The Game of Life…it is Not a Solo Project

BY: AARON ALEJANDRO TEXAS FFA FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The game of life can be one of become complacent and be playing the game of life, running the most exciting competitions replaced by another player. our chapters, organizations, and we will ever know. We all play a businesses with more intent, role. We have a chance to help Third Quarter (Age 51 strategy, and expectation than a write the history of the game, our – 75) we have a better pick-up game of kickball. teammates, accomplishments, understanding of our set-backs, and moments of physical limitations, we The game of life also includes incredible inspiration. Much know the importance of time individuals who take on like a replay, we can assess outs, and playing smarter important roles that help craft successful plays and duplicate not harder. the game and, possibly, its them for future success. Here is result of win or loss. The roles a glimpse at the game we have Fourth Quarter (Age 76 – of some of these individuals will been given and the chance to 100) we embrace the reality never change. At times, we may play a legendary role. of legacy by reflecting on seek outside expertise to ensure the previous three quarters, we are training and executing The game of life starts with an we look toward the end of best practices, a strategy of inhale and ends with an exhale, this game and begin being effective leaders. If we are not simply a breath. A friend of mine inspired by the players winning or are just running the said life can be broken into four recruited, developed, and clock down, maybe it is time quarters. motivated to play on in a to change coaches, plays, and game which never ends. strategies to bring successful

First Quarter (Age 0 – 25) components to our game. We is figuring it out; position, Our game must have an need cheerleaders, coaches, strengths, passion, and identifiable field where we and trainers as we play the tempo. We are full of energy can see progress made. We game of life to ensure a thriving and all the “want to” in the need markers, sidelines, out of community. world, but we can use some bounds, goal posts, and ways outside help to ensure our to know we have advanced the Cheerleaders – no one may success. ball. Could you imagine playing ever replace our biggest a football game with no yard cheerleaders, moms and

Second Quarter (Age 26 – markers, rules for first down, 50) we are fully engaged and learning the depth, sidelines, boundaries, or goal lines? We need the same in life. “OUR GAME scope, and who is going to What are our targets, goals, MUST HAVE AN be recruited, drafted, or acquired for future team benchmarks, and timelines? Are we running our chapters, IDENTIFIABLE FIELD success. We can become businesses, and organizations WHERE WE CAN SEE more comfortable in a position but must refuse to with a plan to get a first down, score, or win? Surely, we are PROGRESS MADE." 38

dads. We will encounter other cheerleaders in the game of life, individuals who share an encouraging word and inspire our hearts and minds. Sometimes their cheers will come when we are winning and are simply words of validation, or they may come at a time of struggle to encourage us to reach deep and overcome.

Coaches – will assess our talents and make sure we have the right people in the right positions to win. Organizations can encounter disruption, chaos, or lack of progress when we have players in the wrong position or not excelling in their jobs. If the coach is not paying attention or looking for effective plays to run, they too may be stumbling blocks. Effective coaches are always assessing, reviewing, empowering, and ensuring their team has the assets they need to perform and excel at optimum levels and are equipped for the best chance to win. They watch the winning strategies of other teams, organizations, and businesses and move with a sense of urgency to incorporate positive change.

Trainers – the people in our lives who tell us what we need to hear versus what we want to hear. Trainers make us stretch our limitations. These folks will create tension in a chapter or organization because they will typically challenge the status quo. Trainers are typically not interested in checking boxes; to the contrary, they will push to make sure we have done the work to be our best. They may challenge us to read, participate in a webinar, take on extra responsibilities, broaden professional networks, or volunteer for an activity outside of our norm to stretch our possibilities. We will not like it at the time, but a good trainer makes us stronger in the game of life.

The clock is ticking. We are playing a quarter of the game. We never know when the coach of the game may decide it is time to take us out, but while we are here he knows we are serving a purpose. Our games may change, our fields may look different throughout a career, and we may have many cheerleaders, coaches, and trainers. In addition to those who mentor our journey, we too will find ourselves playing the role of cheerleader, coach, and trainer.

I believe it does take a village to raise a child, a community full of people who recognize the significance of the clock running on the game of life. We must have a sense of urgency and passion because you never know when the game may be called, and what we do today will be written in the history books of how we played the game.

We are wrapping up the fourth quarter of 2020- what a game! Are we looking forward to 2021? Do we have a plan? Have we surrounded ourselves with cheerleaders, coaches, and trainers that can help us win? Breathe in, breathe out. What are you doing with your breath today? Lead on!