Think As Inc

BALLS AND A BABY

October 19, 2009 on 6:59 pm | In life coaching | No Comments

In improv, Balls and A Baby is a game where the team (typically 8-15) stands in a circle and passes imaginary balls of varying colors to each other in a different pattern for each color, all the while passing an imaginary baby to the person next to them.  So, you might pass the Yellow to person A, the Red to person B, and the Green to person C, while at the same time receiving the Yellow from B, the Red from A, etc.  If it sounds confusing, it is and it isn’t.  It’s a focus game.  There is a lot going on around you (that’s the confusing part) but you only actually have to remember a few things (who do I get Yellow from and who do I give Yellow to, etc). 

Life is like improv.  There will always be a lot going on around you.  But if you shut out the inconsequential and keep your eye on the ball(s) you will be fine.  The questions you need to answer for yourself are: 

what balls do you want to keep in the air;

how many do you want to focus on;

how many can you focus on before you drop the baby. 

Just as balls are not the same in weight, shape, or texture, so do life goals differ in importance, complexity and need.  We may be able to juggle many small balls, but fewer heavy ones.  Likewise, a to-do list of many but light tasks is not equal to a long-term, lifelong dream.  And don’t forget the baby passing from person-to-person.  In life, there are always things handed to you outside your pet projects.  You need to be able to focus on both.  Define your balls, create a plan for getting them aloft, and focus on playing to the best of your ability.