From my earliest memories, I was brought to the front row. Three boys, dressed up, sitting as close to the priest as possible. There were times I didn’t like it. It felt a little showy, like we were trying too hard.

Now, I almost always choose the front row, whether it’s a class, a meeting, or a workshop. Not because I enjoy being the center of attention, but because it was modeled for me.

Most people do the opposite. They gravitate toward the back or the middle. Far enough away to blend in. Close enough to stay unnoticed. Sometimes it’s intentional. Sometimes it’s just a habit. Either way, it creates distance.

You can convince yourself you’ll get just as much out of what’s happening from the back of the room. And in theory, that’s true. But after years of teaching workshops and studying film with our football team, I’ve noticed a pattern.

Focus forms in the front. Distraction forms in the back.

Someone has to sit in the back, but it doesn’t have to be you. What my parents taught me, and what I’m trying to teach my kids, is that the front row matters. It does something to your mindset, and it’s learned from what’s modeled.

The front row is a choice. Sometimes an uncomfortable one. But if you want to be more engaged, more present, and more invested, challenge yourself.

Get to the front row.

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