This blog was initially published in 2021
Don’t cheat yourself of a better future by not committing to being better today – Anonymous.
The Peter Pan Syndrome
Drawn from the fictional character Peter Pan, who never ages, this syndrome exhibits a lack of commitment and an inability to take on responsibilities or keep promises. Commitment is the critical bridge linking lofty dreams with the reality and necessity for meticulous planning, quality work daily, and old-fashioned sweat. Without buy-in, as gifted or talented as we might be, we live as Peter Panners. What does it mean to buy in? Let’s find out from one of the most successful coaches in sports.
Trust
Gregg “Pop” Popovich, head coach for the NBA team the San Antonio Spurs since 1996, has enjoyed one of the longest and most successful tenures as a coach for one team. What makes coach “Pop” stand out from among his peers? He has cultivated an atmosphere where individual glory takes a back seat to team success. Every player on the team knows that he cares for them not because they are gifted but because they are human. This care, coupled with the emphasis on the team rather than individuals, led to the Spurs playing what has been termed “The Beautiful Game” and bringing five NBA championships to the team. Nobody’s success in sports and life comes without buying into a process or system that brings success and adds value to others. How do you determine a system or plan is worth buying into? Trust. Do you believe that investing your time, energy, and finances into a particular path will lead you to a desirable place in the future? If the answer is yes, then immerse yourself fully into the process. How can you do this?
Nobody’s success in sports and life comes without buying into a process or system that brings success and adds value to others.
Start Today
Don’t waste time sitting on the fence. Once your dream and belief merge, take action. Don’t wait for the stars to align or for perfect weather to go all in. Start today. Your future can start once you buy into what you want to see by taking action. Do you need to apply some discipline in an area of your life to see more significant results? Never underestimate the power of discipline to change your life. If discipline is salient to transformation, why is it so hard and even resisted by some? I believe discipline forces us to face the one person we easily lie to: ourselves. This confrontation is one we avoid at all costs. Coming to terms with who we are can be downright discouraging but necessary. With this awareness comes the question, “With what I know now, what effort am I willing to give to grow? This question calls for discipline. Don’t underestimate the power of taking action today. Actor Joanne Rivers says, “Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is God’s gift, that’s why we call it the present.” As you wake up each day, unwrap it like a gift from God. Untie the bow of each day and open it to reveal the contents of the time and opportunities you have specifically been given. Fully immerse yourself into being a better person than you were yesterday. Life doesn’t get easier, but we can always get better. Buy into becoming a more proactive thinker, a better decision-maker, a more compassionate listener, an intentional builder, a giver, not a taker.
Final Thought: How will you use the gift of the present to impact your future? What do you need to buy into to get from where you are to where you desire to be? The secret is in the effort you put in daily. Don’t squander the day by Peter Panning. Respond each day with enthusiasm and a sworn commitment to bring your best, to be your best.
Keep on keeping on!
Notes
Discover Your Treasure 