Learning

#Cheer May 15

by Coach4aday · May 15, 2020

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Last Friday I got reminded about a powerful life and leadership lesson. I was playing an early round of golf with two friends Tommy Thompson and Knocky Thorndyke.

Walking 18 holes with Tommy Thompson and Knocky Thorndyke

As we approached the 7th tee box I was angry and totally self absorbed with myself. I had hit so many bad shots on the first six holes and found myself eight over par, headed to posting my worst score in a long time.

All I was thinking about was me and my troubles. I was not paying attention to my playing partners but something happened on the 7th hole that caused me to begin to CHEER.

Tommy Thompson stepped up to the 7th hole which is a 158 yard par 3 at Pinecrest Country Club. He pulled out his 6 iron and proceeded to make a hole-in-one. We were far from sure it was an “ace” until we got to the green but once we knew it was in the hole I began to CHEER. I raced to my golf bag to get my phone and take pictures.

Here is Tommy standing on the green getting ready to retrieve his yellow ball out of the hole.

Tommy Thompson scoring a Hole In One on May 8, 2020

I have never made a hole in one and have never played with anyone that has done it either until Friday May 8th. I just could not stop thinking about Tommy and his shot. In between shots the rest of the round I was firing off tweets and text messages bragging on what Tommy had accomplished. I just began to CHEER everything he did the rest of the round.

With his hole in one and many other good shots he was able to tie his best score ever that morning. I CHEERED that.

While I was focused on CHEERING my outlook changed and it impacted my game the rest of the morning. I went from playing the first six holes eight over par to playing the next twelve just five over including a birdie.

We all are dealing with stuff during the pandemic that can cause us to be self absorbed. Last Friday I got reminded about an important life lesson. When we focus and CHEER on others it invariably brings out the best in us. That is not the only reason to be an encourager but it is important to keep in mind.

#Cheer May 15

Tags: Advice Cheer Encourage Golf Hole In One Knocky Thorndyke Life Lessons Pinecrest Country Club Self Absorbed Self Centered Tommy Thompson

Coach4aday

My purpose in life is to coach. I am a former collegiate basketball coach, director of athletics, and chief of staff. I worked at four NCAA Division I & II universities during my career. At each campus I learned timeless lessons on teamwork and leadership. Today my passion is coaching others on what it takes to lead, serve, and succeed.