Picture yourself seated in your childhood backyard swing. Your hands gripped around the rugged chain straps, and thighs squeezed tight by the fabricated plastic seat. You ease back with your feet fixed firmly in the ground. The anticipation builds for release. You pop your feet from the earth, and away you go. The first sense of brisk air hits your face, and a slight adrenaline rush ensues. You lean back and allow your legs to escape out in front of you. You hit the high point of flight and begin your descent towards your “Pusher.” You await their thrust that will propel you back into your forward motion. Each thrust could bring a different sort of sensation. It could be relaxed, forceful, or it may never come at all.
Let’s, for a moment, associate our swinging experience with our personal lives. Ask yourself:
- Who is helping guide your personal development?
- Who are you associating with?
- Who are your mentors?
- Who are the signposts along the narrow road of existence?
- Who are you looking to spiritually?
- Who is providing thrust?
- Who is pushing your life swing?
There are many types of “Pusher’s” in this world. Many of them fall into four categories. Let’s examine each of them:
The Departed
- Defined: AKA the Non-Pusher. They originally existed, but quickly drifted from focus. There was a short burst of energy but brought little value to your swinging experience. The one person that no one wants behind their swing.
- Life’s Impact:
- They come and go and do not take any interest in you or a common cause
- Tend to have their own agenda
- Do not have the same goals or vision as you
- May use those around them briefly to get to where they are going
- Not someone to put much stock in
- Difficult to trust. Proceed cautiously!
Just a Tad
- Defined: The type of “Pusher” who was there, but only moderately engaged. They were pushing you, but also had the pesky side conversation that made you feel as if your swinging experience was not significant. They gave you the flat-handed, short-shove that was more painful than fun.
- Life’s Impact:
- The person who brings value to your life, but at a distance
- May or may not know they can supply others with helpful information
- You will need to actively pursue them because they tend to drift to the next thing for various reasons
- Have potential
- With time and effort, they could become a great resource to you
- Seek them out in their element and strike up conversation about their craft
The Respectable
- Defined: “The Respectable” pushed you forward, but knew there was more in the tank. The original 2-3 swings were exhilarating, but your mind and body quickly adapted and were left wanting more. They remained engaged but were hesitant to help you soar. They preferred to play it safe and pulled back on the reigns.
- Life’s Impact:
- These individuals take an interest in your personal development
- They create a relationship and seek to bring merit to your life
- Want you to enjoy the ride, but may cap their effort. They may shy away from pushing you to your limit
- They fear to make you uncomfortable and leave you with a false sense of achievement
- May share common interests and goals. Good people to surround yourself with. You need them
The Mentor
- Defined: The few who allowed you to ride the air and test your vertical limit. They treated your swinging experience as if it were their own. Each jolt had purpose and power. They shared your sense of excitement and would hoot and holler with you while grinning ear to ear. It became a partnership.
- Life’s Impact:
- True Mentor
- Have your absolute best interest in mind
- Celebrate your victories as if they were their own
- They seek out opportunities to facilitate a conversation with you
- Want to supply you with valuable information that will benefit your pursuits through stories
- Understand the importance of challenging you. They forge your character and accomplishments
- Those who have gone before you
Let us take time to evaluate who we allow to infiltrate our lives. We want those who share experiences with us and do not criticize the doer of deeds. Seek out world-changers who want to impact our communities positively. Find the selfless and create bonds. Form an alliance with those who know more than you and ask great questions. Have a constant desire for information while having enthusiasm in all you do. Get on your swing and be pushed to your vertical limit.
