Sandy Speaks…

We all make mistakes.  Can you imagine making yours in front of 111 million people?  And in an age where news travels faster than the speed of light?

Before Christina Aguilera could even finish the incorrect sentence of our National Anthem, her blunder was Tweeted and Facebooked out to millions.  Yet, she continued on with grace and skill.

In the following days, the majority of bloggers, reporters, and tweeps focused on the fact that she’d made a mistake instead of giving her credit for having the courage to continue on without breaking down.

I believe there are three valuable lessons to take from Christina’s Superbowl experience.

#1 – Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. You, no doubt, heard this from your parents and Kindergarten Teacher when you were a child.  As adults, we often forget the importance of empathy.  Instead of automatically criticizing or poking fun whenever someone messes up, let’s shower them with kindness.  Say something positive and stay away from feeding the negative.  After all, isn’t that what you would want if it were you?

#2 – Own up to your mistake. Whenever I screw up big time, I often want to hide from the world.  I’m sure a part of Christina wanted to go home and bury herself under the covers.  Instead, she remarked:  “I got so caught up in the moment of the song that I lost my place.  I can only hope that everyone could feel my love for this country and that the true spirit of its anthem still came through.”

#3 – Have the strength to carry on. Watch the video of Christina singing on Superbowl Sunday.  She hardly misses a beat after the mistake.  She keeps on singing with all of her heart and soul.  Someone else may have stomped off or burst out in tears.  The next time you make a mistake, gather your courage and just keep going.

Yes, we all make mistakes.  If your next one takes place in front of millions (or even a handful), give me a call – I’ll jump on Twitter & Facebook and let the world now how wonderfully courageous you are for putting yourself out there!

(Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

As I watched the miraculous rescue of the 33 trapped Chilean miners unfold, I was struck with how calm, positive, and strong they appeared upon surfacing.  Before they were even located, they spent 17 days together in a damp, dusty, and desolate place.  I can only imagine how long those days felt to them.

Among other things (like the power of prayer, the meaning of deep faith, and the blessing of the world united in gratitude), this event taught a big lesson on how important it is to be surrounded by a team of individuals who can carry you through even the darkest nights and uncertain days of life.  These brave men called upon the strength of the human spirit and the invaluable power of camaraderie to survive what could have been a devastating, and even deadly, ordeal.

Your team members must portray the following attributes…

1.  Uplifting ~ Do the people you associate with lift you up?  Do they have the ability to turn your frown into a smile and cause you to feel happiness and joy?

2.  Positive ~ Does your team view the glass as half-empty or half-full?  Do they point out what’s impossible or do they explore what’s possible?  Do they smile a lot and bring laughter & fun into your life?

3.  Encouraging ~ Do you come away, after hanging out with your “peeps”, feeling motivated and inspired?  Do they tell you to go for your dreams and applaud your successes?  Do their words cause your doubts and fears to subside?

4.  Trustworthy ~ Can you trust that your biggest secrets and insecurities are safe in the hands of your comrades?  Do they “have your back?”  Are they there for you when you need them?

5.  Faithful ~ Are you surrounded by people who BELIEVE?  Who believe that dreams come true?  Who believe in the miracles of life?  Who believe in a higher power?  Who believe in creating a life of joy, peace, and abundance?  Who believe in YOU?

6.  Grateful ~ Do the people in your life give thanks for their current blessings?  Do they show their appreciation for others?  Do they have a sense of gratitude for all of life’s wonders?  Are they thankful for the good things that are yet to come?

As you reflect upon who makes up your team in life, you may discover changes that need to be made.  It’s not always easy to stop associating with people who aren’t uplifting, positive, encouraging, trustworthy, faithful, and grateful.  As the dramatic rescue of the miners revealed, it’s imperative to surround yourself with people who possess these characteristics.  Then, you’ll know that you can face even the darkest nights and uncertain days of your life!

Do you ever feel that just as you take one step forward, you’re pushed two steps back?  When that happens, you often want to get out of the game, don’t you?

DON’T!!!

In 1993, the score was 35 -3 at the beginning of the third quarter of the Buffo Bills vs Houston Oilers game.  Instead of giving up, Quarterback Frank Reich rallied his team and beat the Oilers 41-38… one of the biggest comeback victories ever in NFL history!  I’m sure that even the fans sitting in the seats for the opposing team couldn’t help but feel the excitement in such a miraculous recovery.

I have found that when I take a deep breathe and call upon my faith when I’m pushed two steps back, things still work out… often in a way that is miraculous and memorable.

The next time you’re feeling defeated, take a look around.  Who are the fans sitting on your side? Gather them around you and allow their cheers of encouragement to propel you forward.  Rally your team and strategize on how you can gain back those steps and more.  And, dig deep within yourself to muster the strength to keep moving!

Harriet Beecher Stowe said:

“Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”

To this day, there are football fans reminiscing about the great comeback of ’93.  Never give up… you could be the next “Frank Reich Story”, with people talking about your amazing achievement for years to come!
(Photo by Michal Marcol http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=371)