What makes the Dream work?

Spoiler Alert… this is NOT a sport-themed email… so please bare with me.

Manchester United, a club in transition, a team stuck in a rut, this massive club, one of the biggest names in world football, is now a laughing stock to most of its rivals.

Most fans say the club owners have it this way, but on match day, the players who take the pitch are responsible for doing the work.

The 16/18 players who train day in and day out have a job to do, an end goal in mind.

And it has been shown that when one or two of these players are not prepared to do the work or do not buy into the manager's philosophy, they have lost their love for the club, and the whole thing could and has seemed to fall apart.

(sadly, as a fan, I've witnessed it too many times)

Take the two Irish rowers who won a European medal during the week, Fintan McCarthy and Paul O'Donovan.

In their post-row interview, O' Donnavan praised the hard work of McCarthy that did it for them, but this was not true.

Without the joint effort in some capacity, this incredible feat would not off been possible.

The goal, which was to win a gold medal or at least get placed, was indeed successful, regardless of who did the most work during the race.

Such are the similarities in our relationships as we embark on a journey of self-development.

When we decide to look at things differently and look at ourselves more deeply, it is vital not to feel we have to do this alone, to try to communicate appropriately with partners or those close to us to prevent any unnecessary conflict between you and them.

Speaking out and explaining how you are feeling and the emotions that are coming up will allow a more effortless flow within the relationship.

Opening the lines of communication can only enhance how you look at one another and view the relationship.

Embracing the vulnerability and supporting one another without one feeling pressured to try "fix" the other.

This action IS Teamwork.

This is the outcome of two people with the same goal.

Not necessarily two people on the same journey but two willing to make the sacrifices to make something work.

Finding that middle ground to allow the process to unfold, the foundation that BOTH are comfortable with to progress to the next level.

Both make similar sacrifices in their way, so it is not all one-sided.

The dropping of the ego, losing the fear, the judgment, that others can see things differently than you.

Being open to change and growth with the support of one another.

People will always criticize, judge, or have an opinion, but knowing that the majority of the time, this is "their" stuff and not yours helps the learning to continue more freely.

But at the same time, doing this work alone also requires this support.

Where it is a solo project, it requires you to be kind to yourself and support yourself with the end goal in mind.

Please make sure you surround yourself with like-minded people who are prepared to see the world differently and who remove all judgment of themselves and others.

The goal is to better yourself each day than the day before.

It may seem like an uphill battle, but once you get up that hill, your view of how we see the world appears much clearer. This view is so worth the struggles.

You get to look back and see how far you have come, and you understand you are not the same person as before.

When this happens, this is the gold medal of life.

You can look back, see some of your mistakes, and see them as lessons instead of beating yourself up or self-sabotaging, like before.

This type of work can also be done in therapy if it seems scary to do alone, where one person becomes two with the end goal shared.

The help, guidance, and support of your therapist help you battle with that inner critic that would much rather you go the easy way and stay as you are.

Yes, this requires hard work, but once prepared to do this,

Who will see the massive benefits.. You.

And from then on, when new people enter your life, you will better understand yourself and your values.

This knowledge can only aid in a healthier way of living.

Each day becomes an adventure, filled with new learnings and less confusion.

You are becoming your higher self.

You may even learn to accept things a little easier and not take things so seriously.?

Unless, of course, like me and you support Manchester United, who continues to test my patience weekly.

As always, thanks for reading.

Marcus.