My dad used to tell me – Son, I am sick and tired of having to tell you something over and over again. (I have no idea why he talked to me this way, because I was the model child.) He was never just sick of it or just tired of it. He was always sick AND tired!
Bill Cosby tells a story about the worst beating he ever got in his life – his mother said, “Well I am just sick!” and he immediately added, “and tired.”
My dad also used to tell me and my six siblings that he was “fed up with the nonsense”! We weren’t exactly sure what “fed up” meant, but we knew he wanted us to quit whatever we were doing.
It occurred to me recently that we should get fed up with some things – like…
Playing not to lose.
Start playing to win! Quit worrying about damage control. Or playing it safe. Live a little! Take some risk. Do something bold. Decide right now – you are going to win! You are going to complete that project – on time! You are going to succeed in growing your company. And you are going to reach higher and farther. Playing not to lose is for losers!
Status quo.
I honestly hate that word – or words (whichever it is). I don’t even like writing them. Mediocrity is not just boring – it’s repulsive. Get real – who really thinks that they were born to just fit in? To fly under the radar? To live an insignificant life? Leave ordinary in the dust and start making a difference! You are amazing, and you were made for something great!
Making decisions based on comfort and convenience.
I have spent countless hours in far too many meetings discussing projects and initiatives ad nauseam, only to end the meeting with the group deciding to take the path of least resistance. Some refuse to make bold decisions because they may face criticism. Or they may have to rearrange their schedule. Or the team may have to be reorganized and maybe the initiative may flop. So what!? Everything in life is an experiment – and when we view life from this perspective, we give ourselves permission to mess up. To have a decision not go as planned. And it’s ok! Because it was only an experiment. Now, we’ll try it again – and if we try enough times, eventually we’ll succeed. So that decision you’ve been stalling to make – make it. Go with it! You’ll be glad you did!
It’s ok if you feel like my dad – a little fed up. So, what are YOU fed up with?
Perfect. I am guilty the last couple of years of playing not to lose. I have watched enough football to know that prevent defense only prevents winning. I am reading and praying my way through it. I too have sat in those corporate meetings and have seen the exact same outcome.
Thanks for sharing your experiences here!
Glad this popped up today, Michael. You are dead on with all three point.
I re-read your list in reverse and this was my take-away…
Make a decsion today, not matter how uncomfortable, to defy the status quo and play to win!
This is my purpose statement. Thanks, Michael!
Nice! Like it. Thanks for checking in!