What the Polar Plunge Taught Me
Diane Darling, CGSP
Providing customized programs about networking and communication skills | Professional Speaker | Published author with McGraw-Hill | Global Traveler | INFP | Connecting people in a disconnected world
Astronaut Michael Collins was instrumental in the success of Apollo 11’s mission to place men on the moon. Collins piloted the spaceship, remaining on the ship and carefully circling the moon as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin riveted the world with the first moon landing.?
While he never set foot on the sandy surface, Collins’ support from aboard the spaceship was the difference between failure and success and, ultimately, brought a victorious end to President Kennedy’s promise to safely land on the moon and return to earth
I recently assumed a supporting role similar to that of Collins. And when I say “similar”, I don’t mean nearly as historic … let’s be clear.
On New Year’s Day, I went to the North Shore of Boston to encourage and document two friends diving into the Atlantic Ocean.?
People asked me if I was going to participate, but the Polar Plunge was on their bucket list; not mine. As I snapped photos on my camera, I noticed the spectators around me praising the divers and their courage.?
领英推荐
At that moment, I knew I had a choice: I could feel left out, or I could focus on my job: as the videographer. It would be easy to give into my feelings of jealousy. It would be easy to envy the attention my friends were receiving. The choice was to do that, or do my job and be their champion. Be their Michael Collins.
I chose to be proud. I am in awe of my friends for their bravery to complete the Polar Plunge on that crisp winter day. The photos I took, captured the happiness and adventure of that moment. Their courage warmed me and reminded me of the importance of being okay with watching from the shore. I did my job and captured their beaming smiles as they emerged from the water.
Take the plunge into your job. Hone in on how you can support, reassure, and encourage. I encourage you to be okay with being behind the scenes and focus on your task at hand. Roles behind the scenes require hard work and dependability- both crucial to success. So whether you’re cheering on your daughter at her first soccer game or videotaping your best friend doing a handstand, give yourself the credit and space for doing YOUR job. Allow yourself to experience from a new perspective and rejoice in others’ accomplishments. Channel Michael Collins and do your job.
What are your thoughts? Do people notice your job? Does it matter to you? Comment below.
Founder, Safety Partners, Inc.
5 个月Thank you for creating an important message. As important, you gave me this message in a way that made an indent in my brain. Result? I may actually be able to retrieve this guidance when I need it! Safety Partners, Inc. Diane Darling, CGSP MassBio Bill Harvey Yasmeen Ahmed Pattie Matthew Malone #WorkGuidance #BestYouCanBe #coaching #gettingResults #MeaningfulWork
Lead Marketing Specialist at Byron Van Pelt Coaching & Consulting | Helping authentic coaches attract clients who resonate deeply | ?? Client Attraction Alchemist ?? | Traveling the country full time
2 年Diane, thanks for sharing this.
? Helping business professionals grow their businesses by Playing to Win
2 年Well said Diane! I love your phrase : "Hone in on how you can support, reassure and support" This really resonated with me!
Thinking partner to pros/solopreneurs solving business puzzles, taking expertise online, and scaling to success ?? Reduce overwhelm, achieve your goals, and do it with joy with my support in strategy, tactics, or tasks.
2 年Well said, Diane! Staying on our own lane and being proud of our own contribution, even in supporting roles, is critical to our sense of well-being. Both as an executive empowering my staff with skills and now in my role as back-office supporter of small business owners, I've been inspired by *their* successes.
Head of Marketing, BankNewport- We're all in. | Strategic Marketer | Digital | Agile
2 年Really loved getting this in my inbox. Starting this year in a new role and truly focusing on the role and value I can bring towards overall goals- knowing everyone plays a part. As my 5 year old would say “when we work as a team, there’s nothing we can’t do”.