I was listening to an interview with Dion Nash, former Black Cap, and the question was put to him, ‘Why you?’ The interviewer was interested in how he became so successful as a cricketer. Now, typically, we expect a response along the lines of
I worked really hard
I was determined
I took every opportunity I got
I was disciplined
I had to sacrifice lots of other things
I did everything it took.
You know, all the rhetoric you hear from sports academies about what it takes. But he didn’t say any of those things. Instead, he said
There were heaps of kids way more talented than me
I just loved the game, so when things got hard it didn’t matter
Because I loved it, I just kept playing.
This isn’t just a sport thing. All parents want their kids to be successful. But I bet the narrative kids hear most is the first one, especially at school: If you want to be successful you have to work hard, be determined to meet your goals, take every opportunity, etc…
It’s kinda true, but those things without love don’t really add up to much do they. And I think this is really important right now. Term 4 is getting closer. School is out for many, spluttering along for others. There is stress in the air about success and kids being prepared enough for what’s next. It’s easy to forget about love in such circumstances. I think Dion Nash would argue we shouldn’t.