Improving is fun - Stage 2 of fun
This is the stage where things start to happen. Not only is it fun to just show up and participate, but in terms of a young child playing a new sport small milestones are being reached. Maybe it is learning how to kick properly and then making the first goal in U6 soccer. Or it is a skier of any age taking a different lift to a more challenging run. Perhaps it is an employee, new to a job who is finally getting comfortable in the daily routine. Improving is exciting and it is motivating and it makes the experience of participating even more enjoyable.
Specifically, during this stage while the fun of participating is still the primary driving force the experience of fun has been slightly altered. It feels good to see improvement and to do it right. Showing up and participating is no longer enough. These first two stages are part of every great champion’s developmental process. This is where the absolute joy and love of sport is born.
The good news is that we do not need to be kids to go through these first two stages and to find things that make us happy. Fun can happen at any time in life. No matter our age, we have all felt the positive feelings of doing something a little better. Noticing and feeling improvement is always inspiring. Without improvement and growth, sports, activities and work become less interesting. Having that first job can be exciting, but without improvement it can eventually turn into a grind. Improving opens doors and makes opportunity possible.
In my field I have found, very clearly that aging well is not only about moving and staying strong it is also about continually improving at whatever it is that you do in life. In addition to work and my family, I have a handful of activities driving me forward, one of which is to break 90 on the golf course. Take these first two stages of fun, that are the basis of every great champion’s career and put them to work in your life.
Out of 65 practice shots, I hit a handful better than when I started. Improving, even if limited is fun.