I Will Admit

With great confidence he ascended the steps of the ladder to the diving platform overlooking an olympic pool equivalent to a three-story building. He had practiced, prepared, and planned his routine with great precision. As he walked to the edge of the board he boldly stated to himself, “you’ve got this.” With certainty he launched himself into the air flipping, twisting, and turning before his entry into the water. Swimming to the surface he was confident in his dive.

Awaiting what was sure to be a perfect score from the judges, his smile suddenly disappeared as each score card was revealed. After seeing that his personal judgment of the dive differed from that of the judges, he launched into protest demanding to review the replay of his performance. It was at this moment that his perspective began to change. Upon review, he could see things differently. Seeing his dive from their perspective, he could see that his form wasn’t right. He noticed his entry into the water wasn’t straight. You see, he realized that his feelings and his reality were two different things. It was the perspective shift that helped him realize he was wrong. After the review he said, “I will admit, I was wrong.”

For many of us, pride is what prevents us from our progress. No one likes to be wrong. Most of us don’t even like to be challenged. Studies show that when others challenge us, we often drop them from our lives. In the moment of challenge it physically impacts your body. Your shoulders tighten, your breathing gets shallow, you get embarrassed, get your feelings hurt, or become intimidated. This is where pride and ego begins to filter everything you hear, everything you think, everything you say, and everything you do.

What could change in your life today if you were willing to take a look at the replay and see things from another perspective? As the old saying goes, “admittance is the first step to recovery.” That simple phrase “I will admit…” can change so much in your life. It can free you from the stress of thinking you have to have it all figured out on your own. It gives others permission to come along beside you and provide support. It also allows you a fresh start to begin again. We are all thankful for second chances.

So as you are mid air flipping, twisting, and twirling your way through life, maybe there is another perspective. Maybe those with a front row seat to your dive can offer some input and assistance in order to help make the next dive just a little bit better. Don’t let pride or ego get in the way. Just for practice, simply start with repeating after me. “I will admit…”