Wow! Surprised and very humbled when this came to our attention. Thought some of you might like to see it. And thanks to all you readers who have sent such kind words.
Feathered Quill Reviews for author Michael Bronco
We’re very excited that the book, ‘Man School’ is now available on i-tunes in the i-bookstore!
Following an awesome workout with a group of young lacrosse players, I asked a very simple question: What is the key to success?
They were tired and hot from the above 100 degree heat but I wanted to send them home for the weekend with some food for thought, so again, I asked them: What’s the key to success?
Obviously, my question was in the context of success in athletics (specifically lacrosse), but it’s safe to say that the answer can be applied to just about everything in life. For me, it’s been the key to success in fitness, business, marriage, fatherhood, friendship, writing, building and taking care of my health as I get older – even on those days when getting older seems to be winning!
So, what is it?
Well, the boys unanimously decided that is was, “hard work,” and who can argue with the virtue of hard work? I certainly can’t. But it wasn’t the answer I was looking for. Obviously, these boys all have great parents who have instilled in them the tremendous value of hard work, but as I explained to the boys,
“There are lots of folks who work hard, but who don’t seem to get anywhere for the effort.”
Isn’t that true? Isn’t it often the case that those who work the hardest seem to struggle the most? While those who seem to be enjoying themselves appear to cruise through life?
Aha! A clue!
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not about to tell a group of young boys not to work hard. I assured them that without hard work, it’s impossible to be successful. But I also let them know that when it comes to success in athletics (or anything else), there is one ingredient that is critical to the mix if hard work is going to pay any dividends.
The answer I explained to them, is, FUN!
Today’s world has folks spinning their heads so crazily that they spend most of their time just trying to catch up, so they miss out on the journey – and the fun. I wanted these boys to be aware of the grass on the field as they went through their drills, not just the last cone. The pushup is the end, the drill is the end, the sprint is the end, the pushup is the end – these things don’t lead to anything. They are the thing.
In simple terms, the practice is the goal.
Slow down, enjoy the process, focus on being present, and don’t forget why you’re doing what you’re doing in the first place. I didn’t get married and have children to try and get away from it, and I certainly don’t workout to finally escape the gym. I love the gym – and I love being married and being a father – even when it’s really difficult. That’s where the hard work comes in.
But as I explained to the boys, “You won’t be as inclined to work hard if you don’t love it in the first place, so slow down and enjoy the ride. It doesn’t last forever.”
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Now, here’s what I need from you, the reader. Write in and let us know about a time when your love of something led to success.
Give me the gal who loves to paint and as a result, opened a very successful art gallery and now sells art all over the world. I’m not interested in the guy who studied art because he heard that artists make lots of dough and get to travel to exotic cities and drink wine with famous people.
That never works – and it’s boring.
Send us some joy!
