STOP {playing the game}

Hey Team...

Yesterday I was doing some tractor work between coaching sessions and got thinking about my youthful past...

A time when I was just learning the ropes of life and frankly working for some real assholes...

I was thinking of all the dumb things these people would say and how I was basically their dumping ground for all their "stuff"....

The funny thing is- even in the last few years I have had some people like this show up in my life..

You know, the people who call you to tell you how great their life is and never ask you about yours (because they are so consumed with themselves)..

Many of these people also say they are: very empathetic, great listeners, great leaders... (Bizarre)...

But the truth is this...

Now, I just tell them: "I can't listen to this anymore."

As we mature through the years- but most importantly through the work of development our tolerance for these types and low level thinkers should begin to lower itself...

And, the true sign of development in this area is:

1. Playing like you have nothing to lose
2. Being truthful vs. listening to goobly-ga coming out of their mouth
3. Removing yourself from toxic people like this
4. Setting people straight when you need to
5. No longer playing the game, or games

My dad would always say: Just play the game....

I was never a fan.

The game means bite your tongue and not speak your truth- and I was never a fan of that...

True liberation of man and woman come from being open....

Sometimes a good "Will you just shut the F-up" will lead to amazing growth and relationship with that same person because nobody was honest with them...

This reminds of George Steinbrenner...

He would actually push people to their limits....

The ones he respected pushed back...

The ones he didn't respect he pushed over...

He wanted to see who you really were - and when you pushed back, he loved it.

It showed him your inner strength, confidence, and belief.

That is leadership- bringing out somebodies best...

That was his tactic- what is yours to challenge people and bring out their best?

I tell you what- when you can stop playing the game- even as a leader by trying to make all happy, you will hit your leadership stride.

It is too hard to be a pleaser and fight for all to like you and be a great leader.

So, today, STOP playing the game....

You will see how often you play it just by being aware...

There is an assistant that I know for years...

It is clear as day she hates her boss...

Yet, she keeps doing the job, kissing his ass, doing everything as her life slowly erodes like beach rock....

She is playing the game at the expense of her own life...

Sad to see.

Anyway, 

Go out and win today by STOPPING "the pleaser" behavior...

You will find your best self on the other side.

COACH DANA CAVALEA