Can ‘Drop the Ball’ Be a Positive Thing?

I’ve already broken into a cold sweat thinking about writing the phrase “drop the ball” in relation to my life. I’ve never actually heard it as a positive affirmation or been told to just do. The concept is so forgien and has been drilled so specifically into my psyche as a sign of weakness that shifting my mindset would be a serious undertaking. 

That’s why it surprised me so much that while listening to the Stuff Mom Never Told You recent episode “Role Overload: Working Mothers” I was constantly nodding my head as it relates to the concept of “dropping the ball.” 

They interviewed Tiffany Dufu, who wrote the book “Drop the Ball” and discussed her take on defining what being a good mom means to you. This included deciding not to attend a piano recital, but ensuring you make time every night to sit down and talk about their day. 

It’s basically setting your own priorities and not letting those “outside” your world change how you feel. It is absolutely easier said than done, but something I feel is relatively actionable. 

Does it mean that it takes a bit longer for me to advance at work? Maybe. Does it mean that there will be times that I won’t make it to a school event? Almost definitely. But, it will be on my terms.