"I cant get in."
I was not going to play the game.
When it came to clubs in NYC, it was not my scene. I hated it.
But, when it came to Concerts, Irish Pubs, or Sports Bars -- I felt more at home.
And, today it seems as though more and more people, are saying....
"I cant get in." "I cant get INTO...."
"I cant get into the new job"
'I cant get into the new role"
"I cant get into this new technology being thrust upon me."
"I cant get into the new world and how fast it is moving"
"I cant get into this new relationship"
"I cant get into whats expected of me"
"I cant get into it" (whatever IT is)
We all have excuses. Lord knows, I have plenty.
But, I've tried to come up with the biggest ones (excuses) that I have given for something -- and come up with a clear reason, on why it should not be an excuse.
"I dont have enough time"
"I hate traveling too much"
"I dont like that part of my role"
Recently, I've realized I need to change my behavior. I need to change my actions, and I need to evolve my strategy.
My realization stems from a few key learnings.
First, I am working in an environment that is fast paced, and changing on a weekly basis. (like many of you)
Second, I've got expectations of myself (goals) that are extremely aggressive. I consistently push my goals upon others around me -- and that might not be fair, but it is the way it is.
Third, I've been lousy at prioritizing some really important features in my life.
All of this, ALL OF IT -- relates back to:
"I cant get in"
"Coach, please put me in -- I know I can do it."
My right shoulder was seperated, it was hanging out of the socket, but it was a huge football game --- and I was playing safety for my team. I knew my replacement could not cover the ground I could.
I wanted to get back in the game at all costs.
I realized at that moment, just how much it meant to me -- to be back in the game, on the field, in the huddle -- helping my team. I took it for granted that I was healthy and playing -- until I was hurt, and doubled over in agony, with the trainer removing my shoulder pads, so he could see my injured arm.
You can never underestimate the hurt or anguish you feel when you are on the sidelines, watching the action -- while your team is on the field -- and needs you.
My shoulder was killing me. It was throbbing. I somehow got my pads back on, and walked to stand next to the Coach, one foot away.
My persistence paid off -- and the Coach put me back in.
I ran into the huddle with my arm held tight to my stomach, I was back in. My pain was enormous, but I needed the adrenaline of the huddle, and the action.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my 75 year old Grandfather make a mad dash from the bleachers --- right to the fence, on the sidelines of my team.
"Coach, are you nuts? Get Andy out of the game." He was yelling, pacing -- and mad.
My grandfather NEVER got mad, and he was steaming.
I came out of the game. My season ended with a dislocated shoulder, that to this day, hurts me from time to time.
We are all in the game. From time to time we are on the sideline watching the action -- but, for each of us -- we are all "in the action" in some very important aspects of our lives.
Working.
Raising kids.
Mentoring.
Leading by example.
The question is, are you playing the right game? Are your priorities where they should be, and is your time and focus, on the correct key areas?
Mine have not been, I admit it. It's tough to say, but I haven't been aware enough, nimble enough -- or mostly, smart enough, to change course on key performance drivers in my life.
Our business is growing leaps and bounds, and yet I drive myself and our team harder than ever. Explosive growth, is only compunded by, lofty expectations.
A smart man once said to me, "Pioneers get slaughtered, while settlers flourish."
I've spent most of my career in between the two. (Pioneer and Settler) -- and a key priority for me is to move quickly towards being a settler, with my business - and my focus -- while building the tools for a pioneer.
"I cant get in."
I realized I could not get in, get into anything -- until I knew what I wanted to get into, and more importantly -- what I really wanted to get out of.
I wanted to get into the game.
The real question I've come to ask is not what I should be getting "into" -- but, rather.....
"What should I be GETTING OUT OF?"
One by one piece by piece, I'm shedding the aspects of my life that I need to get out of. It started today, and it will continue.
Restructuring relationships.
Contracts.
Deals.
Expectations
The excercise of "cant get IN" -- evolved into, "getting out."
Analyzing and acting up what we should shed, alter, or change for our benefit -- is truly the ultimate act of, getting in.
Taking action. Literally.
Will get you in. It did for me.
I had to come out of the football game to heal, and appreciate being healthy. It took coming OUT, to appreciate --- BEING IN.
"I CANT GET IN."
Yes, I can.

Recent Comments