After Jess Ennis won Gold at the 2012 Olympics, her post-race interview was a mixture of joy, tears and thank you’s. Thank you to her technical coach, nutritionist, strength coach; her spouse, her mum and dad; and her fans. The list went on. At this moment I realised something: although she had been the one competing with all her heart, she wouldn’t have enjoyed such success if it wasn’t for her ‘team’.
The same thing applies in almost every situation. Movie directors need writers, producers, sound techs, hair and make-up and most importantly, actors for a film to be successful. Writers have editors, publicists, publishers and critics. Even high powered New York lawyers are part of a team formed of paralegals, associates and junior partners.
My point? No-one, and I mean, no-one reaches their goals alone. From the smallest of tasks such as a homework assignment, to our most lofty aspirations, for example running a company – this is always the case. Trying to attack your dream by yourself is not impossible, but the degree of difficulty increases tenfold. You are equipped with all the tools which you need to be successful. There is nothing you need which you do not possess. However, you may not know how to use these tools, nor may you even be aware you have them! But this is where your team comes in.
I use the word team loosely here, as in this situation there is no specific definition. Your ‘team’ could be formed of a group of experts in the field, ready to share their knowledge with you. Or it may just be several of your closest friends, who are always ready to listen and encourage.
You do not need people who will wait on your hand and foot, but what do need are those you can rely on. Individuals you can trust. People who will be honest with you and tell you when you’re heading in the right direction. But who are also ready to steer you away when you go down the wrong road. In certain situations, every member of team acts like a puzzle piece. More often than not, every individual will bring something different to the table. So when they are brought together, you get the full picture – forming a formidable group, capable of almost anything the set their minds to.
You also need those who believe in both your goal and you, and want to see you succeed. Self-belief is a powerful tool. But there is no better feeling than knowing there’s someone out there on the side-lines, rooting for you to triumph.
This, in particular, has to be a mutual action, a two way street. You cannot expect to be given nor should you feel obligated. You should WANT to. Your ‘team’ should mean that much to you. When they lend a hand to you, be ready to do the same because you want to see them succeed as well. Everyone has their dreams. Let’s give each other a hand to achieve them.
Where your targets are concerned, Isolating and working yourself into the ground isn’t the right idea. Neither is expecting every Tom, Dick and Harry to be pushing you along. You need a trustworthy, hard-working bunch who want to you reach your goal, and who you feel you can reciprocate this action for.
So ask yourself now: Who’s on your team?
