PRACTICE: Are you currently considering dropping out of something?
I tried to remember if I have ever met someone famous, someone at the top of their game etc. At first, I couldn’t remember ever doing so. And then I recalled sitting with my husband, son and a dear family friend on the set of the Today show with Al Roker. The photo that captured the moment hung in my office for years. I share this memory because Al Roker has been the current weather anchor for the show since 1996. In 2014, he set a Guinness World record by broadcasting weather for 34 hours and then another record by broadcasting weather from all fifty states and DC in one week.
I have never interviewed him, nor do I think I will ever get to interview him or anyone making ten million dollars per year but if I did, I am fairly sure he would tell me that he didn’t just show up one day at NBC and was hired based upon good looks and a charming personality. He has struggled with his weight, had knee, hip, back surgeries and a bout of prostate cancer – plenty of opportunity to drop out. I think his story resonates with me because we are the same age and I share one of his public struggles. He has been on the top of his game for a quarter of a century. He did not drop out.
At some point all of us of want to drop out of something. Dropping out may be the most attractive but not the best option…a decision must be made – is the obstacle /challenge a punishment – unpleasant and undesirable action meted out to change an undesirable behavior or is it training – being taught skills or knowledge that will improves one’s competencies – a more positive outlook than punishment.
Challenges/obstacles/opportunities make us cranky. They may not be fun. They make us uncomfortable. One way of moving forward is to ask yourself two simple questions – do I HAVE to do this, or do I GET to do this? What might I learn from the experience? Whatever you do – don’t be a dropout when it is difficult. Stay the course. Most likely you are being educated. Reward is coming. Remember Al.
1Peter 5:10
PONDER THIS THOUGHT --- There can only be one winner in a struggle – me or the struggle.
Comments