It flows both ways

On Thursday I’m flying to the Masters age Frisbee World Champs. In 4 weeks I’ll help select 23 players for the Under 24 men’s frisbee team, they’ll go to their World Champs in June next year.


The former is at the end of a campaign, the later is at the beginning. I’ve been thinking a lot about the balance of these 2 positions, the relationship between a goal (playing well at Worlds) and the process required to get there. I’ve also been reading Dr. Adam Fraser’s book Strive. Looking forwards, looking backwards.


There are many ways to view these types of campaigns or projects. A classic one in our community goes something like: “if I do enough hard work in the lead up to Worlds, then I’ll get to play well and win games.” Maybe more bluntly: “I’ve got to train to win a medal.”


While I believe that is true, my recent thinking is around the other processes that exist, and where individuals and teams can assign their attention while preparing for Worlds (or an exam, a job interview, an overseas holiday, a wedding).


I’ve built a visual to help consider this:

Dr. Fraser’s research suggests that it’s not actually happiness at achieving a goal which humans deeply crave. It’s struggle and growth. The process of facing challenging situations and experiences allow people to evolve and provide a fundamental element of life for humans.


The common social story of our times, that happiness and contentment are waiting at the other end of achievement is missing key elements. Fulfilled goals, without growth-creating struggle do not lead to satisfaction. Growth-creating struggle has its own value, perhaps even large chunks of value, regardless of the outcome of a goal based pursuit.


You could read Strive to get a sharper understanding direct from the doctor.


My interest is in the application of these ideas to our national teams. I think that if we tell ourselves and teammates that it’s all about working hard so that Worlds goes the way we want, then we miss part of it. My current thinking is that the value pathway goes the other way too. Because we’ve been selected onto the national team and are going to Worlds, we are given a long series of precious challenges on the way. We are placed into a state of striving.


These challenges are simple and clear in some cases: gym sessions, running blocks, learning tactical systems. Some are social: working together with new people and solving the personality alignment puzzles of a team. Some are personal: confidence, sacrifice, organisation, honesty and determination.


Living on team Australia for a year is really hard. This is why it is a wonderful way to spend your efforts. Living with situations that demand courage, work and growth with a team will build the kind of evolution and pride that make people feel legitimate purpose and satisfaction in their lives.


We work hard for Worlds.
Worlds lets us work hard.


It flows both ways and that is why we’re grateful to do it.