CategoriesActionGratitudeHealth & FitnessThink About It

The Thrill And Pride Of Being English Champion

My son, Ryker, won his England Hockey T2 Cup final on Sunday 3rd April. In a thrilling match in Reading, they played against a challenging side from Alderley Edge, based south of Manchester.

It was exciting to watch. There was constant pressure and some end to end break outs which threatened to adjust the nil nil score line. A fortunate short corner goal later in the first half put our Teddington boys up 1-0 going into half time.

A couple of quicker goals after the half put the score to 3-0 but the lads from Alderley Edge answered with one of their own which really energised them. It was very tense from that moment with many chances at both ends.

The final whistle brought relief as the score remained 3-1 and the thrill of winning the final enveloped the team. That thrill of winning is so palpable. A mix of excitement, relief, pride and exhilaration are a heady brew.

Whether it is for a country level final or a pick up game with friends, winning is a nice feeling. As a parent, I am delighted for him and proud of how hard he has worked to be a worthy member of the team. I was also proud of the whole team, and their coaches, for their teamwork and sportsmanship.

The thrill and pride that come with winning are very personal. How we display these can elicit some strong opinions. Enjoy the moment though for it may be a long time coming again, if ever. Enjoy.

For more on this match and other age group national finals in England, head to https://www.englandhockey.co.uk/24-winners-crowned-in-england-hockey-junior-club-championships-finals

0
CategoriesObserveThink About It

People Need Structure

It helps to have structure in your life. Sometimes it is nice to go with the flow for a short time, like when you are on a relaxed holiday. However, if you are flowing to long, you can easily be swept down river.

Having a bedtime, a get up time, daily rituals and immovable items in your diary are all good to have.

On the farm, there was the milking of the cows at 5am and 5pm. Everything else worked around that. Those were the 2 big rocks in our goal jar.

If you don’t have some clear structure, life can pass you by. You’ll get caught up on distractions. Get some structure in your life, if you are lacking some.

0
CategoriesActionHealth & FitnessThink About ItTime

Make Hay While The Sun Shines

Growing up on a farm, this made a lot of sense. You had to work on sunny days. Now that I am no longer on a farm, this means something a little different to me.

It means work while you can. Work while you have the health and ability. While conditions are good, make the most of them.

Because on actual sunny days, I like to watch my kids play, stroll with my wife, go for a run, or have a siesta under a shady tree. Sometimes even drink a cold beverage.

Words and phrases can mean different things to different people or even the same people but in different circumstances.

Do the work, or go and play, while you can.

0
CategoriesGratitudeObserveThink About ItTime

There Is Never Enough Time

Or, there is always enough time, just too many things on your list. Be selective. At one point, your maker will say, ‘time’s up.’ Make sure you have completed the important stuff by that moment.

Having more time seems like a luxury.

Getting more time at the end of a match or exam can be helpful. More time after a difficult diagnosis. The extra hour when clocks fall back in the autumn.

But when it’s time, it’s time.

0
CategoriesActionProgressThink About It

Easy To Do And Easy Not To

Which easy will you choose? With easy also comes hard. If you always take the easy route, things are likely to get hard later on in life. If you do some of those harder things now, you can have things a little easier later in life.

So if its easy enough to do now, do it. Put in a little extra work and time. It will pay off over time. And that future you will appreciate it.

0
CategoriesActionGoals, Results & New ThinkingObserveReframe your thoughtsThink About It

Who Decided To Call Green Green?

Who created the word? Does someone get credit for it? Why did they call it ‘green’ and not ‘purple’, ‘cinade’ or ‘basketball?’

Why did someone choose these 26 letters? Or earlier letters than these? The creation and selection of these letters, words, sounds and phrases seems so strange.

They seem rather random. But also completely normal now that I am so used to them. They are the code and key to everything.

Pay attention to the words you use. They mean far more than you think.

0
CategoriesActionObserveThink About It

Why Versus Impact

Have you ever done something for one reason and then found that the impact was not what you wanted?

An example could be telling someone that you aren’t fond of their outfit, and they should change it, and they get angry at you.

You may have said that to protect them from going out in what you thought wasn’t very flattering for them. However, they may not have appreciated it because it’s their favourite, they like the style, it was a gift or some other reason.

Another example is if you drive a little faster in your car and then get flagged for speeding. You may have a good reason why you were speeding, but it rarely warrants being stopped to be ticketed or the cost of the ticket.

When taking action, having a good why is a great start. However, become aware of the intended and the unintended consequences before you go ahead.

Often the idea of the unintended consequences will shift your thinking. That may be better for everyone.

0
CategoriesGratitudeObserveThink About ItTime

Consider The Decades

1-10 Born, rapid growth both mental and physical.
11-20 Education. Physical transformation.
21-30 Explore. Income. Partner? Children?

31-40 Accelerate career. Promotions. Family?

41-50 Career growth. Relationship. Parents challenges. Kids big moves. Empty nest. Friends. Travel

51-60 Top of your game. High earnings. Big titles. Considering retirement. Grandchildren. Parents passing. Inheritance. Kids on property ladder.

61-70 Golden years. Travel. Activities. Fun. Financial understanding.

71-80 Health Focus. Legacy. Finances. Children. Grandchildren. Great grand children. Financial help. Guidance.

81-90 Independence. Reflection. Activities. Enjoyment. Health challenges.

91-100 Less independence. More consideration of what’s been and what’s next

101-onwards. Well done ???

What do you think? Let me know in the comments.

0
CategoriesProgressThink About It

Consistency Or Keep People Guessing?

There are many benefits to being consistent, measured and almost predictable. Likewise, there are many benefits to consistently playing your own game which might keep people guessing.

We are watching this play out in real time on the world stage right now. The uncertainty levels are high.

Consider how you feel around people with different personality traits. Are you confident? Do you feel safe or secure? Is it exciting?

What are you like? Which do you prefer?

0