I’m a football fan. I’ve been a Steelers fan since I slept in a crib. I went to Penn State, as did both of my brothers. And my wife.
So, I believe it is my paternal duty to pass along my irrational love of football to my children.
This past weekend was not a good one. Northwestern pummelled Penn State. And Tampa Bay shocked the Steelers with a last-second touchdown.
During the Steeler’s game (long before full-misery set in), Tampa Bay was threatening to score. I asked Kate and Briggs to join me in making some noise in our basement.
Briggs asked me why I was yelling.
“Because Pittsburgh needs to make a stop!” I yelled, standing up from the couch.
“Dad, actually, you don’t control the Steelers, you know,” he said, nonchalantly. Kate agreed.
Wow.
That was wisdom beyond his years.
I don’t control the Steelers. Or Penn State. Or many other things in this world.
Briggs’ question was a simple one – why hoot and holler as if it accomplished something?Especially when it doesn’t.
That got me thinking.
- How often do we let emotion get involved in our work. Don’t get me wrong, enthusiasm can work wonders. But emotions such as anger, jealously, fear…what do they accomplish?
- How much time do we focus on things outside of our control? A Venn diagram would show that our world is likely divided into a number of categories.
