Tough Times; Give Yourself Extra Points
Challenging times. Livin’ on a prayer? We must endure.
I’m joyfully bingeing hours of competitive skating on TV. The Winter Olympics are less than a year away. Inspires me to think we’ll make it, I swear. Must be halfway there. Let’s say we are.
Here’s my inspiration: In figure skating, you get extra points in the second half. Jumps performed in the second half of the program are worth MORE than the jumps performed in the first half. The judges award a 10 percent bonus, on top of their base value.
To quote the rules, “The idea behind the bonus is simple: The longer a skater’s program goes on — and free skates usually run four to four and a half minutes — the more tired a skater gets. So performing difficult jumps in the second half requires more strength, endurance, and skill, and the 10 percent bonus is meant to acknowledge that.”
We extol the virtues and give many points to STARTING something. Taking that first step. I say it takes more guts to keep going when it gets really hard—like now. We are working on tired legs! The glory is to FINISH!
Are you in the second half of a project, or working on a goal, and you are running out of steam? Wish it were over?
After the “magic” of a “fresh start” wears off, do you have the commitment and discipline over time to maintain your energy through to the end of a project? Think of your effort as counting 10 percent higher. Then apply this to anything and everything in your life.
I work with business owners to craft their marketing speech, and it turns out to be a work of art, often profound and funny. But I say, “I can lead a speaker to a speech but I can’t make them speak.” It’s because the second half is PRACTICING IT – – over and over – – looking off your notes more each time you do it. The reason? A speech is not an article you read aloud. You don’t “deliver” a speech, you “dance” with the information to delight and connect to the audience.
I know. It sounds like a lot of work. Like anything that gets spectacular results. Like a figure skating competition: discipline to execute technical elements, and smooth heartfelt artistry, coming after countless hours of practice. We can be inspired. Speaking to people is a privilege. Respect your listener, and the process.
Please call me to schedule your 30-minute complimentary clarity call to help you create your work of art.
[Featured Image Photo Credit: Fred Kfoury III-Icon Sportswire via AP]