#WednesdayWisdom #016: What Do Presidential Candidates and NCAA Basketball Have in Common with Successful Relationships

Let’s talk sports and politics.

It looks like the race for the presidency is on its way to a collision-course between Trump vs. Clinton. At the same time, the NCAA basketball race is about to get March-maddening. With all the candidates and teams represented, I’m sure you have your favorite you’re pulling for (shout-out to my Hampton University Pirates for making it to the NCAA tournament).

But just as sure as you are a fan, there are opponents out there whose undeniable mission is to utterly destroy your candidate/team and take them out. If you want to hold the status of President…or the nation’s college basketball champion, you must first fend off any and all haters/adversaries – and all their supporters. And you can’t get mad that they exist. It’s the price you pay to play.

Relationships have a similar entry fee. You have to fight through the impact your upbringing has on your outlook of relationships, your own self-doubt and insecurities, and all the past relationships screw-ups that got you questioning whether you’ll ever find someone worth the investment of time. Not to mention…all the haters that erect barriers to impede your growth and success.

So how do you succeed in a relationship…like a successful presidential candidate or a NCAA basketball champion?

1. Be Prepared. There’s nothing worse than a person that jumps into a relationship but is not ready for what a relationship requires. Not only are you wasting your time, but you’re wasting the time of the other person too. If you don’t know how to manage your emotions, or how to manage all the adversarial things that come along with being in a relationship, then you’re not prepared for a relationship.
2. Know Your Adversary. Adversaries come in all shapes and sizes. They can be people, your past, your pain, or your position (i.e., status). All of these project their own expectations on you for how to interact with your mate in order to protect their self-interest. Learn how these four pushy-P’s try to intrude your life and sabotage your relationships.
3. Know Yourself. Sometimes, your adversary is you. So before you venture into sharing yourself with someone else, take the time to get to know who you are first. That way you can better know who and what you’re actually sharing with someone else…and you won’t feel like you’re losing your identity in the relationship.
4. Work at Your Craft. Politicians practice their speeches. Basketball players practice their shooting. The great one’s practice their craft so much that their execution seems like second nature. Continually practice communicating respectfully, listening attentively, sharing, sacrificing, and showing empathy. These are the hallmarks of successful relationships.

#WednesdayWisdom

Presidential candidates and NCAA basketball players all face adversaries on their path to winning their respective races. The path to succeeding in your relationship is not dissimilar; and must be met with the same tenacity in order to win as a team.

Contact me for speaking engagement @ info@HisLeadershipHerTrust.com.