Lessons Learned from Gronk

Sports can be a wonderful venue in which we can learn about human behavior at it’s best and sometimes at it’s worst. On the field, We get to see athletes perform at peak levels. Off the field, we can hear them speak in front of the media. It allows us to see and hear the mindset of a professional athlete. I have always enjoyed listening to elite athletes speak because they seem to be able to put the past behind them quickly especially if the past was not impressive i.e. errors and losses.

One of my favorite athletes is Rob Gronkowski, Patriots tight end. “Gronk” as he is often called, did not have a good season statistically by his Hall of Fame standards. Perhaps injuries were a factor. Perhaps he is getting older and slower. Perhaps he is is getting double covered more. Most likely it is a bit of all of the aforementioned.

In the recent game against Kansas City, prior to the Super Bowl. Gronk had a very good game, filled with timely catches and blocks helping the team win.

After the game, Gronk was asked about his season, his team, his performance and the future of the team in the Superbowl. Gronk was composed. He thoughtfully answered each question with similar answers; he just tried to help the team any way he could and make sure he was prepared when called upon He did not dwell on the past and tried to focus on the present and what he and the team can control going forward.

When I am working with my clients, I help them learn from the past, heal what needs to be healed, and then move on to what he or she can control today and what are his or her goals going forward.