The Seed Sower Coach

Learning New Tricks

“We’re doing twice the work we used to do and getting paid the same.”

“This new machine’s not as good as what we had before.”

Are these common refrains from your work environment? Although we’re all no doubt busy, I tend to find that the underlying issues have more to do with technological frustration and change more than most other factors.

Consider the first statement, which essentially addresses the “do more with less” argument. It is entirely true that nearly all of us are and are required to be more productive than we were 20 or even 10 years ago. Yet, look at the tools that are now at our disposal. Computer speeds are faster than ever. A single cell phone has more capability than the early computers that helped us land on the moon. Groceries and other goods are delivered to our doorsteps often within a day or even hours of ordering. Scientists developed an immunization for a threatening and sometimes deadly virus in less than a year, far exceeding our expected standards.

So yes, most of us are doing more than we used to do, yet with the aid of technology. If we are still where we were in 2001, we have simply not kept up.

Still, learning how to Zoom, text, or even email can be uncomfortable propositions for many. The reward for first tackling the challenge and then succeeding at it can be immensely rewarding.

In my work in college football, basketball, baseball, and softball for ESPN I provide statistical data and observations to the “on air” broadcasters during the course of a telecast. Basically the job description summary is to share information during an event that will enrich the production and allow the announcers to come across as even more informed and up to date than they already are.

Although sports has slowly made a return during Covid, the broadcasts are different. For one, there may or may not be fans in attendance. Further, the on air talent may not even be present, announcing from a room or basement in their home or some other venue. The same goes for me: out of the events I have been assigned and worked thus far in 2021 all have been from my home office in Florida.

I recall my very first remote production a few months back. Admittedly not as technically proficient as I would like to be, I was overwhelmed at how I was going to adapt, produce quality information, and communicate it effectively. From that experience, I developed a step-by-step formula that not only worked for me, but that I believe can apply to many of the challenges any of us face to make them seem not so intimidating. If I may share:

1. First of all be grateful that the powers that be have demonstrated the confidence in your abilities to entrust you with the responsibility. They may very well see or know some things that are not so readily apparent to you.

2. The long-time question and adage of “how do you eat an elephant?, “one bite at a time,” is very helpful. Break the project down into smaller increments.

3. Seek advice next from those who may have some experience with the same or a similar challenge.

4. Begin tackling the undertaking from the perspective of what you do know. For me that translates to studying game notes and statistics from a variety of websites and transferring that information into the format and tools with which I have most familiarity.

5. Next, tackle the technology options that are most comfortable. For me that is Zoom. In my instance it also meant acquiring two laptops to begin with—one for the live game broadcast and another in which to communicate notes specifically to on air talent.

6. A third laptop was then to be added to the equation in order to receive “live” or current statistical information.

7. Assure that internet connectivity is strong and that there is reliable back up, such as a cell phone “hot spot” in order to remedy a communications void.

8. Speaking of the cell phone, it plays a role in continuing to serve as a communication device, however, through an app that allows the ability to talk to the announcers and production truck, much like a headset at an on site event.

9. Finally take a deep breath, say a prayer, have a good show, and feel gratified that you did it.

Resourcefulness feels good. These sophisticated times of ours also provide a reminder that none of us are ever too old to learn new things. It is good for me to get a taste of obstacles similar to those I task to my coaching clients.

What is the new challenge that you’re going to take on?

The Seed Sower

Regrets of the Dying

May 14, 2024

Bronnie Ware has lived a fascinating life in her 57 years.

An Australian author, songwriter, and motivational speaker, she is best known about the top deathbed regrets she heard during her time as a palliative care provider. They are described in her bestselling book, “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying,” a publication that has now been translated into 29 languages and read by over a million around the world.

Although the book is essentially a compilation of what was communicated to Ms. Ware by those in their last several weeks on this earth, the implications are poignant for anyone, causing each of us to examine our courage, priorities, and zest. For many readers it has brought about profound change, aroused new or dormant passions, and awakened set aside dreams.

The common themes:

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

This regret was the most common. Within each of us, how many dreams have gone unfulfilled? There are obviously some to where talent or now age is going to be a limit such as becoming a professional athlete or actor. Might some of those passions be reinvented? Can you write about sports? Might you become a referee or umpire, even at the youth level? What about coaching? Aspiring thespians are often needed at community playhouses. Too old to perform? Check out these nonagenarians.

2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.

How often have we heard the bloviations of the “I work 70-80 hours a week.” Great! What have been the costs? In marriages and other relationships? For kids? Health?

This statement came from every male patient that Bonnie Ware nursed. Women also spoke of this regret, yet it was the men who were most wistful about so much of life spent on the treadmill of a work existence.

Does that resonate? Is there a vacation that needs to be planned? What about an attraction that’s a day’s trip away from your residence that’s been routinely overlooked? For those presently in a leadership role, what kind of an example might you demonstrate to your work team of how to live life in a healthy balance?

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.

According to Ware many people suppressed their feelings to keep peace with others. I would not dismiss that sometimes “discretion is the better part of valor,” however to what extent has it contributed to a mediocre existence?

People are going to think what they’re going to think and the reaction of others is beyond our control. However, what is the cost of things left unsaid? To you? To the other person? To others who may be close to the situation and thereby impacted? Does something need to be said, an apology given, a forgiveness asked, or a pain or frustration finally shared? When will it happen?

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

In an increasingly mobile and fast-paced world, how would you rate the intimacy of relationships with friends. I’m talking about those persons who you can actually pick up the phone, call, and easily pick up on conversation as if you spoke within the past few days. How long have those relationships now lasted?

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to allow friendships to slip. Yet when faced with approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. Although those dying want to have financial affairs in order, it is not the money or status that holds true importance for them. In the end it all comes down to love and relationships. Who needs to hear from you today?

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

Fundamentally, happiness is a choice. Old patterns and habits are easy to get stuck in. Fear of change helps to complement the comfort of familiarity. It stifles our spontaneity in lieu of pretending to be others and accepting a “false” identity. Deep within, there is a yearning to properly laugh and experience silliness again to release that innermost child.

When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again…now.

My buddy, Toad, used to challenge me to a game when we were young teens. The premise of the contest was to randomly select an entry from the white pages of the Fort Worth Texas phone directory and “dial” the number. When the person responded with “hello,” the objective was to record how many times you could get the receiver to respond back with “hello,” before they hung up. After an exchange of ten connections each, scores were tallied and the most “hellos” were deemed champion.

Toad’s been my friend for now some 55 years. I need to call him up…and say hello.

The Seed Sower

The Trouble With Missing Appointments

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

Regrets of the Dying

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The Trouble With Missing Appointments

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779