Yelling at the Television
Written by Anthony Demangone
I'm a football fan. I've been a Steelers fan since I slept in a crib. Â 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. Â 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.Â
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.Â
- 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?Â
- 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.
- Things that affect me, that I can control.
- Things that affect my team or organization, that I can control.
- Things that are outside of my control, but that I can influence.
- Things that I cannot influence or control.
- Things that don't matter, related to my personal strategic plan, or my company's strategic plan.  Â
          Where do you spend your time? Your passion? Your energy?Â
Kate and Briggs are finishing up their first full month of kindergarten. I need to compliment their teachers the next time I see them.
Briggs and Kate seem to be off to a good start.Â
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