This is a picture of a bowling trophy that I won in 7th grade.
It was my first year of Junior High in a small private school. Our physical education was going to the bowling alley once a week. I liked bowling, and at one point during the fall semester, I was told that I had the High Average. Nice! But then guess what happened. I began bowling with that awareness in mind, and my average plummeted. Eek!
I realized that I was focusing on getting the high average rather than having fun. So, I turned myself around and, putting all thoughts of the High Average out of my mind, focused on just enjoying bowling. My scores improved, and by the end of the school year, I had the High Average and received this trophy. I got a trophy the next year, too, but it was this first one that meant the most to me.
So what spiritual teachers and others have said from time immemorial is true: If you focus on the joy in the journey and not the destination, you’ll get where you want to go and have more fun in the process.
Have you had an experience similar to mine? If so, please share in the comments.