Semantics, marketing and social media trends seem to somehow rule each day. It might be something oriented to draw out the athlete hidden deep within us. Maybe it is a phrase intended to bring out the leader that resides next to that athlete.  Perhaps it is self defense tactics involving toxic environments and others.  Or, a call to reveal one’s true character. 

Now there isn’t anything off about any of these approaches.  Not that they do not have relevance, sustainability or the potential for permanence.  There is value to each and everyone. From my perspective, it is just that for some reason they appear to be targeted to a very specific group.  And as such, the potential impact of what is being presented, said and promoted becomes so focused on one thing, that other ancillary concerns and needs are totally missed. 

So as a football coach a year ago,  E + R = O was presented to the program. At first glance,  some apparent math equation that in our circumstance happened to be geared towards our game and conduct within it. But then, I came across this approach within some of the corporate social media I read and write about. And even more so in things that involve leadership, character, achievement.  

You name it, Mr. Kight’s foundation for making the life you choose is everywhere

But now, I have started to see it from an entirely  different perspective.  

You can gear up things that apply to very specific targets.  To become known for a prowess that speaks to a very specific audience.  Perhaps some  KPI.  Or, since you have developed these tactics that have the potential to embrace a much wider group, perhaps it can be presented as that first, then as a dollar oriented approach. 

The event plus response equals outcome viewpoint literally applies to all aspects of life. Not just athletics, business, self improvement or any other interest of the moment.  

It goes far deeper than all the above.  

Imagine you encounter an event in your life that beckons an urgent response.  Maybe it is a health issue.  A relationship challenge.  Spiritual collapse. Alcohol or drug abuse. A self destructive behavior you somehow made your own. Loneliness.

All in their own right, entities  not designed to fit a marketing driven collection of buzz words, phrases and such designed to attract likes, clicks and impressions. But rather, to fit into something with an altogether different gravity and mass. 

An event you now face, plus the response you choose to make and how that will eventually create the outcome sought. 

We all face them.  We all need to respond accordingly.  And then, we need to either accept the outcome, go back and amend our response and continue this assessment until the event has been overcome.  

Or just accept things and call in the dogs. 

Events are never trumpeted, announced or heralded.  Well, not usually. And the tenor of these occurrences should not determine the fealty of the way things are encountered, embraced or enjoined.  

We need merely to respond in a fashion that produces what we ultimately desire to achieve.  

Whether we acknowledge it or not.  

So, while an event prescribes a certain response, it may not be within our grasp to do so at this moment.  It may be timing, circumstance, presence, placement or an unwillingness to accept the need for change.  A stubbornness born of seeing things through your well worn rose colored specs. 

Though response to an event will ultimately equate to an outcome, events and responses may be ill equipped to produce if not properly discerned, honestly approached and embraced with an element of surrender.  

If you can somehow adhere to this equation at this level, all other situations will follow suit, providing the genuine, warranted and desired outcome.  

Remain present in the event.  Be honest with  yourself about the response that is required.  

And make the outcome a source for life.