“Who do you think you are? I am!” – It’s not every day that you hear something like that. In fact, it doesn’t make a lick of sense. But these were the words uttered, or should I say proclaimed, by Pete Weber after winning his 5th US Open bowling title last weekend (the most in the history of the sport).
Other than being entertained by the video below, which I’ll admit, even after watching it 20+ times, is still incredibly entertaining, there’s something to be learned from Pete, a man who’s known for his celebratory outbursts – my personal favorite being the “suck it” chop ala WWF’s Degeneration X.
We all need to allow ourselves to get excited, this excited, about our successes and accomplishments.
We inherently focus on the challenges and obstacles, while never giving ourselves credit for a job well done. Whether it be hitting a round of golf anywhere near 90 (still have to work on that one myself), landing a big-name client, or losing five pounds, whatever the achievement, recognize it, and celebrate it. Let yourself get caught up in the moment.
While some (many) will look at Pete’s celebration as classless and arrogant, I look at it as someone who has achieved greatness in his sport, recognizes it, and isn’t afraid to let his accomplishment sweep over him and in this case, overwhelm him.
It’s a 30-second outburst that, from the outside looking in, has him looking like the Shooter McGavin of the bowling alley. But for Pete it’s a milestone. It’s a celebration. It’s the summit. And there’s nothing wrong with letting yourself go and enjoying every single second of the moments that really matter.
“Yes! God damn it! Yes! That is right! I did it! I never thought…are you kidding me?! That’s right! Who do you think you are? I am! Damn it, right!”
I don’t know about you, but I’m making this my daily affirmation.