Tiger, Tiger, Tiger…

For me, a typical Friday night out on the town in Newport Beach, California often includes dinner and movie with friends.

This weekend was no different.

Halfway through a just-released holiday movie, in a sweet scene, a grandpa was trying to impress his grandson by attempting to hit a golf ball off an elevated par three tee onto a small, round green set among trees. In typical “grandpa is bragging and has no reason to do so” fashion, the grandpa compares himself and his swing to “Tiger.”

If this movie had opened last month, the reference to Tiger’s name (at least in my location, which boasts of numerous resort golf courses) would have elicited a huge smile or the friendly poke of an elbow, affirming the esteemed quality of the world-renowned player being mentioned by the grandpa.

Not this weekend. No. In a theater of hundreds of moviegoers, the mention of Tiger’s name elicited an unexpected reaction: laughter. There was no hush of immediate respect given the world’s number one golfer. Nor was there much sympathy. Instead, the vast majority of this roomful of adults (not watching SportsCenter, so not expecting sporting news) snickered at the mention of his name.

At least in this public setting, Tiger’s name—and perhaps even his brand—no longer garnered a collective response of awe for his iconic athletic power and prowess. Instead his name seemed to equate more with embarrassment and weakness.

The entire scenario begs the question, “Can a reputation be changed?”

The definition of change means “the act of becoming different.”

I’m convinced that the power to change requires admission that you (1) have a problem and (2) need the help of God and others to become different. Following on the heels of such an admission (with true remorse as the motivation), there must be a daily action plan that includes real accountability if change—the act of becoming different--is ever going to be sustained.

I know. As a recovering alcoholic, I’ve been at the lowest point of personal shame and found that asking forgiveness from God and others then making innumerable public and personal amends is one sure way to restore trust and rebuild a reputation. But it is a process that takes time and effort.

For the sake of any individual and their family in the midst of public embarrassment or private disappointment, I am confident that taking the necessary time and effort to make consistent, measurable little changes will lead to big results…beginning with the restoration of ones closest relationships.

Be encouraged,

Becky