Track

My kids enjoy sports, but I’ve never heard them jump for joy about running.  They don’t revel in P.E. assessment days where the timed mile is required.  So, it was a big surprise when my daughter announced she had registered for track.  I’m totally supportive of my kids partaking in extracurricular activities, so I didn’t want to dim her enthusiasm for trying this newfound sport.  Instead, I waited for her to report back to me after her first practice.  Upon asking her how it went, she responded, “Track is the worst.  You run sooo much!”  Newsflash, child: Track is ALL about running.

I asked her if she was going to continue with the season, and she promptly let me know that track – despite the miserable running – was entirely worth it, because she it allows her to be with her friends.  She also let me know that she doesn’t quit something she has signed up to do.  (However, she also mentioned that I could refrain from inviting any family members to watch her compete in meets.)

She still doesn’t love the sport of track.  I admire her tenacity though.  I also appreciate that she looks for the positives to offset any negatives.  When she complains of aches and sore muscles, she still says it is worth it to surround herself with best friends.  Way to keep an eye on the prize!

Sometimes we, too, find ourselves in situations where we are tackling something that might not rise to the top of our favorites list.  This is especially challenging when we haven’t chosen the path in front of us.  My daughter voluntarily signed up for track, but often we are faced with situations that are thrown our way.  Yet, the mindset of positivity and grit that my daughter modeled can be one we employ as well.  Rarely is there a case where a rainbow can’t be found.

You’ll still find my child loathing the track field, but at any given meet you’ll also see her laughing, giggling, and having fun with her friends between races.  To me, regardless of her finish time she’s winning at the game of life.

Changepoints:

While my daughter is highly competitive in many realms, in track she has taken this pressure off herself.  In your life, picture a time where there was a silver-lining to a hard experience:

·      What did you gain through the process of allowing yourself to still experience what could have initially been considered negative?

·      How did the tenacity to push through a challenge benefit you personally or professionally?

·      What rewards were manifested by changing your mindset about the situation?  Who or what provided this motivation?

·      Who in your inner circle models the type of perspective that inspires you to pivot when it would be easy to be drawn into negativity?

o   How does this attitude impact the lives of those around them?  Conversely, how does a downtrodden perspective affect group morale?

o   Describe “you are the company you keep” to yourself personally.

 

Thankfully, my kids have wonderful friends who enlighten their worlds.  They surround themselves with people who encourage their commitment, growth, and positivity.  Even if it now means my daughter is participating in a sport she dreads.  She’s still running!

outSIGHTin, LLC: Creating awareness as a changepoint for improved organizational results.