A DEFINING MOMENT

Article 3 of the Tribe Conversation

In 1996 I watched the movie “Tin Cup” with Kevin Costner for what would be the first of many times to follow. There is a well-known scene where Costner does the unthinkable in a round of golf and later recounts the moment with his caddy/best friend.

“I hit the shot because that shot was a defining moment and when a defining moment comes along, you define the moment, or it defines you.”

Costner refused to play it safe even though safe could have given him the win. He was more interested in pushing his apparent limitations and making the shot. The win subsided to an inconsequential or secondary objective, while becoming something totally new became primary.

I have used this idea to draw multiple lines in the sand for myself. On one side of the line, I exist passively in my thrown life and allow or tolerate where the situation or circumstance takes me, the moment defines me. On the other side of the line, I am up for the complete task of the potentiality of my designed life, and I define the moment. I am at cause and conscious to choose that which may be uncomfortable, inconvenient, unconventional, unknown, and even unpopular.

I believe that as we look back at the timeline of our lives, we will see moments that we allowed to define us and send us on one trajectory. We will also find moments that we have defined where we chose our trajectory. Some of these moments come along and some of them we create.

The next time one of these moments comes along or is created, despite the discomfort, resist the common and easy choice and a trajectory far lower than your highest and best. Define the moment with courage, action, and resolute commitment and determination. Be all in and go all out on the complete task of your life.

To continue with the tribe conversation, go to Article 4.

Tribe Well,

Brett Labit