Unexpected Encouragement

I am an avid pickleball player.

I have been playing for about three years now, and I love it. I look forward to playing regularly and enthusiastically. It has become one of those activities that brings me joy, movement, challenge and community.

Recently, I started taking lessons because my natural talent and ability had taken me as far as they could. I had reached the point where enthusiasm was no longer enough. If I want to improve, I need guidance, correction and practice. Lots of practice.

Part of my training involves practising some of the key shots I need to execute without hesitation. One of them is the third shot drop.

If you play pickleball, you know.

I was at the public courts recently with my many coloured balls, doing my best not to get frustrated with myself as I moved around trying to hit what I was aiming at. Some shots were close. Some were not. Some made me wonder if the balls and paddle had entered into a secret agreement without me.

Still, I kept practising.

At some point, I became aware of a young boy, about 11 or 12 years old, when he called out to me, “Keep going, you’ll get it.”

It caught me by surprise.

As adults, we are used to encouraging children. We cheer them on. We support their efforts. We remind them to keep trying, to be patient, to believe they can improve.

But to hear those words from someone so young, directed at me, lifted my day.

I was not looking for support. I definitely was not expecting it. But I received it. I accepted it. I thanked him because his encouragement mattered.

It was such a moment that I've returned to.

In addition to my pickleball lesson, I received another lesson that day. We do not always know who is watching our efforts. We do not always know who sees us trying, learning, struggling, starting again and choosing not to give up.

And we should never underestimate the power of encouragement, regardless of where it comes from or who it is offered to.

Sometimes, a few simple words can help someone keep going.

Thank you, young man.

I appreciate your kindness, your support and yes, your encouragement.

Have you received encouragement from an unexpected person or in an unexpected moment? I would love to know what they said and why it mattered.

Drop me a note: aderonke@abwilsonconsulting.com