Kids and confidence

I get to see a lot of different performers who are in various stages of their careers. Some are definitely in the beginning. They're not comfortable on the field of play (either athletic or otherwise), and that's obvious in their body language, in hesitation instead of action, in uncertainty instead of doing. Others know what they're supposed to do - they're just a beat behind. They need a little more practice to get where they want to be.

Still others know what's what. They're comfortable and confident in what they're doing. Maybe it's not the right thing, but they're confident anyway. Sometimes the confidence comes across as arrogance. There is a difference, you know. Confidence doesn't call attention to itself. It just does its job to the best of its ability. Arrogance wants the attention and will do what it takes to get it. It often steps on the less skilled to get to the limelight. While its skill is deserving of the spotlight, its attitude is not. The confident performers are enjoyable to watch. But secretly, we hope the arrogant ones get taken down a notch or two.

As part of my job, I get to watch kids grow in their skills. I like that perk. Since I don't have kids of my own, I consider the students I cover "my kids." I know that seems odd, but I feel like I get to know the kids a little bit. Now, I know I don't know them. If I haven't interviewed them for something, I probably haven't really talked to them. I recognize them, and by the end of the season I can pick out some by their gait or the way they stand. But I've watched them improve throughout the season. I know the work they've put in - the coaches have told me and I can see the changes in their games.

When it comes to musical or speech/stage performances, I have a little better idea. I've been on the stage. I've done speeches. I've had to sing. I know the nerves and the concern about remembering lines. But I also know the relief and excitement that come when a performance is done and you know you've done a good job.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to this year's performances, athletic, musical and spoken. And I'm pulling for "my kids" to do well. And as Red Green used to say, "I'm pulling for you. We're all in this together."