MONTCLAIR, N.J. — I don’t make specific New Year’s resolutions because I always have goals. Something that I began to think about as 2012 approached, though, is what my expectation is for the coming year. Then I read this quotation: “Expectation indicates the juncture between where you are and where you want to be.” — Abraham-Hicks Publications
My goal is to begin to eradicate that juncture — to have no expectations in the way that I have had them in the past. I am in the midst of an interesting personal paradox. When I look at my long-term goals and where I would like my soccer career to be as a 25-year-old, I realize that I have repeatedly not met my personal expectations. However, the more I play train, and strive for these goals, the more I have developed faith in the person and player I am, as opposed to the person and player I strive to be.
I’ve come to accept that I do not control certain aspects of my journey. I am a “planner,” in every sense of the word, but I cannot plan my career much beyond each day of training. At times, my expectation — that juncture between where I am and where I want to be — has caused me stress and frustration. I hope to eliminate that expectation and only expect of myself what I know I can, and will, do. I will do my best every single day. I will push myself to be better than I am at this very moment. I will plan for success, but experience whatever may come my way with grace and gratitude. This part of my career I can plan, and can feel good about no matter what.
So for 2012, I have no expectations; only inspiration to continue on my journey to play and share the game I love in the best way I know how. And I’m excited that I have a W.P.S. season to look forward to!
On that note, I can’t tell you how much I appreciated the comments on my last blog (and the feedback via Twitter) about W.P.S. It produced a great discussion on how best to keep the league alive and viable. For those of you who have said, “How can I help?” or “Where can I send money?” there’s a simple answer: buy season tickets. Pick a team, even if you don’t live in the area, and support that team by buying tickets. If there is no W.P.S. franchise in your area (yet), give the tickets away as a gift, donate them to a charity in the area, or even donate them back to the team to auction off. This is something tangible that every supporter of W.P.S. can do. I am personally committed to doing everything in my power to insure that this league will be around for years to come.
I wish my readers a very Happy New Year. May each and every one of you be inspired and motivated to attain your dreams, yet at the same time find peace and happiness in who you are at this moment!