Image by hmmlargeart via Flickr
Written by Karen D. Swim
Jab, jab, block, jab, jab, hook. The young boy danced and punched away at his shadow. Seeing his imaginary opponent, anticipating moves, block, punch, punch, hook. His father stood quietly in the background, watching him fighting his shadow, preparing for the real thing. The boy had gotten stronger, more assured. Each punch seemed to land an imaginary knock-out. Punch, punch, hook, punch, block. Sweat poured from the boy’s brow as he dipped, blocked and punched at his shadow. The boy was focused, his shadow was his sparring partner as he readied for the real battle ahead. Punch, punch, jab, hook.
We should all shadow box. Each of us has an opponent to overcome, a battle to win in every area of life. We cannot always practice in the ring but we can prepare for battle by shadow boxing. We can practice our moves, anticipate return punches, quicken our steps and grow stronger and more confident. The practice, though imaginary readies us for battle, prepares us to win.
Sometimes the shadowy opponent represents our own inner selves. We punch away at fear. We take a jab at doubt. Punch, punch, jab, jab until we stand the victor, dominating the ring. Or as Sonia Simone wrote last month, we punch to practice. We train our minds, bodies, and craft to do battle and win.
Whether your battle is a big sales call, marketing your business, a presentation, job interview or starting a weight loss plan, punch away at your shadowy opponent. Anticipate when they will move left, or right. Imagine the obstacles and punch through them. Feel the weight as you tire and keep punching anyway. Punch, punch, jab, hook. It worked for the boy, it can work for you too.
How do you prepare for the “battles” of your life? Do you practice or wing it? Your comments are welcomed here, so join the fun! 🙂