Drink in the moment
A few newsletters ago, I mentioned that I’d be giving a commencement speech at my alma mater, the University of Florida, this May.
In that initial newsletter, I asked you what you would tell your younger self, here.
Then, in a follow-up newsletter, I shared answers from some Olympians and executives, here.
Just over a week ago, graduation day arrived, and I spoke to UF’s College of Health & Human Performance Class of 2023. I’ll be honest: I’ve had the privilege of doing some pretty cool stuff in my lifetime, but this is one of the best things I’ve ever been invited to do.
Reflecting on the experience, I can say this was a highlight for me. In part because I felt so humbled and honored to get to speak to people at this important moment of their lives — but also because as I entered the campus, I made a choice.
I chose to step back and drink in the experience. Every second of it.
This is new for me. At the Olympic Games you take maybe 60 seconds to look around and acknowledge that your moment has come. That you are on the cusp of achieving the dream you’ve carried since you were a little kid. That this is your chance.
And after that 60 seconds, you put that awareness away. You strive to normalize extraordinary experiences.
You have to, because if you become too aware, too emotional, you’ll distract yourself at best and crack under the pressure at worst. Staying focused, calm, and cool is your top priority.
As an athlete, compartmentalization became one of my greatest skills. The skill of ignoring everything else and focusing 100% on the task at hand was absolutely essential if my team and I were going to win. One benefit of compartmentalization is that it keeps stress levels low until you need them high - like just before you’re about to push a 500-pound object!
Sidenote: In general, reducing stress levels is a good thing. High-stress levels on a regular basis yield high cortisol levels. Chronically high cortisol = bad. For more on the problems with cortisol, Like this article: what’s so bad about cortisol from Breaking Muscle, here - from interference in thyroid hormones to reflux and intestine issues and digestion problems, to testosterone and reproduction challenges. Want to go deeper on stress? I love this Precision Nutrition piece, “Good stress, bad stress: Finding your sweet spot - Precision Nutrition.”
In real life though, such severe compartmentalization comes at a steep cost. It can rob you of the opportunity to appreciate the moment while you’re in it, and the people you’re in it with.
So this time, I deliberately did something different. I took it ALL in.
The morning of the event, I went for a run. I ran around campus, reflecting on all my experiences there and everything they’ve led to in my life. I let myself feel every bit of it, almost tearing up as I ran. (Allowing myself to think and feel to a place where it brings up emotion is a pretty new thing for me.)
I thought about the people I’ve met along my journey, who’ve meant so much to me in my life. Including the people we’ve lost, who I mention in my speech — Steve “Holcy” Holcomb, and Pavle Javanovic.
As I stood on the stage in the graduation robes before an audience of 4,000, I let myself feel the deep privilege of being there.
After the event, I sat in one of my favorite college bars (The Salty Dog Saloon) with my college roommate and the guy who was my best “American” man in my wedding. I chatted with students, parents, and faculty as they came by to talk with me and share their own thoughts and stories.
It felt good. And you know, I think that experience—just being present, drinking it in—is something I want to do more of.
Want to check out the speech? Here it is. Including when my mic cut out, the moment after I may have dropped a little swear word. ;-)
– Steve
