What does your pull-string say?
If you were designing a toy in your own likeness that had the ability to say three to five phrases about who you are and what you would like to be known for, what would they be?
I’m willing to bet they would include statements that portray you as a good person and/or contribute to high moral character such as: “I am honest,” “I work hard,” “I care for others,” “I am a positive role model for young children,” etc. In real life, however, there is often a disconnect between how others perceive us and the person whom we have set out to be. This is because each time we lose our cool, react negatively to a situation, break our word, or fail to live up to our end of the bargain, we are sending out an entirely different message to the world than we had planned.
How we are regarded by others is similar to achieving your goals. It’s not so much about the goal itself, but rather about completing the process of what is needed to achieve those goals that counts. I grew up dreaming of attending The Ohio State University; however, my ACT score didn’t meet the minimum requirement for admission. Despite not achieving this critical benchmark, I applied anyway and somehow was surprised, disappointed and even angry when I received my letter of rejection. In my mind I had done enough to gain through my GPA, extracurricular activities and other honors/awards, but the admissions department for the Buckeyes had other ideas. They made their judgement on the facts at hand opposed to what I thought was good enough. The people you interact with on a daily basis are the same way. They base their opinion of you by what they actually see and hear, not your good intentions.
In order to consider the catchphrases the toy version of you would actually be programmed to say, you must take a moment to reflect on your daily actions. When a loved one calls you on the phone, do you pick it up or allow it to go to voicemail? When you say you are going to do something or be somewhere at a certain time, do you follow through? And when you come home from work at the end of a hard day, do you give your family the time and attention they deserve?
As Aristotle once said, “we are what we repeatedly do.” Therefore each decision or lack of decision we make broadcasts to the world who we actually are. If you want to be regarded as a good person, it’s simple: do good things. If you want to known as a hard worker, then you can’t afford to take days off. And if you want to build a legacy that lasts (both personally and professionally), then you better start tacking action. I find it hard to believe that anyone wakes up in the morning and sets out to be average. However, often our actions give others no other choice but to think of us in that way. If you want your “pull string” to be filled with positive statements, identify and focus on completing the process of what’s needed to achieve your goals and that will LEAD to the outcome you desire.
Coach Nelson holds a doctorate in sport and performance psychology and currently serves as a high school football coach. He has worked for multiple professional sport franchises, a Fortune 100 Company, a division 1 athletic departments and has won numerous awards for his LEADership abilities.
His mission is to positively influence the world through Love, Effort, Attitude and Discipline (#LEAD). To learn more about the LEAD philosophy follow him on Twitter Levi Nelson or reach out via email at rln10@zips.uakron.edu He’d love to learn about or help you in your journey!
