Please Help My Right Skate Stay on the Ground!
Remember those old roller skates we used to have? You know – the ones with the steel wheels? Well, once while a friend and I were skating in front of my house, I took one of the greatest falls of all time.
I was doing just fine until my friend called my name sharply from behind. My left skate went straight into the air, up over my head. As a kid I hated Sunday school, but in that moment I prayed with vigor. “God, please help my right skate stay on the ground…Please!” Too late, my right skate said, “I’m going to join the left skate up there in the air, it looks like fun.” I was in the air for what seemed like an hour. In an effort to break my fall I threw my hand back, but unfortunately, landed on my thumb. I really wished I was dead at that point. I can’t begin to describe the pain. I looked around and my so-called friend was rolling on the ground in uncontrollable laughter. My abundant tears only fueled her laughter. It wasn’t funny at all to me.
Here’s the point. We’ve all had times in our lives where we failed miserably and sometimes even painfully. We had to push through those early disappointments if we were ever to achieve any mastery. So it is with our personal and professional growth. Whether it’s the challenges that come with the dynamics of a new relationship or the task of leading your staff to more cohesiveness and effective service, perseverance is the key. If you’re trying something new, don’t give up! In order to get different results in your life you have to do something different, right? Just make sure that your goal is really what you want. Be aware of your blind spots, get the encouragement and support that you need, then go for it!
Delano Garner is a coach, facilitator and writer for Delano Garner Coaching http://www.delanogarner.com