“ You’ve got to be greedy - I’m grateful I got the opportunity and I grabbed it with both hands - I’m delighted” Ollie Watkins
Can we talk about the semi final on the 10th July?
To be clear I am a total glory supporter when it comes to England’s football team (I can’t cope with the stress) and any football opinions are unashamedly taken from those with knowledge. But those last ten minutes… It feels so apt for me right now I wanted to take the opportunity to discuss it.
Gareth Southgate has been hero, villain and back to hero again in a way that only the British can do.
Yet, despite knowing the backlash he could have received, he demonstrated his courage in substituting two of his key players for two ‘Finishers’ (we need to talk about this too but that’s for another day) and it paid off. Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer created a life changing opportunity for themselves and ‘grabbed the opportunity’ in both hands.
Watkins face when he saw the ball reach its destination in the corner of the net reflected perfectly the reason we should be courageous when it comes to change and opportunity and not be afraid to take chances.
It's so timely as it's the time of year when change is in the air; perhaps more so this year than others with a new Government in place, the academic year and exams are over, goodbyes have been said and new beginnings are just round the corner.
We are certainly feeling this at GRIT right now as we say goodbye to two of our team and welcome aboard several new team members including our team of fundraisers who will be working hard to ensure that we can continue to support as many young people as possible; I find myself reflecting on how far GRIT has come since our very early days, yet there have been times when we have had, and still need to - like England - make difficult choices, show resilience, adapt and not lose focus.
It's important that we do acknowledge that change can be really tricky to navigate. It feels uncomfortable, it feels icky. The familiar can offer comfort and safety and we might be tempted to stick with it or try and replicate it elsewhere. Rarely though is anything accomplished from being comfortable, as so brilliantly visually demonstrated by the growth zones. There’s no getting around the fact that growth means we often have to step into our fear zone and navigate through that. Inevitably this means there will be a few knocks and a need to dig deep at times alongside a risk of not getting the outcome you want, but the potential for growth and opportunities is worth it. It would be easy to stay in the comfort zone, and I know people that do, but you run the risk of life becoming static, of not knowing what could have been.
At the same time though I think it’s vital not to create a narrative that assumes all forms of change or transition are going to be awful. Change can also be exciting, a chance for a fresh start and new opportunities and we should ensure we focus on the purpose of change and what it mean. Newton’s Third Law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, and whilst emotions don’t quite follow the formulaic rules of physics (it would be a lot easier of they did) I think it’s a good rule of thumb that where there might be disappointment there will be satisfaction, where there is loss there is opportunity and where there is fear there is courage. The Third Law is all about motion and of course it’s the same here – the ability to embrace uncertainty and navigate through change and tougher times is what keeps us moving forwards in life.
As your teens navigate whatever change lies ahead, whether that be a change of teacher, a change of school, starting university or taking their first steps into their adult lives we should remind them (and ourselves) that when they doubt themselves, their choices or find themselves dealing with adversity, it is all part of the growth cycle and the journey of life. Remind them that they are loved, they are valued and, above all, to be greedy with life’s opportunities that will come their way if they have the courage to make the hard choices.
Have a lovely summer
Louise
