A long pep post

15 posts in... say... a week? That's like "population boom" haha.

Anyway, I'm here to blog about some reflections that came to my mind.

You know sometimes, some of our team people may seem or appear to be very aloof, or unmotivated, or maybe they just put canoe polo as a less important priority because of certain reasons.

Since we're girls, one thing that we're very different from the guys is that we are more capable of being nice and less capable of being harsh.

Truth to be told, sometimes a little pep talking would be good, reminding everyone to "buck up"!!! To be serious, to work harder. It works for a team full of really motivated team members.

But what happens if there just seems to be a few who are like lost sheep? Do you get mad/annoyed at them more easily than usual?

Actually, what they need is genuine support from you girls. Just imagine if some people miss training for some time, and when they go back for CCA, people are blaming them for not going for training. It is true that they have the responsibility to go for trainings, but it will instead turn out to be a vicious cycle if they feel unwelcomed, and do not want to go for trainings even more.

If we can all change perspectives, and be brimming full of encouragements for these people, it will definitely have a more positive effect. The team will also be more bonded and have more rapport.

Maybe we can start simply by asking "hey what happened to you today? how come you were not at training? are you okay?" & if they give a reply showing that they are really sian, then it's time to give some encouragement, like "we really hope you can come back and join us! you're important to the team." I'm sure every girl has something that other girls can learn, that's why everyone is valuable, nobody is dispensable.

It is this mutual support that is the foundation of the whole team, if not the team would just break up into cliques and the lost sheep will be even more lost. Reach out your hand to them, maybe they will not take it at first, but be persistent!! It does not take much to just lend them a listening ear or give them words of encouragement. They will think around it one day. One great way would also be to ask them to join in informal, mini training sessions like ball passing and going to the gym. Great way to bond.

(I remember once I went to the gym and WeiTieng & Jiayi were very happy 'cos they said they'll have one more buddy to gym with on Tuesdays. Although I didn't go to the gym anymore after that, what they said did make me feel appreciated.)

I have to admit that I am actually one of the people who lost motivation along the way. Wanyu, Magneline and some others never stopped encouraging me. It is really because of their undying faith in me that made me persevere on even though I found it increasingly difficult near the end. That's why I typed this reflection, because I hope that you girls can give lost sheep like me a hand.

Of course, for the lost sheep, if you feel that you are one, do try to go down for trainings whenever you can. I'm sure they still hope for you to be there to continue to fight with them hand in hand. Don't skip trainings if you can help it, you know that people are counting on you too!! While you may still want your teammates to have faith and hope in you, you must play your part well too =)

All in all, LOVE is very important. It really defines the team as a team. (Personal responsibility is important too)

PERSEVERE!!! =)

p.s. sorry if this post is kinda messy but i hope you girls get what i'm trying to say~