Two Lessons From My Big Brothers

I grew up with four older brothers. I'm talking, 6-foot tall, macho-men-football-player dudes. (see pic above) But to me? They're all big softies who unintentionally taught me about resilience and confidence. Two things I carry with me every day in life and in the workplace.

Let me explain...

Resilience

Growing up with four older boys meant a lot of sports and long days at the park.

One time during a family soccer match, I was goalie. Not sure why they chose me, the youngest person there, but they did. And I was in no place to complain. I was in the big leagues! So I crouched down between two plastic water bottles and put my game face on. The whistle went off and my 18-year-old brother ran toward me at full speed. My eyes stayed glued to the ball. He got closer, but not any slower.

Before I could move out of the way––

BAM!

Two. Hundred. Pounds. On top of me.

I was 6-years-old.

I don't remember the details of what happened after but I did finish that game. And it's one of my favorite childhood memories.

As you begin or continue to build your career, you’re going to be hit with a lot of curveballs. In life and/or at work. Sometimes it will feel like two-hundred pounds worth. The best thing you can do for your future self is to finish the game. Remember why you're there. Get back up. Dust off your shoulders. And keep your eye on the ball.

Confidence

The only other thing my brothers loved more than sports was their Nintendo 64. They played for hours and hours in their room, and I was never invited. One day, I summoned all the courage I had. Took a deep breath. Threw my favorite doll to the side. Walked into their room and demanded to play.

I vaguely remember a burst of laughter—in an aww-that's-cute type of way. But they handed me a controller anyway. I sat down right next to them and smiled.

I scanned the screen for about a half hour or so before I realized the control wasn't even connected.

Ok, not what I expected. But my plan worked! I was invited to every game after that. Even if my only job was to occasionally blow into the cartridge or smack the side of the TV as hard as I possibly could, I didn’t care. I was right where I wanted to be. With my brothers.

Getting a seat at the table isn’t always easy and it might not always be what you expect. It's going to be hard but try anyway. Step out of your comfort zone and throw your fear to the side. Summon your confidence and take your seat. And if there's no seat or space to squeeze in, it might be time for you to make the table.