Playing Big in the Game of Life

I had the opportunity to present a four hour leadership training in San Francisco, California this past Sunday to an elite group of student- athletes representing every school in the PAC 10 conference.

It was inspiring to be in a room filled with NCAA champions, Olympians, and future professional athletes. The focus of the training was to teach them the principles and skills that are essential to being an effective leader. During one of the breaks, one of the student -athletes came up to me and asked me the following question.

“Ed, what if you are afraid of sharing your goal/dream with others?” I thought the question was a surprising one considering the level of success she had already achieved in and out of her sport. In talking with her it occurred to me that no matter how much we have accomplished in life, when we dream and set a big goal for ourselves, the thought of sharing it with others can be scary. You start to ask yourself questions like what if they say it’s not possible, what if they laugh at us, what if they hold us accountable?

I don’t think we have to share are goals/dreams with the world or share it on Facebook or Twitter. However, I do think that we should share it with at least a trusted friend, partner, or coach. In doing so that person can support us, encourage us, and in many cases provide resources to help us in achieving our goal. When we don’t, I think it gives us an opportunity to play it safe and we don’t give ourselves an opportunity to go farther than we may think we can. It’s Ok to be nervous even scared when we are setting a big goal for ourselves. It means that you are really up to playing big in the game of life.

What big goal or dream do you have that makes you a little scared/nervous?

What is the last big goal/dream of yours that you have shared with a trusted friend, partner, or coach?