Coaching Corner: Will you take the pole?
By Marilou Butcher Roth, Master Coach
When I was quite young, myself and a group of neighborhood kids went to the Friar’s Club for swimming lessons and some sort of day camp. There are three distinct memories from that time in my life, the first two which are quite pleasing to me. We would get to jump on the trampoline that was in the gym, and then enjoy this delicious popcorn popped right there, which at that time of my life seemed to be a delicacy!
The third memory is not quite the same -- it was around the swimming lessons. Let’s paint this picture a little clearer for you. I was one of those tiny children, all arms and legs (both of which were skinny). My confidence level was minimal and on top of that, the pool was awful! Loaded with so much chlorine, the smell would linger with me for the rest of the day. Now, let’s add to the mix the fact that my much older cousin was the swim instructor.
To be frank, I would probably never would have been a proficient swimmer, however, with everything above thrown in the mix, my chances to get one of those little ducks to sew on my suit, decreased substantially. Okay, so the groundwork has been laid, now to the juice of the story.
At the end of the group of lessons, we would be tested on our alleged swimming skills. I distinctly remember how we would swim the length of the pool, close to the side, with the instructor (remember its my cousin), walking next to the pool with a long pole, hovering menacingly in front of me, ever presenting the option to fail. Kay (my cousin) was very kind, and seemed to be overly concerned about her pint size cousin, so I understood even then, that her intentions were good. As I struggled with each stroke, the pole would present itself seemingly right in front of my face, with her kind words of “Take it if you need it.” Although I maintained for what seemed like an eternity, I would eventually give in to the allure of the pole, and take it I always did. There would be no ducks on my swimsuit!
To this day, that memory has impacted my decisions. When presented with opportunities that seem scary and possibly unattainable, I am able to think back to when I opted not to stick it out and gave up. That one memory has given me so much in my personal growth, that I now remember it without the self judgement, realizing that as an adult I get to choose and, if it is truly something that I am aligned with, I can move past the fear and uncertainty.
So, when you are presented with opportunities that may seem unattainable, I hope my story will bring you clarity to enable you to continue swimming, get your duck, and move freely right past that pole!!!
Marilou Butcher Roth
Marilou Butcher Roth is the owner of The MBR Group, a coaching and training company working primarily with REALTORS who have a desire to work and live from a more inspired place. She is also the Broker/Owner of Group REALTORS in Cincinnati.
Marilou is a member of the Ohio REALTORS Board of Directors and past chairman of the organization’s Communications Committee.
