Flat Out, All In - A Life Lesson for My Sons

I often hear my father in my head.  Part of his legacy to me will be the quotes that he has repeated to me over the years. "No pain, no gain".  "Work hard, play hard".  "The greatest gift in life is to live it for something that outlasts it".  These are just a few of the things that I think of on a weekly basis as I face different situations.  I hope my boys remember a few things I have tried to teach them.

There is another lesson that I would like to teach them.  But instead of a quote, it is formula for success that takes the things that my father taught me and puts them into steps.  They are as follows:

First, whatever you do, at every level, and every step along the way, do the very, very, very best that you can.  If you are playing the piano, do the best that you can.  Flat out, all in.  No reservations.  If you are running around the track, exhaust yourself and collapse at the finish line, leaving everything you have on the track.  If you are waiting tables, smile and make people feel like they are the most important people in the world.  Enrich their lives while you are serving them.  If you are studying for the ACT test, study like your life depends on it.  In some ways, it does at that moment in time.  In other words, be the best you can be within your power at whatever you are doing.

Second, when it is time to take the next step in your life, have the courage to take that step and don't let fear paralyze you.  I'm not saying to take unnecessary risks and to make stupid moves.  But once you have decided to make the change and take the next step, do it boldly and courageously and with faith. It is hard to do, but if you will make the change and charge headfirst into your next adventure, it will pay off; if not immediately, it will pay off in the future.

Third, go back to the first step.  Passionately pour yourself into whatever it is you are pursuing.  Be all in.  Make that "thing" all that it can be.  Have passion and focus.  And if you have pursued something that in the end doesn't fit your long-term goals, it won't matter because you will have performed well and people will notice.  People will give you a chance at your next step or your next venture.  People will watch you and they will have to have you on their team.  And your experience will prepare you for the next step.

Remember, just because something fails, and it will, doesn't mean that it wasn't worthwhile.  If you pursue your next steps and adventures with a passion and an "all in" attitude, you will have learned something from that experience that will make you better at your next step or adventure.  Ending one thing simply is a way of having another great new beginning.  It is all linked together. 

So boys, ask yourself: How well are you doing right now in the things that you are pursuing and are you doing what is necessary to get you to the next level?  Do you want to run D-1 track?  Do you want to play professionally with a band?  Well, my advice to you would be to be "all in", do your part to the very, very best of your God-given ability, have faith, and tomorrow will take care of itself.

I love you boys!  I can't wait to watch you as you pursue your passions.