Have you ever been to a sports event where the athletes competing against each other behaved respectfully in a caring manner to their team members and to their rival team members?
My family and I attended a world class Rodeo at the Utah Pioneer Days in Ogden, UT. These daredevil athletes treated us to a night of bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, women riding two horses at a time while standing, and even a World Champion Bull Jumper!
I have great admiration for people who are committed to riding a bucking horse or bull (which can weigh up to 2000 pounds or more). As the gate opens and the animal explodes from its confinement, doing everything it can to throw the rider off. Yet the rider is committed to staying on. At this point, it is a matter of will, commitment, endless hours of practice, and many bumps, bruises, and scrapes along the way.
8 seconds doesn’t sound like a long time, unless you are trying to stay mounted to your bull or horse!
While each of the riders were in competition with one another, there was a tremendous amount of camaraderie. At the completion of each act, the performers were patting each other on the back, throwing a hi-5, and congratulating each other. During each performance, other riders were perched on either side of the horse or bull, at the ready to pull the person out of a dangerous situation if necessary.
This group of extraordinary men and women cared about the welfare of each other. Positive attitudes are contagious and make everyone perform better. The Master of Ceremonies introduced each athlete and praised them before and after. The audience was very enthusiastic and applauded and praised everyone loudly.
While most don’t experience the adrenaline rush of a rodeo every weekend, it serves as a great reminder that there are positive environments and activities which surround us every day if we choose to look for them. There are examples of great dedication and commitment to one’s profession or hobby…if we look for them.
That same weekend on TV, July 19, 2025 was the U.S. Classic, presented by Saatva, U.S.A. Gymnastics, at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. We watched these marvelous young women athletes do their amazing floor routines, balance beam, and parallel bars routines. These athletes were encouraged and supported by their team members and coaches with smiles, hugs, high 5’s helping each of them to do their best work. Coaches spotted on parallel bars to keep them safe. It’s all about caring about others!
Imagine if the members of Congress and the Senate worked together for the best results with the best intentions for the health, happiness, and success of their constituents. What a winning combination it would be!
Look for the good experiences and embrace them!
Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM, John Maxwell Team Member, and Certified World Class Speaking Coach is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations “Tune Up their Businesses”. Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter “Madeline’s Monthly Article & Musical Tips Blog” and a monthly radio show “Madeline’s One Minute Musical Radio Show”. She has just published her new book “Leadership On A Shoestring Budget” available in print or as an e-book. To contact Madeline for your next speaking engagement: mfrankviola@gmail.com
