The Charles Schulz Philosophy
by Meg Smith
This week, I stumbled upon a thought-provoking philosophy from Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip. His words and thoughts shed a light on a perspective that resonates deeply with our journey as athletes (and coaches).
Schulz's philosophy poses a simple yet profound challenge: can you name the top achievers in various fields, from sports to entertainment to academia? While we may recall a few, the majority fade into obscurity as time passes. Awards tarnish, achievements are forgotten, and the applause inevitably dies.
But then, Schulz presents a different kind of quiz—one that touches the heart rather than the CV or your racing track record. He prompts us to remember the teachers who shaped our minds, the friends who lifted us up in times of need, the mentors who imparted invaluable lessons, the coaches who supported us to realise our dreams, and the loved ones who made us feel cherished and valued.
In the second exercise, the answers flow more easily and the lesson becomes clear.
As athletes, we share a passion for pushing our limits and embracing challenges as we navigate the twists and turns of our own journeys. We strive to be the fastest, strongest and the best versions of ourselves (everyone loves a Strava KOM / QOM challenge!). Yet, amidst the pursuit of personal bests and podium finishes, let us not forget about the individuals who support us along the way — the coaches who inspire us, the friends who cheer us on, and the fellow athletes who share our journey. It’s essential to pause and reflect on the smaller things sometimes.