Here is a theme that you would have thought about in the past whether you released it or not. We tend to underestimating our friends, workmates, customer and those who we meet everyday. If you are not yet sure what I am talking about this will set you straight. Have you ever thought to yourself ‘Don’t they know who I am?’ That statement is not necessary arrogant or looking down on others, it is a natural thought we have when we are treated like idiots or inappropriately. I would like to word it another way to take away ‘Don’t you know what I am capable of?’
The reason I bring this up is that it is important that you learn to not judge others immediately, but rather assume the person you are dealing with can add great value to your life, as they probably can. Opportunity is in our faces everyday, yet we are often too blind to see this. I want to you learn to recognise these opportunities and assume that every person you meet can add value to your life and vice versa.
A few years ago, I was captain of my basketball team and starting point guard and had a great season. The following season we got a new coach who decided I should not be captain and cut my minutes from 30 to 4 per game. I was never given a chance to prove I was the best leader and a player capable of making a difference to the team.
The reason for the coach not giving me a chance was that he was blinded by another star playing coming through. Often we can be so fixated on one thing that we fail to see the opportunities that lie in other areas. My opportunity came four games in to the season when unfortunately the other point guard got injured early in the game. I sat on the bench knowing I was the best replacement to go on when the coach said ‘We’re stuffed, we don’t have another point gaurd.’ After that vote of confidence he put me on!
The funny thing was that I had planned to show him that day that he didn’t know what I was capable of by running home after the game to prove my superior fitness and work ethic. I was expecting to play 4 minutes that day but ended up playing 35. Never one to back away from what I said I would do I ran home anyway, the whole 26km!
Having been associated with sport at a high level I can say the same thing happens around clubs day in and day out. Teammates and coaches can be too focus on who has all the talent and forgets the guy who brings energy to a session or who is prepared to play their role which is effectively as important to the teams success than whoever scores the goals.
I’ve been ripped off in business, dumped by basketball clubs and not appreciated by friends, but I figure it is their loss. I posed the question at the start of this blog ‘How do you measure a (wo)man?’ Give me integrity, loyalty and the chance to make a difference, don’t judge as you won’t be judged. If you possess those qualities you are a giant in my book! The first lesson is judge others less and let them prove what they are capable of, in fact encourage them to use their talents. The second lesson is give yourself permission to shine and don’t let others limiting thoughts change your path.
Chris Bellesini
Remember, You Too, Can
Choose Your Own Success
