The BIG Takeaway™ newsletter By Rich Trombetta Dec. 5, 2022
Using examples from TV, movies and sports to launch a journey toward peace and happiness at work, at home...in life. Grab the remote and change your life.™ This week: The US tried their best in the World Cup, we lost a hidden gem of a person, Harrison Ford keeps the hits coming at age 80 and, in the final section, why Homer Simpson might hold the secret to happiness.
Section No. 1: This week's BIG Takeaway Throw a celebration for effort, not just results
Image: James Williamson/AMA/Getty Images
"US men's soccer team learns and grows from an amazing effort" I wish that was the headline instead of "The US lost" 📺 The context "The United States crashed out of the World Cup on Saturday after suffering a 3-1 defeat against the Netherlands in the round of 16." -ESPN.com
Hopes were high for the US men's team after impressive games versus Wales, England and Iran in the group stage.
While the loss was disappointing, it is important to note the that US men's team has only advanced past the round of 16 once in the past 90 years (in 2014), did not even qualify for the World Cup in 2018 and missed the tournament for almost four decades between 1950 and 1990.
"We came up short today but not for a lack of trying, not for a lack of effort," said US coach Gregg Berhalter. "I think the guys poured everything they had into this game and unfortunately we lost it."
👉What I learned from this example from pop culture I focus on outcomes versus the process way too often and I am often way too hard on myself. (See...I am even doing it now!)
While sports is inherently a win-or-lose situation, most of life is not. Though leader Simon Sinek discusses the concept in his book "The Infinite Game."
I found this article about goals in Fast Company; it is worth a read (or at least a skim or a glance).
"After all, we’re a destination-focused society. We see countless images of the ideal body type, the perfect “look,” and the possessions that achieving a successful career can bring. We’re taught to have a laser-like focus on the end result and the destination."
Instead of embracing the happiness and joy of each moment, I think I am placing too much emphasis on results.
😀Let's go a little deeper: What if we celebrated effort or, even better, simply having the courage to try, as much as we did the final result?
If the expectation is to always win, be the best, achieve perfection and never make a mistake, how can life be anything but filled with disappointment, fear and apprehension?
Not sure if I see the joy in that approach to living (or why it has taken me so long to realize how much I have bought into this way of thinking for most of my life), but it is an approach that seems to be widely accepted as normal in school, business, and even religion (be perfect...or else!).
The US men's soccer team won't be welcomed home to a parade or a visit to the White House but maybe they should. Those players sure deserve it and what a message it would send.
Bonus reading: Learn about having a growth mindset and the importance of recognizing and celebrating effort.
💪What I am going to challenge myself to do this week (and I hope you'll join me). 1. I am going to try and focus less on goals and outcomes and more on simply doing my best and finding joy in the current the moment. 2. I am going to try and extend this way of thinking to others by celebrating their efforts, not their results.
Winning and losing isn't everything; sometimes, the journey is just as important as the outcome. - Alex Morgan, United States women's national soccer team.
Section No. 2: Other lessons from the week “Cause of Death: Living.”
Image: Associated Press
Dion Rich, a man who snuck into countless major sporting events just for fun, died at 92; that's him in the picture above!
"He’d claim he was an NFL ref. He’d dress as a doctor, complete with black bag and stethoscope. He’d pretend to be with the band, the press, the organist. One time he got in by pushing himself in a wheelchair." The lesson: "He used to say he wanted his tombstone to read: “Cause of Death: Living.”" Nice.
80-year-old Harrison Ford will star in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny this summer
Is 80 the new 50? Here is a list of celebrities who turned 80 this year; it turns out Wayne Newton is still doing shows in Vegas. Impressive. The lesson: I need to get to Vegas to see that show ASAP.
Say "cheese."
"A Florida woman is suing Kraft for $5 million, saying Velveeta microwave mac and cheese takes longer to make than advertised." - CNN.com The lesson: Practicing non-judgement is very, very difficult with stories like this. Wow.
In defense of the plaintiff, I will say the fact that Minute Rice takes five minutes has always bothered me.
This kid's shot will make your day
Amazing full-court heave for the win. Check out this list of average cost for a family of four to see an NBA game by team. The lesson: You don't need to spend big bucks to see some good hoops. Almost $700 for the Knicks? The last time they won the NBA championship apples were 28 cents per pound, TWA was still in business and "Maude" was a top-ten show on CBS. What was "Maude" about? Exactly.
Section No. 3: Homer and happiness
Take a read of my deep dive story on why Homer Simpson may hold the secret to bringing more joy to your life.
Our why: Inspire people to be the pebble that creates a ripple for change, not be the pebble in someone's shoe. (Also, selfishly, we really like writing about sports, TV and movies)
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