016. It's Never as Good, But It's Never as Bad

High school football coaches in Texas are known for their colorful sayings. From the typical "quit playing with your head up your ass," to more creative ones like "you couldn't hit sand if you fell off a camel," or "you couldn't knock foam off of root beer." Those are just the PG versions; they only get more colorful from there.

Amidst the berating and head shaking, football coaches strive  to make better men out of their young players. It’s an old cliche, football teaching you about life, but it’s a cliche only because it’s true. 

One particular lesson from my football days still resonates with me in both my work and personal life. 

As a linebacker, after delivering a big hit on an opposing player, I couldn’t wait to relive it on film the next day. I was already anticipating the decal being handed to me for a “big hit” at the next pep rally. Alternatively, when I blew a coverage or missed a tackle, the thought of watching that play in a room full of my coaches and teammates made me cringe.

Before we sat to watch Friday night’s film, my coach would always say, “remember it’s never as good as you think it’s going to be, but it’s also never as bad.” 

Meaning, that epic hit I felt so proud of often didn't look as impressive on film as I imagined. Similarly, the mistakes I agonized over weren't always as catastrophic as my anxiety led me to believe. While they certainly weren't good, they also weren't as terrible as I expected.

Watching film of your performance provides a valuable perspective shift. In our first-person point of view, the entire world revolves around us, our thoughts, and our actions. However, if we zoom out and see the big picture we find that most moments, whether good or bad, aren't as monumental as they seem.

Most of us don’t have the luxury of watching film of ourselves at work, in our business, or in our relationships. However, we can put ourselves in that point of view with the reminder that it’s never as good as you think it’s going to be, but it’s also never as bad. 

When I’m underwriting land deals, putting together a business plan, or looking at a proforma on a business, I know that it’s likely never going to be as good as my spreadsheets tell me it will be.

Similarly, sometimes anxious thoughts captivate me with “am I ever going to get my money back from this deal, my investors are probably hating me for this, this was a stupid investment that’s going to bankrupt me and I’ll have to get a job, then she’s going to leave me and take the dog.” I remind myself that it’s also never as bad as my anxiety suggests. 

To gain clarity, remember to zoom out to a third person perspective. Imagine yourself as a high school football player walking into the film room and realize that whatever you see, it’s never as good as you think it’s going to be, but it’s also never as bad. Then, keep moving forward.