The intricacies of unfolding expectations
The intricacies of unfolding expectations
Unusual gameplay by the Springboks mirrors 5th Place's traction hurdles. This compels us on a quest for understanding and acceptance amidst the challenges of achieving goals.
Enabling The How #140. Reading time: 3 minutes 44 seconds
It’s me, Matthew, in the hot seat for this week’s issue of Enabling the How. Chantal is taking a well earned break from slaving away at the keyboard. I hope I can do justice to her eloquent boots and fill them almost as well!
Last week, the anticipation was palpable as we tuned in to watch the Springboks play against Ireland. The pre-game narrative was anchored on a particular style of play, one that had previously smashed the All Blacks and led to their greatest ever defeat. However, this was not the narrative that played out on the field. South Africa seemed to adopt a mixed-masala type of game filled with inconsistent plays and approaches. While Ireland emerged as worthy victors, the game left us, Chantal and Matthew, feeling both frustrated and confused. Upon reflection, we began to wonder if perhaps the coaching staff were following a different agenda.
Connecting personal experiences
The past week at 5th Place has been challenging. Despite finally receiving some validation for our work, gaining consistent traction still remains a hurdle. The mixed gameplay of the Springboks against Ireland mirrored our situation, where despite a well-thought-out approach, the outcome wasn’t as expected. However, it's the lessons learned from these unexpected situations that we are using to enrich our journey. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not easy looking across the years of our work and still wonder where it is all going to end up.
Exploration of acceptance and trust
The power of acceptance has been a salient lesson this week. Embracing the reality of our situation, both the wins and the hurdles, has been an enlightening one, even if it’s been a bit painful too.
Trusting in our process and believing that the path we are on will lead to our desired outcomes has bolstered our resolve. The Springboks’ game served as a reminder that even when things don't go as planned, there's a larger picture that perhaps we can't yet fully see or appreciate.
The power of accumulated effort
The game also underscored the importance of consistency, small steps, and the accumulation of effort. Each play on the rugby field, whether successful or not, is a part of a larger strategy, much like our daily efforts at 5th Place. The cumulative power of habits, consistent efforts, and small steps forward, even in the face of challenges, is what propels us towards our long-term goals.
Reflecting forward
So, were the coaching staff up to something else? Only time will tell—much like the efforts we put in at 5th Place to reach our goals and traverse our challenges. The game has reiterated that the journey, with its ups and downs, is as significant as the destination. Each twist and turn, whether on the rugby field or in our professional journey, presents its own set of learnings. It's a reminder that sometimes the journey itself is as enriching and important as the destination it leads to.
As we reflect on these experiences, we invite you, our dear reader, to also pause and consider your own challenges. Are there instances where stepping back and viewing the bigger picture can provide a fresh perspective?
Even when the path seems tough and the outcome uncertain, keeping the faith and trusting the process can unveil valuable insights and propel us forward. May we all embrace the lessons from our respective fields, trust the process, and hold strong as we navigate towards our envisioned destinations and goals.
Until next time,
Yours in feeling
Matthew & Chantal
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