#30

Welcome to Week #30

What whisper did you hear from #29?

Was your week good for your own plot?

Is it possible for you to change your identity?

Did you watch the AGT audition? Did you cry? I did repeatedly.

What’s the adventure you’re choosing?

What’s struck me this week?

 
1. What defines you?

Allyson Felix became the greatest US Track & Field Olympian in winning her 11th medal in Tokyo overtaking Carl Lewis. She won those medals for running less than 400 seconds in total. Of course, she had to run way more than 400 seconds to get into the finals. In fact, she trained for 22 years to make those 400 seconds count. She didn’t just spend her time, she invested it. For the long term.

She is quoted as saying “I have learned that track doesn't define me. My faith defines me. I'm running because I have been blessed with a gift”.

Prior to Tokyo she almost died whilst giving birth. Not only that, she forced Nike to bring in a new maternity policy for all its athletes. She now fronts a public health campaign raising awareness of the racial disparities in maternal health mortality.

Would you work hard for 22 years for the tiniest of opportunities to share your gift? Would you be defined by your accomplishments or your faith? Or a combination of both? Would you extend that faith into other areas that resonated with you? At the risk of distraction and public failure?

2. Forensic Win Learn Change   

Nicola McDermott won silver for Australia in the high jump at the Tokyo Olympics. For me, what’s as impressive is her forensic journaling during the final. Apparently, it takes her mind of the pressure. Whatever reason she does it the detail, the 1%’ers, the marginal gains that she’s focused on…in the heat of competition. I wonder how many of us under our own pressure situations would have disciplined the practice and have the awareness of mind to make notes about our performance along the way? Sign of a world class performer.
 

3. Quote of the week – You miss a lot of learning when you’re always talking - Sonya Teclai.

I’ve been reflecting recently on the amount of talking I do in certain circumstances – sometimes admittedly to ‘prove myself’ to others. I think I can strike a better balance between talking and listening. Then I reflect on the quality of listening and ponder on what I’m listening for – words, space, emotions, unexpressed thoughts and feelings, assumptions and beliefs, personal narratives, identity stories. I think I can strike an even better balance in my listening between words and stories. How about you? How’s your listening and talking balance?

4. Question of the week – What’s made this experience meaningful for you?

As we continue a locked-down environment within Australia I’ve lent on this question to mine meaning from my everyday experiences. It would be easier to focus on what I’m missing out on but the question re-focuses my attention on the meaningful aspects of my life as they are not necessarily how I want them to be. I’ve found it helpful in moments of meh. What gets you through meh?

 
5. Freedom Fridays - Moving from I have to, to I choose to

My intention is to openly share a change I’m making within my life. I’m hoping you can take the lessons learnt and apply them to any change you want to make.

This week Mike Tipper shares with us some key tips on getting things done.

Check out Episode #28 

That’s all for this week and I hope you enjoyed Weekly Whisper #30.

Feedback is my fuel so if you have any comments please send me an email at [email protected] and let me know your thoughts.

Cheers

Pete