Aiming for Eagle
Does it seem as though many of the people around you are succeeding wildly, while you stand still or take a cautious step back? They're landing the jobs, closing the deals, taking the trophy and winning big at life. Yay for them?
It's hard to be happy for others when it feels as though you're watching their show from the cheap seats. And of course social media doesn't help much here. It's got all the best news; not many C- report cards or personal bankruptcy notices on Facebook.
So many people (even seemingly successful ones) tell me they feel this way, as though they're missing out on the juicy parts of life. Don't all of us want to feel as though we're working toward - and might eventually accomplish - something that really matters?
I was reminded of this recently when my youngest and I attended an Eagle Scout ceremony. Garret is a scout, and aspires to earn his Eagle badge in the next few years, especially after watching some of his friends ascend in rank.
But here's the deal: Scouts have a lot of fun, but no one achieves Eagle without a lot of hard, sweaty, itchy, dirty, sometimes boring work. No one. There is no easy inheritance, no last minute cramming, no fast pass. It's got to be earned.
When I think about the people whose accomplishments I admire, they all have this in common: They've worked a long and often gritty road to get to the winner's circle.
- Debra, the humble and fun Crossfit champion
- Jayne, the encouraging and inspiring author and coach
- Bethaney, the successful small business owner/Supermom
- Julie, the fearless and flawless jazz musician
Although I'd love to blame their successes on talent or luck, each of these people gutted it out through years of setbacks, sacrifices and discomforts, plus some brutally early mornings and way-too-late nights, to earn what they have. And sure, they didn't relish the knee injuries/multiple rounds of edits/red tape of city politics/practicing all those scales, but overall they enjoyed the journey enough to commit to it wholeheartedly, and then persist.
That's what you and I need to decide, right there.
What outcome is worth significant time/effort/commitment/
headache to you? Our world crackles with a thousand glittering distractions and excuses NOT to bear down and do the work. What do you care about so passionately that you're willing to turn away from other interests and opportunities to have it/do it/be it/live it?
If you need some help figuring that out - well that's my passion. Give me a call.
