I was having a ‘flashback’ moment recently to the time when I was a fit young cricketer trying to break into the Western Warriors team and I was regularly in contact with some of my sporting idols such as Dennis Lillee, Terry Alderman and Geoff Marsh. Further to this, I was also mixing with the likes of Justin Langer, Damien Martyn, Mike Hussey and briefly Adam Gilchrist.
Anyway enough of the name dropping! I must admit at the time I was probably guilty of ‘star gazing’ and didn’t make the most of my opportunities of learning from these elite level cricketers and the other coaches etc that surrounded me.
Anyway enough of the name dropping! I must admit at the time I was probably guilty of ‘star gazing’ and didn’t make the most of my opportunities of learning from these elite level cricketers and the other coaches etc that surrounded me.
I thought just being in their presence would automatically elevate me to their level of achievement. This brings me to the point of today’s article which can be translated into any part of our lives including sport, fitness, family, academic pursuits, work, love and relationships.
I think we all have a tendency to romanticize or idealize certain people or achievements. We don’t realise that those individuals that we put on pedestals aren’t any different than we are. What we need to realise is that these people generally possess a wealth of experience, knowledge and habits, in their chosen field, and that if we aspire to reach their level then we need to learn from them.
Now don’t get me wrong, these people are not perfect! Nobody is – we all have our flaws – for example you may seek out Tiger Woods for some golf advice, but you probably would want to discuss your relationship issues with somebody more appropriate!
So have a good look at the areas of your life that you want to improve, and seek out a role model or mentor who is successful in that area and soak up their habits and methods instead of placing them on a pedestal. You may only get one small piece of advice that assists you, but that one piece of advice may be the piece that completes your puzzle.
I think we all have a tendency to romanticize or idealize certain people or achievements. We don’t realise that those individuals that we put on pedestals aren’t any different than we are. What we need to realise is that these people generally possess a wealth of experience, knowledge and habits, in their chosen field, and that if we aspire to reach their level then we need to learn from them.
Now don’t get me wrong, these people are not perfect! Nobody is – we all have our flaws – for example you may seek out Tiger Woods for some golf advice, but you probably would want to discuss your relationship issues with somebody more appropriate!
So have a good look at the areas of your life that you want to improve, and seek out a role model or mentor who is successful in that area and soak up their habits and methods instead of placing them on a pedestal. You may only get one small piece of advice that assists you, but that one piece of advice may be the piece that completes your puzzle.
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