Messi Transitions
My physical therapist explained the difference between walking and running: “When you walk, one foot is always in contact with the ground, but when you run, there is a phase in which both feet are in the air. The faster you run, the longer that phase.” Add momentum, and you get why changing directions when running is difficult.
TRANSITIONS are hard!
According to mathematicians, Leo Messi’s, (perhaps the best soccer player in the world), abilities and talent are a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. According to them, the probability for this magnitude of skilled excellence comes around only once every 70 years or so. Messi excels in quick, efficient, and swift TRANSITIONS. He maintains his center of gravity very close to the ground, almost shuffling his feet. Guarded by one, two, or three other players, and almost defying physics, he can TRANSITION, change direction, and leave his pursuers on their original tract.
The cheetah is the fastest land animal. In fact, most cheetahs will accelerate 0-60 faster than a Ferrari. They use their claws like studs to accelerate while their long muscular tail works as a rudder. They use it to change direction and make sharp turns while chasing their prey. The Cheetah’s next meal is dependent on its ability to TRANSITION quickly.
The antelope, its favorite dinner, is no slacker. In fact, it knows that it cannot outrun the cheetah, so it uses a different tactic. The cheetah is a sprinter, their hunt must be over quickly. So, the antelope tries to hold in the chase just long-enough, slow-down, TRANSITION and turn sharply to evade the mighty predator.
TRANSITIONS are hard but if you can overcome momentum and master timing you may just live to see the day, enjoy a delicious meal, or win the game.
Life is full of TRANSITIONS and while they seem less dramatic than the world-cup or survival in the African savannah, the role they play in our lives is just as critical. Growth and aging, relationships, school and work, career, interests… you name it. TRANSITIONS are everywhere.
Now, you may think, “it’s all nice and cool but what does that have to do with me? The closest I get to a soccer ball is on the flat-screen TV and I don’t roam around the Savannah”.
But our fast-paced, hyper-connected, time-starved, and over-tasked world constantly competes for your time and attention. In many ways it is more dangerous. On the soccer field and the Savannah, the rules and circumstances are very clear. It’s fight or flight and then you triumph or cease… game over. But in the world things are not so cut and clear are they?
And so many times you’d rather keep on doing the same over and over. Walk the same path. Make the same default choices because it is easier to ride the momentum of your habits. You lack clarity, oblivious to possibilities and lacking the enthusiasm and zest that you deserve.
Messi, the cheetah, and the antelope know how to execute TRANSITION and so can you.
Ask yourself:
What habits are holding me back?
What purpose do they serve?
What is the smallest thing I can do right now to create a shift?
… AND then do it!
If you are aware, committed, and willing you too can develop the kind of habits, beliefs and attitudes that will guide you through TRANSITIONS and help you be the change you want.