How Long Does Rewiring Take?
Several weeks ago, a friend asked for my feedback on a sponsorship proposal. It had been years since I had looked closely at such a document — five and half years to be exact dating back to my time working in the Olympic movement.
As I begin to read the document, it feels like I am interpreting a language that I once knew but no longer remember.
By the final few pages, I pick up on some gaps and shortcomings that I never would have noticed when my work included creating and sending such proposals.
I pass along my thoughts to my friend and move on about my day.
Not along after this, I begin a separate conversation with a past counterpart, a CEO who leads an Olympic sport organization. When we worked together, I always enjoyed our discussions about a better path forward in the world of the Olympic and Paralympic Games — the trends, the traps, and dreams for a richer experience for all of the participants.
On this day, we quickly dive into the never-ending friction between grass-roots development of a sport and its high performing athletes. As we begin, I feel disconnected from the cause.
Within a few minutes, I find myself taking positions and offering advice to my past colleague that I wish I would have had the presence to have told myself during this stage of my professional career. Soon, we both have to run.
I thank my friend for the conversation and move on about my day.
Not so many years ago, I felt that my place in the world was to stand out and excel within this world. There were opportunities to serve good people and create impactful experiences.
But, the negativity far outweighed the positive aspects. Day by day, negativity’s impact on me emboldened a critical and unrelenting inner voice that specialized in punching myself in the gut.
Today, my inner voice most frequently arises from a place of gentleness and forgiveness.
What changed?
Assuming I was of any help to my friends, it is not because I am more knowledgeable. Nor do I spend time thinking about how the Olympic movement could be better.
The only difference is that today I simply care about the quality of the person who is trying to solve the problem.
Eliminate negativity and rewiring begins.
With gratitude,
-Joe
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