I have to confess that many times in my own life, I have forgotten about the importance of these two aspects of character. There have been many times when I have let the fear of failure or what other people thought keep me from doing what I knew was right. These events have proven to be some of my biggest life regrets.
I was reminded of the importance of courage and perseverance by watching my son play in his first middle school basketball game this year. While many of you may have had the pleasure to enjoy this same experience with your own children, let me tell you why this one was special for me. You see, my son was born with a weakness that affects his motor skills on the left side. Due to this weakness, he was unable to walk until he was almost 3 years old, and that was only after extensive therapy.
Through the years, I have watched as he had difficulty catching a ball, running, and doing the same physical activities as other children. In spite of his limitations he continued to try to keep up with the others. He played football one year, attended a baseball camp, and participated a couple years in karate.
Then, this month my son proudly handed my wife and I a schedule and told us that he was playing basketball for his middle school. Having seen my son struggle all these years, I questioned in my own mind if he could be successful in a game like basketball that is fast paced and involves the use of the same motor skills that he had trouble with. However, I said nothing to discourage him, and told him that I would attend the games.
On the day of his first game, I watched with anticipation as my son strolled out to warm up. I found myself smiling as he worked hard at performing the warm-up drills. Then, I gave him the thumbs up as he walked to the bench and sat down.
As I watched the action, I never dreamed that my son would play. However, with a couple of minutes left in the first half, I looked down and saw him waiting at the scorer’s table to substitute for one of his teammates. Although slower than the other boy’s on the floor, he never gave up. He guarded his man, and even set a couple of picks that led to points for his team. In all, he played almost three minutes on this night.
Looking back on the entire experience, I thought about the strong sense of character that my son exhibited, and has always exhibited in everything he does. Yes, he wasn’t the fastest on the court, nor was his skills as sharp. However, he did not let the fear of failure or looking bad stop him from trying, and being a part of the team.
In both our personal and work lives we all are presented with defining moments. During these moments we will face an incredible amount of fear, apprehension, and resistance. When these obstacles are placed before us we have two choices. We can look deep within ourselves and summon the courage to move forward and persevere, or we can hide and let the moment pass. I hope that when faced with these defining moments that you choose to rise to the occasion as my son did.