Play the Game in Real Time

Play the Game in Real Time

“Present, noun: That part of eternity dividing the domain of disappointment from the realm of hope.” ~Ambrose Bierce

We’re taught to set goals from an early age—to make the team, score well on a test, save for something we want to purchase.

Often though, we’re not taught how to deal with the disappointment if we don’t reach that goal.

Even coaches need coaches and I have a great one (Dan Haygeman) who shed some light on the subject with an analogy.

He likened setting a goal to playing a football game (or basketball, or hockey or any game with a time clock); if the kicker has his eyes on the clock instead of the goal posts, he’ll miss the field goal. Every. Time.

Now, that doesn’t mean the clock isn’t important—it’s a part of the game—but it’s not the game.

The game demands our full attention. We must be fully present in the moment with this play, or that receiver. If we have our eyes glued to the clock it’s impossible to play well.

Watching the clock is generally only important in the closing minutes of any game. And even then, it’s about being aware of the clock, not focused on it.

The clock, the damn clock. Too many of us (myself included) allow it to determine our strategy: quarterly earnings, publishing deadlines, self-inflicted arbitrary goals.

It’s hard to achieve any goal if your eyes are on the clock—they need to be on the game.

The present is the only place the game exists.

Play there and disappointment disappears.



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About
Cynthia Barlow

Founder Cynthia Barlow

Facilitator, Author, Coach

Helping businesses build their people

When your people have the skills to communicate more effectively, they can connect more easily and collaborate more productively. Not only on the job, but also in life.

Communication, Connection, and Collaboration—the three “C’s”—are the cornerstones of all successful businesses. They are the result of Emotional Intelligence in action.

More details can be found in my recent best seller with co-author Jennifer Eggers:
Resilience: It’s Not About Bouncing Back

The power of resilience within organizations can transform an average company into a powerhouse. Yet, even in times of rapid disruptive change, there is no manual for building resilient organizations. This book is that manual.

“If you  want to build more resilience intentionally—personally and professionally—read this book.
~
Fran Karamousis, Chief  of Research, Gartner

 

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