The Life and Career That You Truly Want Is Possible If You're Willing to Embrace It

In the busiest seasons of your life, find the time to stop and celebrate your wins, successes and proudest moments. It's a lesson I've shared many times over the years with clients. I'm living it everyday for myself. And I'm here to share it with you today.

This summer, when I signed my son up for Fall baseball, I did not sign-up to coach. It's something I love to do, but with a super busy speaking schedule on tap I thought, How could I? Here in mid-October, I know I've had a super busy September and Fall so far, with more to come. I've been traveling every week to speak across the country. It's what I live for in business.

Little did I know, I'd get to have what I live for with my family, as well. The joy of taking part in their sports with them.

As a coach.

After signing my son up to play, several weeks later, I received an email in mid-August letting me know that my son was placed on a team, but the team did not have a coach. Despite knowing what I had in front of me, something compelled me to still respond and say, "I can do it."

I knew I'd have to miss some things, but after learning more about the schedule, I figured I could probably make it to most of the practices and games. Somehow, some way, things have worked out.

Earlier this week, our team won its final regular season game and clinched first place in the league, winning the regular season championship. Now, it's on to the playoff tournament and more competitive fun to come. More bonding time with my son. If we win, I'll have to miss our semifinal game due to business travel for two speaking engagements.

Ah, the balance of work and life. Never easy, but a true privilege to have these options.

Realization

As many of us know as leaders, parents and former athletes ourselves, the on-field wins are always exhilarating and memorable. They leave a precious imprint in our minds and we take great pride in having been a part of them.

But, absolutely NOTHING compares to the joy I've felt in my heart 'n' soul getting to celebrate these experiences with my oldest son. I've watched him blossom into an outstanding baseball player.

I've watched him mature, grow more confident and love playing this game, being a part of this team and learning, with all of his mind, body and soul.

And I've built a special bond with him that transcends sport, and cuts to the core of what I truly believe is best and right in this world: doing your favorite activities and work with people you love spending time with.

No matter how far my oldest son-- and other sons-- go in sports, I will never forget how special this season has been. There have been many triumphs. My Dad always kept hand-written journals to document the stories, games, milestones and moments over the years. I believe it's my time to do the same. I want to document this and always remember how special I felt, and what for me life is truly all about.

Nothing is better than the thrill and love we've shared as we've both grown and competed together for something much bigger than a game. I'll treasure it forever. I know it's possible in life and business. It's not easy. And, yes, maybe it's rare. But it's worth dreaming about. It's worth working toward. It's worth trying to achieve it because it is possible.

I know.

Please consider sharing this on LinkedIn and with friends and colleagues and visit me on my website to learn more about my speaking and coaching work with leaders and organizations: chrisdconnors.com Welcome to The Champion Leader Movement! Hit the subscribe button to receive this newsletter each week.

Christopher D. Connors is the author of The Champion Leader: https://amzn.to/4aIeJaw. He is also the creator of top LinkedIn Learning course, Leading with Emotional Intelligence. He's a keynote speaker, executive coach, and globally recognized expert on emotional intelligence. Christopher consults with executives and leaders at Fortune 1000 companies.