TUNNEY-SIDE-OF-THE-STREET

#82 July 24 2006
Welcome to this week's message from the Tunney-Side-Of-The-Street. You are encouraged to share this with fellow workers, family and friends.

Just a follow-up on Phil Mickelson, who had an unfortunate finish at the 2006 US Open at Winged Foot on - of all days - Father's Day. Seeing that Phil was self-destructing as he double bogeyed the 18th, his wife Amy, sent their two daughters, Amanda and Sophia back to their hotel room to avoid that disappointment [Note: they have a son Evan as well].

When Phil and Amy arrived at their room, daughter Amanda (age 7) said, "Hi Daddy, did you win?" Phil said, "No, honey I didn't". Amanda said, "I'm sorry", paused, and then said, "Would you like a hotdog?" Wow! Phil just "blew away" the US Open title (to Geoff Ogilvy) and Amanda wanted him to have a hotdog. The younger daughter Sophia said, "Well Daddy, second isn't so bad".

"From the mouths of children", as the saying goes. Looks like Amanda and Sophia were ready to move on, which is what needs to happen when events (tragedies/difficulties) like this occur. I don't mean to minimize the importance of winning such a prestigious event as the US Open, however, life does - and will - go on.

Often in our lives we continue to replay events which we cannot change. Certainly, losing is difficult and we can, and should, learn from them. The game of golf teaches us that THE ONLY important shot is the next one. I've often used the expression, "You're only as good as your next call", referring to calls a referee must make I remember Super Bowl XI Minnesota Vikings vs. Oakland Raiders. Third quarter, Vikings QB Fran Tarkenton drops back to pass, throws a completed pass to Willie Brown, unfortunately, Willie was a DB for the Raiders and returned that interception 75 yards for a touchdown. Oakland won 32-14. As Fran left the field, after that play, he turned to me and said, "I'll be back". I like that.

Fran just lost a Super Bowl game (which was the Vikings 4th Super Bowl loss - (IV, VII, IX and XI)) and yet, was willing to move on - ready to comeback. Phil's positive attitude is not only similar, but also APPEALING. All too often we try to search for answers as to "why" an event went the way it did. Review, analyze, learn and move on. That hot dog does sound like a good idea.

Will you focus your attention and efforts on your next opportunity?

Look for my book
It's the Will, Not the Skill
Principles and philosophies of success
For more information about Jim Tunney, go to www.jimtunney.com
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http://tunney-side-of-the-street.blogspot.com

ARTICLE TAGLINE FOR JIM TUNNEY, Ed.D., CSP, CPAE

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