Garmin Theory of Recalculating

Garmin Theory of Recalculating

We’ve all heard of the Darwin Theory of Evolution. I, failing to reach this level of sophistication, have a new theory. I’ve had the benefit of discussions on long road trips with a couple of colleagues of mine who cause a person to think. We decided to create a new “theory of recalculating to prevent tragedy” and named it after the GPS in our rental car.

We believe in the Garmin Theory of Recalculating. We’ve all been there. Whether a case of getting old, not fitting in, going off course, philosophical differences, losing streaks or just maintaining, sustaining and building on a great experience (career), growing as a player, growing as a person, the Garmin Theory of Recalculating comes in to play.

Being a healthy scratch, or experiencing a prolonged slump, simply triggers the word “Recalculate”. The misfortune of being scratched in a game, or a prolonged slump, is not a whole lot different than going off course on a trip. Your mind should be saying, “Recalculating”.

The hardest part about getting old is watching your value decline as your skills erode. This doesn’t mean you quit trying to make an impact. Simply, “Recalculate”. Going off course as an organization sends a quick signal, “Recalculate”. The picture is clear. The Gamin Theory of Recalculating is the wave of the future and has the potential for helping any situation have a happy ending.

During the course of a few twenty-five hundred (2,500) mile road trips, and occasional twelve thousand (12,000) while looking for talent, one has a lot of time to think. There is plenty of opportunity to go off course. When you do, the Garmin is quick to say, “Recalculating”. One word, a few seconds of recalculating and you are back on course to your destination. Every person, unit, department, team, organization, city, state, nation and world is confronted with this problem many times over the course of a season, span of careers and life of a company.

Much of this has to do with acquiring the skill to navigate through unchartered waters. Once acquired, you basically have what it takes to conquer most any situation. Life, and the game, is a test of intangibles once you reach the skill level required for each level or task.

This is a perfect opportunity to pass the Fortitude Test and get back on course. Even the best are forced to recalculate if they are to maintain their number one position. The perfect example is Heinz Ketchup. How many times have they had to recalculate to maintain their lofty position in the Ketchup industry? They could be satisfied with their lofty position but their R & D department is always taking the time to assess, improve and recalculate.

We get ourselves in a position to pass the Fortitude Test more times than we would like to think over the course of a career and lifetime. When you get back in the lineup, or recalculate your life’s course, you will have added Fortitude to your long resume of assets. You will have the mental and emotional strength, as well as courage, to face difficulty, adversity and uncertainty. You will acquire the spirit to do well in spite of obstacles. You will have the patience to weather the storm.

You will get back on course as soon as your mind recognizes the situation and says, “Recalculating”.

This doesn’t eliminate the need for support people that every person needs but it does give you an inner strength and awareness as we recognize being forced to “recalculate” many times over the course of a career and lifetime. This extends beyond one person to units, teams, organizations, cities, states, nations and the world.

So the next time you, or something you are a part of, goes off course, simply think the Garmin way, “Recalculating”. Think it through, ask questions, seek support and encourage ideas. You will be back on the right course and arrive @ your destination with a happy ending.

If you see someone in need of recalculating, reach out and help them help themselves. If it involves your organization, reach out and make a statement that causes those in charge to think things through. People with high caring levels recognize the need, and value, of “recalculating” and the role it plays in preventing a tragedy; personal, organizational or beyond.

Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325
Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com - All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps