LIVE OR WATCH

As a coach, I’m an observer of life. And recently I’ve observed two types of people, people who live and people who watch. “Livers” live. “Watchers” view other people living through television, movies, books or just standing on the sidelines. 

The first time I thought of this distinction I was observing this group of kids playing some kind of ball kicking game and I noticed that some of the kids were actively engaged in their play while others stood by and watched. I felt for the kids on the sidelines. They seemed to be missing out on all the fun. Then I started noticing this distinction in all sorts of areas. While one family rides bicycles after dinner, their neighbor stays home and watches television. While one young woman steps up to sing karaoke, her friend sits at the table watching. While some people race cars, jump out of airplanes, run marathons, learn to dance and just plain get involved, others are content to watch their friends do these things or watch actors or characters in a book do them while they sit on the sidelines. 

People who truly live have so many adventures, so many memories of great times and achievements that their lives could be made into books or movies. People who watch live smaller lives with little that stands out from one day to the next. So why would one choose to be a “watcher”? What is the difference between these two groups? Is it Courage? Determination? Proactivity? Purpose? I believe it’s a combination of all of these attributes. I also believe that anyone can develop them. 

Look at your life. Are you a “liver” or a “watcher”? Are you happy with your type? If you are currently a “watcher” and want more out of your life, good news, you can change! Make the decision that you want more out of life than just watching other people live. Decide what you want. Then make it happen. It’s as simple (and difficult) as that. If you would like someone to help you clarify your goals and to cheer you on and hold you responsible for reaching them, I’d be honored to help.