Respond

While implementing the Everyday is an Interview philosophy, no matter how hard we try, we are going to have days when we do not live up to our purpose, our thoughts, and our potential. Our actions will not be in alignment with our purpose and we will not perform at our optimal level. When these days happen, what do you do?

I talked previously about coaching advice that I had received from those who have mentored and guided me. Looking back, I wish I started my coaching career in my late 40s when I had a better understanding of my purpose and my philosophy and also had the resolve to stand up for both.

One of the impactful bits of advice that I received was when I was on the bench as an assistant coach for a Varsity Soccer game. We were playing well, yet we were tied with a team that we were much better then. For some reason, we were just not able to put the ball in the back of the net. One could feel the tension building as the game went on. Then, with time winding down, we let up a goal. It was a mixture of great play by the other team and a slight lack of focus by us. The game was not over but everyone on our team had their heads down. The next words out of the head coach’s mouth were brilliant. Calmly and coolly he said, “Just respond. Think about what you are going to do next… and do it.” He did not forget his purpose and he did not panic. Despite losing late in the game, his actions were aligned with his purpose – to help his team get better every day.

These words were more important to me and my career than the results of the game. It had a far more lasting result on my life who I have become. I used these same words with many of my teams and colleagues.

You are going to have moments when your purpose, actions, and thoughts are not aligned with each other. What do you do? You just respond by thinking about what you are going to do next. Dwelling on the past will lead you to feel sorry for yourself and that is not aligned to the Every Day is an Interview Philosophy.

The next time that you have a setback, tell yourself to respond and focus on what you are going to do next. Let me know how it goes.