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Astronaut Michael Collins was instrumental in the success of Apollo 11’s mission to place men on the moon. Collins piloted the spaceship, remaining on the ship and carefully circling the moon as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin riveted the world with the first moon landing.
While he never set foot on the sandy surface, Collins’ support from aboard the spaceship was the difference between failure and success and, ultimately, brought a victorious end to President Kennedy’s promise to safely land on the moon and return to earth.
I recently assumed a supporting role similar to that of Collins. And when I say “similar”, I don’t mean nearly as historic … let’s be clear.
On New Year’s Day, I went to the North Shore of Boston to encourage and document two friends diving into the Atlantic Ocean.
People asked me if I was going to participate, but the Polar Plunge was on their bucket list; not mine. As I snapped photos on my camera, I noticed the spectators around me praising the divers and their courage.
At that moment, I knew I had a choice: I could feel left out, or I could focus on my job: as the videographer. It would be easy to give into my feelings of jealousy. It would be easy to envy the attention my friends were receiving. The choice was to do that, or do my job and be their champion. Be their Michael Collins.
I chose to be proud. I am in awe of my friends for their bravery to complete the Polar Plunge on that crisp winter day. The photos I took, captured the happiness and adventure of that moment. Their courage warmed me and reminded me of the importance of being okay with watching from the shore. I did my job and captured their beaming smiles as they emerged from the water.
Take the plunge into your job. Hone in on how you can support, reassure, and encourage. I encourage you to be okay with being behind the scenes and focus on your task at hand. Roles behind the scenes require hard work and dependability- both crucial to success. So whether you’re cheering on your daughter at her first soccer game or videotaping your best friend doing a handstand, give yourself the credit and space for doing YOUR job. Allow yourself to experience from a new perspective and rejoice in others’ accomplishments. Channel Michael Collins and do your job.
What are your thoughts? Do people notice your job? Does it matter to you? Comment below.
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Diane Darling is an author, speaker, and entrepreneur. See Diane in action and learn more about her topics here. McGraw-Hill published her books, The Networking Survival Guide and Networking for Career Success, now in 9 languages. She published, "She Said It: A collection of quotes by remarkable women."
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