Navigating Thru The Off Season

In the sports world, there are two well established time frames. There is a Season where we are able to see extraordinary and competitive events. An athlete's skill set, determination, and performance is on full display. In our own lives, there are periods where everything clicks, falls into place, and elevate our profiles and circle of influence. However, there is another season, which in my view is much more important. That is the Off Season. This is where the preparation, planning, practicing, and placement begins. This is where the hard work that does not show up on ESPN takes place. During this time, we, like star performers are stretching, shifting out of our comfort zone, and working to expand our own talents towards becoming a better version of ourselves. The Off Season is where things are not clear and set- backs can rule the day. This is the time where we are learning to develop, define, and dream about the type of life we seek for ourselves. The Off Season is such a critical time if we want to find and establish clarity. It is a time where we have to question our WHY. It provides an opportunity to see what we are made of especially once we have made a decision to better ourselves. The Off Season is most difficult because it require a certain discipline and determination to move beyond where we currently sit. It is not comfortable, yet is the most rewarding as we transition towards our own In Season Experience. Below are 4 things to consider as you transition from one season to another.

1.?It is Temporary: This is true in either season. When you are going thru a tough time, it is important to note that the experience, situation, and circumstance is just temporary. It is going to pass and there will be a more favorable In Season experience. Conversely, we must continue to grow thru each season. Our evolution is based on making deliberate choices to understand and improve our perspective in each season.

2.?Creates Opportunity: During the off season, we are able to clearly determine what is working, what needs to be altered, and what simply needs to go away. As we self- evaluate in a clear and unfiltered moment, certain definitions of destiny will become clear. We have to be willing to seek a strength within to pull out a full display of opportunities and direction. Opportunities come at the most Interesting and Unlikely moments. Be ready to accept, embrace, and seize the moment of truth that comes especially in your Off Season

3.?Difficult: The Off-Season is not easy. Several emotions come into play during this process. We may have feelings of Defeat, Frustration, Confusion, and Failure. Things may not click, may not make sense, and may not be in line with our expectations. It is during this time we have to force ourselves to take the steps necessary to press forward. Seek guidance by talking with people who have achieved levels of success. What did they do during their Off Season to elevate their performance and shift things around in their favor? The Off Season is what creates champions no matter if it is sports, politics, business, entertainment, or even leader of your neighborhood association.

4.?Acceptance: Accept where you are at this moment Define it for what it is. During these difficult moments, ask yourself what you need to learn, what you need to apply, and frankly, what you need to let go. The moment is NOW as you seek to gain traction and prepare yourself to transition back into a new season. Accept your level of responsibility that has placed you in the off season.

Everyone is going thru seasons on a regular basis in different facets of their life. This is the perfect time to take stock of where you want to be, who you want to be, what you have to do so that you can better appreciate your in-season experience. (It is on the way) Things change in an instant and how we prepare determines the level that we are able to position towards. Do not be alarmed when things do not happen as fast as you feel they should.?Perfect timing is not necessarily your timing. The correct door is not always the door you are trying to get into at the moment.?Preparation is the key such that when you do shift into your season, you can walk right in. The key take away is this. Until you face what you need to face, you will not have capacity or awareness to fix what needs to be fixed. Even during these valley moments, things are nowhere near as bad as you think and nowhere near as good as they are about to become. See this season thru. Be encouraged by what you are learning and growing thru. You are not the same person as you were when you began your off season journey. That is called Growth, which leads to Progress, that transforms into Restoration. You are not alone in the season and your experience is going to guide someone who is about to embark in this difficult, yet life changing experience. I am with you on your journey and stand in agreement towards that which you aspire. It takes work and honesty, yet worth every difficult moment.

To You and Your Off-Season Growth.