any new habit, thought habits included, requires two fundamental things: 1. The repetition of the action (i.e., a new or different way of thinking) and 2. Time and patience to make that happen. At the core of it all is learning to create habits that align with the life you want to have, not the life you already have. Remember: This is a one step at a time process, so celebrate yourself for taking this time to grow, learn and practice new habits and ways of being. If you want a head start before the new year is here to create better habits around how you think about yourself and those thoughts that may be getting in your way to create the life you want to have, vs. what you already have, here's 30-minutes with me, my gift to you! No obligation, just bring one of those thoughts to our call and let's do it! On the call let's:
- Help you get started on tackling a challenge you are dealing with;
- You'll walk away with at least 1 coaching tool and strategy that you can immediately put into action and
- Let's talk about the benefits of working together.