Who is on your Bandwagon?

As Northeast Ohio heals from the disappointing end to an otherwise great basketball season for the Cleveland Cavaliers, I can’t help but notice that the reaction varies from fan to fan.

I notice that some people are quick to point fingers of blame and jump off the bandwagon, vowing that they are no longer fans of the team they grew up rooting for (although I know next season when the Cavs go on a hot streak they will all be back on the bandwagon, so we need to save room for them).

As I was at the game that ended the season and observed those “fans” around me, I noticed how easy it is for many to cheer for their team when your team is winning but those same “fans” are just as quick to turn on the team when they suffer an unexpected loss.

It is only those “die-hard” fans who demonstrate the strength and commitment required to stand behind your team when they are struggling that are true fans.

I couldn’t help but wonder if these same people are like this with their loved ones. Do they look for blame when things aren’t going well or do they acknowledge the effort and know that when someone fails it’s not their intention to fail, rather the outcome was the result of circumstances, possibly beyond their control. In sports, it could be injuries to key players. In life it could be health issues that prevent us from achieving our current goal.

The key is to never give up in either case. Do your best and keep focused on the present and not the past.
I know that I want those people in my corner who are filled with strength and support for me whenever I need them and not just when times are good.

I also wonder if these “bandwagon” fans would like their support system to adopt the same strategy with them when things aren’t going as planned, that they do with others?

What I learned from all this is that we should all choose our circle wisely and give to others as you would want them to give to you. Unlike professional sports teams, each of us can choose who we allow on our bandwagon! Choose wisely.

Go Cavs!