Playing in the Arena of Life

This is Theodore Roosevelt’s ‘The Man in the Arena Speech’ delivered in Paris in 1910. More recently it was brought to life by Brene Brown in her book ‘Daring Greatly’ about embracing our vulnerability and having courage.

 

For Brene Brown this is about our willingness to be vulnerable, taking the next step without guarantees, embracing our imperfections, daring to show up and letting ourselves be seen. She also suggests we untie our worthiness from spectator evaluations as the people who we can depend on are already in the arena with us, including ourselves. Key ingredients to give yourself permission to get in that arena and play.

 

Vulnerability is not weakness – it is just our natural emotions showing up. Why is it we love to see raw truths and openness in others but we are afraid to let people see us? It is the courage to accept ourselves as we are, the boldness to take action and step into the arena whatever the outcome. This is the path of the Player.

 

This is one of my favourite quotes because it reminds me it is all about getting in the arena – in a world where it is so easy not to. It is about using everything you have to live life full on. I took  a career gap to take care of my parents and coming back into the arena has been challenging and hard work but knowing that the arena is only place to make things happen has kept me focused and hungry.

 

If as Tom Bilyieu suggests – a large proportion of ‘Ready Player One’ is coming into our lives – it’s time we all kept up with what it means to be a Player. Whether that is in an arena, on a pitch or in a virtual landscape.

 

It is so easy to be a spectator or a critic from the safety of the sidelines. But they are called ‘sidelines’ for a reason! This is the comfortable space where it feels safe but of course it is not because this is not where life is happening and dreams are made. Sometimes I have to retreat here but most of the time I go play!

 

It all depends on how much you want, what you want and what you are willing to do to get it. The reinvention I want requires me to play all in – especially when I do not want to.

 

The quote also reminds me of the courage it takes and how hard it can be to step into the arena. It is intense. Which translates to – always seek to offer compassion, praise and support not criticism, to those who do play in the game. Including yourself!

 

It is so easy to be the critic on the sidelines.

 

And yet, it should be easy to be the player, because the alternative is about regrets …..