While
sitting in the stands of a major league baseball game, I noticed some uncanny
similarities between what was taking place on the field and how we manage the
swings, misses and foul balls that occur in our careers.
Much
like the batter, we are bound to face fastballs that seem to materialize out of
nowhere—unexpected job loss, corporate takeovers, economic downturns—just to
name a few. So what is a batter to do?
These
observations may help:
1. It is difficult to advance without
taking a swing. Odds are high that if we stand in place hoping
for four walks or a wild pitch, we are going to end up back on the bench. The
same result holds true if we wait for the actions of others to help us advance
our careers. Even those who never make it into the big leagues are clearly
better off for taking proactive steps, as anyone who aspires will be quick to
affirm.
2. Casting blame is unproductive.
Calling out the hurler over the difficulty of the pitches does about as much
good as castigating those behind the plate who call the strikes and balls. The
umpires, those third parties who measure our performance, are no more at fault
for the course of our careers than are the challenging pitches that come our
way. It is far more productive to study outside influences and adjust
accordingly.
3. Focus on fundamentals. Good
batters are students of the game. They build with focus on their strengths and
core fundamentals. Top hitters are disciplined in executing. Regardless of the
career, applying discipline to fundamental skills will generate healthy pride.
In the end, it is the self-aware players who complete their careers with
well-deserved satisfaction, no matter their final batting averages.
4. Hold to a high standard. There
will always be players who seek shortcuts, who cross ethical lines to enhance
their records, who skirt the rules. The true pros are those stars who embrace
their professions as meaning much more than just playing a game. These stars
hold themselves to a higher standard; whether they find that their
accomplishments are applauded or are little noted as routine expectations.
Whatever
the game, whatever the challenges thrown our way, we are always free to choose
how we play the game. The ability to advance our results is held firmly in our
own hands.
And if
you happen to be the one on the pitching mound or the person managing the team,
always admire the pluck and confidence of those holding the bat who aspire to
advance with verve.
“I don’t see pitches down the middle
anymore. Not even in batting practice.”
Hank
Aaron
Image courtesy of hin255 at freedigitalphotos.net
