Everyone wants to play but not everyone gets to play.  In volleyball there are only 6 players allowed on the court, football has 11, basketball has 5, and the list goes on depending on the sport or situation.

Everyone has a different role within a team.  The reality is some will play more compared to others and it’s not always equal.  That doesn’t mean that player is any less than the others, that’s just how they level up compared to one another.  Players are sometimes better than others and that’s the reality.  Coaches ask players to work on their skills all the time.  They’re asked to participate in the weight room, go to camps, and the list can go on.  Some players do the required work while others do the unrequired work.  That’s where players separate themselves.  The extra reps that they’re not asked to do.  They’re working while the wait for their opportunity.

The reality is some will get more playing time and others will sit on the bench more.  Most, if not ALL coaches are not rolling out of bed wondering “I can’t wait to sit player X today!”  Coaches want to see players succeed and play just as much as parents.  Coach’s want to see all their players make an impact to some degree.

The bench though is where character separates players.

While sitting on the bench it’ll reveal a lot.

Will they complain and whine or will they cheer and celebrate their teammates?  Will they be angry and sulk or will they compete and support what’s going on?

It’s the same in the real world for everyone. We’re waiting for a promotion, working toward a new job, seeking more clients, or looking for new opportunities. Everyone has been in a situation where we are working while we wait. The goal is to improve ourselves in preparation for the next step or opportunity.  In order to improve, that means we’ll need to be humble and do work we may not like or enjoy but that’s part of the process to get to a place we’re working towards.  We’re working while we wait.

It’s extremely hard to ask youth and now adults to understand these dynamics because of what’s shown on Social Media.  To swallow their pride and ego and support teammates is hard because the conversion on the way home with their parents/guardians could be uncomfortable (that’s a post for another day).  It’s hard for adults to swallow their pride and ego too and be patient with what they’re working towards.

Quote:  “Aggressive patience is the practice of working hard towards a goal while being aware that it will take time. It involves understanding that it may take weeks, months, or years to achieve a goal.”

Sitting on the bench and having perspective will either create reflection, respect while the other will create resentment and regret.  Being in an entry-level job will allow perspective.  Not getting the big promotion or securing the next big client will allow perspective and develop lessons along the way.

So what to do while we work while we wait?

-Breathe and look at the big picture.  There’s really no other option.

-Ask yourself: What can I do right now that’ll help the team? What’s my body language showing to my teammates, coaches, parents and school? Am I being receptive the situation I’m in in order to give me the best chance for my next opportunity?

-Can I make an impact where I’m at right now and if so what’s that look like?

– Constantly ask for feedback.  What are the hurdles preventing you from your goals? What are the aspects I need to polish to prepare me for when the opportunity comes regardless of that timeline?

-Embrace the work and take it day by day.