Joe Burrow, a college football quarterback for LSU in the 2019/2020 season led his team to win the National Championship. Along the way; he won the Heiman Trophy, and set numerous records at a school, conference, and national level. One of the things that is often mentioned about him, is how he wanted to play football for Nebraska, but he was turned down because he wasn’t good enough”. He went on to play for Ohio State as a backup quarterback for three years, and seeing he would not be starting, he transferred to LSU for his final two years. And the rest is history. Thus, it begs the question of: What did LSU see in him that Nebraska and Ohio State overlooked? And what am I overlooking in my hiking, personal, and work life?
In Hiking, what trails have I overlooked? Am I skipping them because I’m judging them on their initial appearance and not what lies ahead on them? Taking High Drive to get to Mount Buckhorn (3.5 miles one way) is prime example. High Drive doesn’t look interesting because it’s a 2.5-mile hike on a Forest Service Road that is a continuous climb with [no] views. But then the last mile to the top of Buckhorn offers 360-degree views and going down High Drive offers great views to the west and north. Which also brings up a side tip, that often we just need to stop, turn around, and take in the view behind us; to see the beauty of a trail that we are on.
In my personal life, what filters do I use to judge others? At social events, do I decide to sit at certain tables or try to start conversations with others based on their “looks” or “position”? How can I get beyond that “first impression” and really get to know a person; their strengths, talents, and who they are?
At work, how do I select projects when given a choice? Do I take them on that first impression or do I try to take an initial long-term view? And for the team members: how am I judging the people I want to have on the team with me? Am I picking the loud flamboyant people or do I look across at everyone to see those hidden talents they can bring to the project?
The story of Joe Burrow with Nebraska, Ohio State, and LSU; challenges me to stop and look at trails, people, and work in a new way. It’s pausing to take off the “First Impression” blinders and look at the overall picture/scope of the choices I’m making. What are the filters you are using to decide on the trails, people, and work in your life? What are the filters you should be using to decide on the trails, people, and work in your life?
Al Andersen 