Challenges help us to grow. As in baseball, we have to keep “getting in the box” and taking that swing. Let’s ensure that when we do, we “swing like we mean it”. Purposefully, with focus, intention, hope, confidence, and resolute commitment. There’s nothing wrong with a swing and a miss, as long as you keep swinging.
Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True.
And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona.
Not all holes, or games, are created equal.
— George Will
Have you noticed that baseball people see much of life through the lens of baseball? Those who are enamored with the game use various analogies to explain important lessons about life. (Of course, that's also true about golfers, tennis players, etc.)
Babe Ruth, Yogi Berra, Tommy Lasorda, Ernie Banks, and Jackie Robinson are only a few who provided a plethora of wise sayings that are used to motivate and inspire.
Baseball is a lot like life. It's a day-to-day existence,
full of ups and downs. You make the most of
your opportunities in baseball as you do in life.
— Ernie Harwell
Coaching younger players always includes such important, time-tested advice.
You're going to get hit—and it's going to hurt. Face your fear and stand up to it.
Keep your eye on the ball—you can't hit what you can't see. Focus gives advantage.
Practice a balanced stance—hitting is harder when you're teetering. Stability is key.
Don't swing at everything—be selective. Otherwise, you're going to be an easy out.
That's one to strive for because success is more likely when aiming at a single target.
But let him ask in faith, doubting nothing,
for the one doubting is like a wave of the sea,
being blown and being tossed by the wind.
— Matthew 25:29
Dreams and wishes multiply easily, but resolute commitment is the rare element that galvanizes the will, releases the fears, and activates the full capacity of abilities.
Life, like baseball, is full of adversity that tests our skills and our resolve to play on.
It exposes our doubts, tempts us to hesitate, and makes us chase after endless tasks.
We recognize that these challenges are invaluable because they enable us to grow.
So, we step into the batter's box every day fully determined to score one for the team.
Whenever you do anything worth doing, do it with intention and purpose. Swing like you mean it! When you do, you’ll be fully utilizing your incredible talents and precious time to get the most important thing done.
