Who Is Your Biggest Fan?

The image of the King and Queen of The Netherlands on their feet in the bleachers of the Iceberg Sports Palace at the Sochi Olympics should not be quickly forgotten.  My favorite clip was of His Royal Highness sweeping his arm back and forth - just as the Dutch trainer does - matching the skater, stride for stride, willing him over the finish line.

We are used to seeing such enthusiastic involvement from Coaches as their athletes compete.  You can find the same image on youth league sports fields across the nation every week as Parents cheer their children on in their pursuit of victory.

Often, when we think of Fans, we picture a Rock Star, Athlete or Celebrity up there on the stage and all these 'regular' folks who paid lots of money for a ticket to see them perform.  The images of the Olympics this week scramble that idea up a bit.  It shows me that being a Rock Star, a King or a Fan is relative.  The skater will never be King and King Willem will never be an Olympic Champion.  Yet we often gauge our success in life by trying to measure up to these standards.

The message is that you may be a Rock Star and not even know it.  You have Fans.  There is a King, Coach, Mentor, Parent or Teacher cheering you on.  There are people around you - accomplished, experienced, successful people - who will never be able to accomplish what you can, and they are cheering you on - willing you to succeed.

Look around you.  Recognize the Fans in your life.  Accept their encouragement and support with gratitude.  Allow their input and enthusiasm to be a part of what drives you over the finish line.  Celebrate your successes with them.  Show appreciation for their support when you fail.  And never forget that you are not alone as you reach toward your goals.