Two weekends ago, it was the school Athletics SA’s and what an absolute treat. I thoroughly enjoy athletics despite me having almost zero talents in that regard. I could maybe jump a bit in primary school (far, not high) and had the style to cross a hurdle, but as my brother so eloquently raised the question ‘why are you are so slow?’ I have other skills…

Now, I’ve been out of school for longer than what I’ve been in school, but I noticed something interesting. The handling of a false start. I would have thought that if you falsely started, that you might get a warning. A yellow card. (I didn’t even know there were cards, but – sports…)

However, a false start does not have any leniency. There’s no go backsies or second chances. The smallest of false starts will cause immediate disqualification. And you can argue and debate as much as you want to – the rules are the rules. Red carded.

A false start. Followed by a disqualification. And you could feel the disappointment of those kids through the screen. You know they will play the what ‘if game’ that night. And you know it, because of your own many ‘false starts’ in life.

And I wondered about all the many false starts we have. Oopsies we made  that we wish we could go back in time and fix. That thing we said, climbing into that car, opening that door, buying that thing, signing that contract; or whatever it was that was done in a moment that had lasting consequences. Even the things that we didn’t do. Something seemingly so small, but quickly escalating.

A split second decision, whether it’s because you were distracted; didn’t know better; couldn’t possibly see the effect and now you have to live with the consequences.

False starts are part of life. You will make a short term decision with long term consequences that you will not like. But I suppose to make such a decision during a normal meet vs the Olympic games also matters. Because some false starts carry more weight than others. A decision to cross a red or orange light; that investment; that last drink before you get into the car; that new job with more money; that last lie to get what you want.

I think the biggest consequences from a false start is the fear of doing it again. Make another mistake in a similar fashion. And living with that fear after a bunch of false starts just messes with your confidence. Humility is good; insecurity isn’t. In fact, insecurity can lead to more mistakes and false starts. And insecurity wears many a face. It’s not just the meek and mild.

And the athletics rules seems very clear. Yet – false starts still seems to happen during each meet. Why does it still happen? Because of the anticipation, the nerves, the stress. High pressure environments require intensified emotions. Where the expectation is to act fast – there will always be a risk that you might act too fast. Especially when you get used to that sounding start in your mind.

Now, we cannot get away from false starts. All of us already has a very vivid memory from a false start in our past that has some serious consequences. No go backsies. And just because we fear it; does not guarantee that we won’t do it again when we find ourselves under pressure or in high emotional circumstances.

What will help, is to breathe in and be present in the moment. To deliberately calm yourself in anticipation of the starting gun. And release the built-up energy the moment it’s safe to do so – in an approved environment.

Now, as for the insecurities from all the past false starts. The only way to get over those is to have new starts. With a little less falsehoods. 😉 To build that confidence within a safe parameter. One step at a time.

So my wish for everyone this week – don’t play the ‘what if’ game too hard. Preferably not at all. Breathe in this very moment. Be present. And once it’s safe to do so – release the energy in a healthy manner.

Have a lovely week friends!