Bullied

When I was 11 I was bullied

Bullied for being successful

I’ve mentioned previously that it was at this age that my potential career in professional football got serious

Ipswich Town FC required that I cease playing Sunday league & it was solely them & my school that I could play for

My closest friends reacted badly

Teasing, name calling, total isolation

All for being successful

And it created a huge internal battle that I fought for many years and, to an extent, probably still do

I was, and still am, very competitive! I play to win!

Whether its Monopoly at Christmas, or a ‘friendly’ game of volleyball on holiday

I’m there for gold!

However, there is always a nagging fear of what success may bring as a result of that childhood bullying

If I am successful, will I bring conflict?

And I’m still not a big fan of conflict

In fact, I will shy away from it whenever possible

I have, however, developed mechanisms over time to cope with this much better as I have gained a better understanding of the positive & negative forces at play in all events

There are times when conflict simply exists when two or more people strongly stand by their opinions, and that can be extremely valuable in hearing another side to a story that you may not have considered

Conflict can simply mean being challenged, physically, intellectually, emotionally

And I do enjoy being challenged

So I try to see potential conflict as a new challenge to embrace

Now, don’t confuse that with going out seeking a fight!

That really isn’t me

But a healthy debate, with the option to question and be questioned, I am open to

I have also found a path in life where my own success comes as a direct result of the success of others

If my clients succeed in achieving their goals, with my support, that’s the greatest feeling ever!

And my desire to ‘win’ means that I want the absolute best for each & every client that I work with

I truly care & am invested fully in their results

They get the very best of me, always!

That is a very blessed position to be in

And one that I relish every day!