General News
28 June, 2026
Smiles with Sally: The slowest winning time
What would change if you stopped focusing on what you lack and started recognising the courage, value and opportunity already in your life?
As she went through the aid station at the running event she yelled out “I don’t want to come last. My son told me I can’t come last.”
Although I had never met this woman, I yelled back that if you reframe it to “the slowest winning time” so much changes.
She said, “thank you”, “I love that” shared the biggest smile, stood a little taller and continued running with renewed energy.
Not much had changed except her perception of where she placed in the field of runners.
I am guessing she enjoyed the run a whole lot more than being afraid of coming last.
How often does changing the language for the same thing make a huge difference to behaviour moving forward?
Does it reduce fear, provide more confidence or encourage you to try again?
How often do people say, “I’m only a Mum, or a dad”, “I’m single” or “I’m only the person who runs the Auskick sessions, not a player or someone special”.
The truth is they are not just a mum or dad, and running an Auskick session is pretty special in itself.
What if the reaction was, “I am a mother of four beautiful children and so lucky I get to spend time with them each day.”
“I am a father of two children who keep meon my toes each day and remind me how lucky I am to be alive.”
“I am single and able to buy the things I want.”
“Through football I get to help children build confidence, friendships and teamwork."
The situation itself may not have changed, but the meaning attached to it has, and that meaning can shape emotion, behaviour and belief.
Sometimes we can become so focused on what we are not, where we feel we’re lacking, or how we compare ourselves to others that we completely overlook the beauty, courage and value already present in our lives.
A simple reframe sure can make a difference and make a perceived negative very positive.
So, this week if you are feeling a little down on yourself or see someone else who is, offer a reframe that changes to a more positive perspective.