Are You a Star?

Sometimes, the answer is yes. Sometimes not. It all depends on the venue and the challenge, as well as one's willingness to accept that challenge.

For me, the experiences have ranged from satisfactory performances to becoming "stars" in specific circumstances. However, success doesn't always come naturally; it requires effort, practice, and a willingness to improve.

A Surfer in Hawaii

Imagine there's a surfing contest off the coast of Hawaii where massive waves are involved. Will it be me? It's unlikely, as on that day, the world-top surfers would easily surpass my abilities. But what if I were challenged in a similar situation? Could I succeed? Probably not. My presence in such conditions might lead to more accidents than victories, given my lack of skill in big waves.

Instead of surfing, let's consider a different sporting experience. About five years ago, I decided to try out hockey. Despite being in my late 40s, with some prior experience of playing hockey in street games and ponds, I was completely inexperienced in arena hockey with proper equipment and a team setting.

Nurturing a Hockey Passion

For a few years, I played pick-up hockey games every weekend with friends. The average age of the players varied from late 20s to even a couple in their 60s, and I was the only one in my mid-40s. My physical fitness came from playing soccer, but I lacked the arena hockey experience. Initially, I was easily the weakest player on the ice. After a couple of years, I clawed my way up to being the second weakest, just because a new player, slightly older and slower due to age, joined the team. Despite being about 30th among 30 players, I was proud of my progress.

A Soccer Journey

Soccer followed a similar journey, where my initial experience was as a field player. My youth began with potential, being tall and lanky, but my body's muscle growth lagged behind my limb length. In my youth, I played in leagues from ages 8 to 13. Then, around age 40, in search of an activity to maintain fitness, I joined a men's soccer league. My initial challenge was obvious—being too big and too slow. I weighed 246 pounds with a beer belly, but I remained committed to improving. persistent EffortsAfter some time, soccer became a passion, and with regular training and experimentation, I got progressively better. Despite still being quite weak compared to many players, I often played as a goalkeeper or backup, openly admitting my lack of skill in this position. This commitment to fitness eventually helped me lose weight and improve my overall soccer abilities. Even though I probably ranked around third or fourth from the bottom of the team, I stayed committed, contributing to the team's dynamics and Turning PointThe most significant game I played was the final game of my soccer career. My team's star player, "Brunie," was a gifted deacker. In the first half, he scored five goals, and we were down 5-0. Half-time was a moment of despair, but I proposed a laser-focused strategy: to focus on disrupting Brunie throughout the game.

During the second half, I positioned myself to intercept Brunie whenever he approached the ball, never leaving my assigned man. By the end of the game, my strategy stifled his offenses. When my team's star player, "Youngblood," began to excel, the spirit of the game shifted in our favor. We managed to claw back from a 0-5 deficit and won 6-5. This victory was unforgettable, bringing a mix of relief and and ReflectionMonths later, at Costco, I met Brunie's wife, who mentioned that during a game the previous year, I had been muttering my name in excitement. She mentioned that this was now the name for the face I had so often been muttering. Hearing this, I felt a significant sense of pride and validation.

Ultimately, our successes or failures depend on the specific circumstances and the challenges we face. Every individual can be a star in some form, whether it's in a professional setting, personal endeavors, or within a team.

The most important thing is to try, to try harder, and to keep trying. This perseverance and commitment often lead to unexpected achievements and successes.