A different perspective... From a mind of a kid...

It has been awhile since I have wrote an article, but this kid and and his kick has motivated me to write this piece. I was at the neighborhood park last Saturday morning and there was this kid who kicked a rugby ball so high that it got stuck in between the branches of a very tall and large tree. He then stood there and tried to throw twigs and pebbles to nudge the branches. He even tried lugging the tree that was easily 10x his size. It was heartwarming to see his determination.

I then told him that he might hurt someone or himself with the stones and twigs. I said perhaps you can come back tomorrow and see if the ball drops with the winds..

He then gave me the largest smile, and said, oh well... I hope it does not come down at all, did you see me kick the ball that high, I can always get another ball, but I think that was the best kick I ever kicked. Even if it drops, I won't be too sad, as another kid can have a go and take it home.

Instantly, it was no longer about getting the ball down, but his frame of mind was changed towards his accomplishment.

This got me thinking about our experience at work, and given we are in the final quarter of the year, where conversation on performance that is potentially tied to bonus and so on may be on the way.

Sometimes as adults we are so bent in getting back the ball (bonus, rewards, promotion and etc), but we do not sit back and reflect / relish the accomplishments he have had for the year. This kid I met, may most likely be a footy star one day, but one things for certain he indeed has a positive and growth mindset, to have seen things the way he did.

Like the ball, bonuses may still be hanging in the balance or dependent on the winds... but nothing can take away the effort of that kick which got the ball there...?

Here's to you and if you have not kicked your best kick for the year, you still have 3 more months to go ??...