Practice 156 began this morning with me wondering what the hell is going on. You see, I awoke early and a bit unsettled. As I drove in the dark and driving rain, my mind wandered to all kind of negative places. I began to play a old script from long ago. Doubt crept in. I could feel my energy waning as I allowed some catastrophic thoughts gain momentum. I didn’t feel much like leading as I took my seat in the Queens chair and reviewed practice 155. However, once I reminded myself where we practiced last week with this team, I knew exactly where I wanted to go and why. 8:15 arrived and my example was m.i.a., so plan b was quickly put in play.
Silence.
Yup, plan b was greeted with not so much as a word. Crickets. Nothing. Nada. Nice, I said to myself. Nice. You see, by the time practice began, my mind had already changed. I changed it. I replaced the ancient, negative script with one rooted in practical evidence forged from hours and hours of preparation and practice. My script, you ask?
“You’ve got this, Chet. You’ve got it.” Funny, huh Batman.
So, calmly I sat and waited for someone to step up. Patience, I reminded myself. Patience. A couple minutes in, young kramer opened his mouth with the first of many challenges. The team of eighteen was off and running. Dantheman didn’t disappoint. Liz laid out an opening that Tommywantwingy took to the badass bank. OG asked for more and got it. Frankee got curious and learned how leaders play both “Curious George” and finish thoughts with “My way IS the highway.” Red practically read my mind. Goalie was honest even when it was potentially gonna hurt. I challenged a few quiet ones and encouraged a few who are naturally hard on themselves. Z was FM, baby. Z was humble and not only took the mask off, he threw it out in the rain and washed it down the storm sewer for sure. Z was on his game and even translated my crazy language into proper English for all to hear – at least those still listening. Frankee’s final thoughts on his fear pierced more than a few. As I reflect on Practice 156, it’s fairly evident this one was laced with learning. Lots of learning. Maybe the most ever. Practice 156 was freakin’ magic in spite of my messed up mind and our mess of a start.
However, for practice 156 to improve this teams performance, a few teammates will have to take action. Real learning always involves a change in action. So, kman krazies, apply your learning this week. Be a bit like Z. Let it in. And, I promise to arrive early for practice 157 a bit more positive. I’ll be a bit more like Z and let it in. A bit like Z. Good…
BUILT TO LEAD 