Practical Inspiration from Coach Darcy

Stuck in the Mud

When I was a kid, my friend Eric and I used to run around our babysitter Sue's basement and play a game called "Stuck in the Mud." Basically, we'd hop between the square blocks that were part of Sue's carpet design, and suddenly one of us would call out "stuck in the mud." Then, the other had to stay planted on whatever square you were on until you were freed. (I can't remember if there was any magic to being freed--I'm pretty sure it was just an arbitrary creative decision.)

This week, I've felt like someone called "stuck in the mud" and I've been frozen on one of those carpet squares. Car trouble--you're stuck in the mud of depending on others for transportation (thanks, Charles.) Nose trouble--stuck with a bad cough-and-sneeze routine. People trouble--stuck in the mud of confusing comments and emotions. And of course, self-created trouble--feeling stuck yet overwhelmed with all the ideas and work that have yet to happen.

But today, I decided I could choose to be stuck no more. I made the same arbitrary creative decision Eric and I did when we were six or seven and called freedom. Nothing changed--except my perspective. And changing that perspective, I made a tremendous amount of forward movement today that I feel good about. What a neat game!

On Deck: Your Ideal Team

In my neighborhood, the youth soccer teams are now in full force, catching World Cup fever thousands of miles away from the games. Down the street, there's a family I always spot in their Little League uniforms, usually with post-game ice cream. And at my local YMCA, the swim team screams can be heard from the parking lot!

Welcome to the time of team. We're in full summertime mode here in the US, and that means teams that play--and also that work. In fact, I've noticed a surge of newly formed teams as companies realize they still have big objectives to complete in 2010--and the year's almost half over!

The people and teams I'm coaching keep asking one thing, "Who do we need on our team to make it work?" So, with a little thought (and a little whimsy sparked by a day at the ballpark), I've created a list for you.

Read the full article here.

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