"I'm living in the moment like my coach taught me" said the smiling, Florida Gator, Joakim Noah. He did not want to talk about repeating another championship or turning pro. He implied that there would be time for those decisions at a later date.
He and his teammates had just reached the pinnacle of college sports, a national championship. He wanted to savor the victory and experience the results in success.
"We have to enjoy this moment, I have to enjoy this moment right now. It doesn't happen that often" said Billy Donovan coach of the national champions.
Today I want to blog about the reporters who continually pressed players like Joakim Noah and coaches like Billy Donovan and the new Michigan coach, John Beilein about 'what is next" before they even can celebrate their championships. Sports Frog had a blog on the Florida Gators and Billy Donovan and "what is next" for Billy.
Why do I want to talk about reporter's relentless pursuit for the next story?
Not because I want to villainize the reporters for their insensitivity toward the players and coaches, who were enjoying the the excitement and joy of their victory.
Let us not criticize the reporters for their relentless pursuit for "what is next".
For if we villainize and criticize reporters, then we must also do likewise to ourselves for making similar mistakes in our own lives. We too often fail to celebrate our championship moments in our lives, because the focus is on "what is next".
If the victorious players and coaches cannot take time to celebrate their championships without focusing on "what is next" in their lives, when will it be okay to take time to enjoy life and accomplishments?
Living in the moment meaning experiencing the agony of defeat, joy of winning and everything in between.
Most of us will never be NCAA champions, but we are champions in our own lives. In order to have the peak experiences of being a champion in our lives, we will need to experience our times of agony that eventually will lead to times of victory. Experience and celebrate your life.
Let me be your coach today. Relax and visualize yourself as the champion in your life. Realize and really experience your life. Commit yourself to living Noah's affirmation "I'm living in the moment". Don't rush into "what is next".
Remember, You Live within the Environment Created by Your Choices!
Dr. Hal
Life and Mental Fitness Coach
I remember a very similar experience I had after graduating with my Ph.D. degree. At first I was numb. Then I began to experience the emotions generated by my accomplishment. At this point, my father congratulated me. He then asked what I was going to write my first book. I realized he had good intentions. At the time, I thought he had lost his mind. I quickly blew off his comment about writing a book and returned to the emotions of the moment. For your information, my first book was written 20 years later after my graduation.
One of the most dramatic differences in sports and business (or working life) is that sports has an off season. There is a point in time where you know you are done with the 'active' part of the year and now you go into the recovery time. Lots of work is done, of course, but it preparation for the next season.
Business and most working life is not like that. It's always on. There is no off season.
My point is that it is much harder to celebrate the wins when one is always on, working not just one thing -- a basketball season -- but many things all with wheels in motion.
I'd love some advice for how to be in the moment in that kind of environment! It's a tough one.
Posted by: Scot Herrick | April 04, 2007 at 06:32 PM
Scot,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I will blog regarding your question on Friday.
Posted by: Dr Hal | April 05, 2007 at 05:39 PM