Before It Gets In Your Head

Sunday afternoons include a lot of golf around our house.  While my husband is watching the tournament of the week, I’m usually doing a little work, plugging away at some writing or tidying up the house.  It’s funny how much of the sport I pick up subconsciously.

Mid-way through the last round of the Honda Classic yesterday, I said to my husband “that guy is kind of the new golden child” isn’t he?  I was referring to Rory McIlroy.  What I didn’t even realize was that he was playing for the win and ultimately the rank of #1 golfer in the world.  (Sorry to those of you who are avid fans and are chiding me for pointing out the obvious.)

All of that at the age of 22.

I love it when the young kids win.  I love their energy and youthful, uninhibited excitement for what they’ve accomplished.  It’s all upside at that age.  No one really expects it from you.

But in another 10 years, those wins will be expected.  The fight for the top seed will be a lot tougher.

He’ll be playing to meet people’s expectations rather than playing for the sheer enjoyment of competition.

That pressure gets in your head and it can be one of the toughest demons to fight.

Whether you’re playing golf or leading a dynamic team you constantly have to fight success from getting in your head.  A good day will be followed by a bad day.  A good season will be followed by a drought.  And rather than pressing forward because that’s what you’re called to do you’ll find yourself fighting to stay in the good graces of the voices of those who are judging you.

As leaders, we can’t let success or failure get in our head.  Success one day or failure the next are not what defines us.  It’s the consistent, patient pursuit of your calling.

Has it gotten in your head?  If so, go back and recount the memories of your early successes… those moments when you knew you were doing what you were called to do.  Remember the freedom you felt?  Remember how everything seemed possible?

Go recapture the moment before it all got in your head.  God’s dreams for you are bigger than the pressures you’re facing today!

 

 

 

 

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9 comments

  • Josh Lauritch March 5, 2012  

    GREAT post, Jenni! Thanks for this. really great perspective!

    • Anonymous March 5, 2012  

      Thanks for reading Josh!

  • Andy Depuy March 5, 2012  

    Jenni in some peoples eyes you always have to be on top or you just don’t belong. But in God’s eyes and in my eyes it just doesn’t matter, cause your enjoying yourself and your having fun doing what you are doing. Miss you and Ryan

  • Anonymous March 5, 2012  

    It’s so easy to fall prey to pressure and work out of a need to meet people’s expectations and then we’re missing the point of pursuing our calling… 

    Jenni, thanks for the reminder to enjoy 22 (to write it all down) and thank you for sharing wisdom for the days to come… 

  • tam March 5, 2012  

    “Success one day or failure the next are not what defines us.  It’s the consistent, patient pursuit of your calling.”

    That is such a great word, Jenni. I am soaking this one in today. The timing…impeccable!

    • Anonymous March 5, 2012  

      Thanks friend!

  • Lhartman March 5, 2012  

    What a truth Jenni! Great reminder!

  • Melissa Shields Brown March 5, 2012  

    Good word for today Jenni.  After my day at work, I SO needed to hear this.  🙂

    • Anonymous March 5, 2012  

      Melissa, hope you have a relaxing evening and a new day tomorrow!