Get in the arena
Life lessons through sports.
3.20.23 | by Coach Mike Deegan
“We have two options: We can be critics or we can be performers. But, we can’t be both.”
– Author and Public Speaker, Michael Port
No one wants to labeled as a critic or judgmental.
But that used to be me. I was a critic.
Of course, I wouldn’t have labeled myself judgmental. I would have said I was being observant or learning from the mistakes of others. Really, I was a critic and not a performer.
Performers focus on the controllable
“Controlling the controllable” is a common expression in the sports world.
When do athletes get themselves into trouble? When they focus on things outside of their control. The weather, the coach’s opinions, the umpire, the reporters, etc. They neglect the variables that are within their control. Their inner space.
As a performer, focusing on the variables we control isn’t just optional, it’s mandatory. For example, when it comes to writing, I must trust in my process, otherwise what I’m conveying will appear fabricated & inauthentic.
I’m at my best when I write from the heart. If I focus on what others may like, or not like (outer space), the writing is not nearly as powerful.
Once the words are on paper, I have to possess the courage to hit send. That’s it. I can’t control anything else.
Where to start
Start doing. Start making mistakes. Learn. Fail. Succeed. Share your thoughts publicly with the world. Stop critiquing others. Observe other performers.
Ask yourself:
What are inner-space behaviors in your profession? What are the outer-space behaviors?
Do you find yourself frequently critiquing others?
What is one action you can take right now to become a performer?
While it’s not easy, many of life’s rewards are found on the other side of fear.
Pair this article with:
> Are You a Critic or a Performer?
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