Since when did a home run become the most accepted measure of success? Unbelievable heights, amazing speeds and world records…sure they are impressive, but I would like to propose a slightly different perspective when looking at these situations. Forget about the spectator and let’s concentrate on the performer…you! When a batter steps up to the plate, are you thinking about blasting it out of the park and getting a home run? Or just getting on base? Sure, a home run is very impressive and everyone goes “Ooo…Ahhh…Wow” but look at it another way. There is only ONE way to score from home plate but there are dozens of ways to score from other bases. So sometimes, just getting to first base increases your odds of scoring dramatically. Maybe with less enthusiastic accolades from the stands, but you are on base! There might even be times when not even swinging the bat is better than trying for a spectacular grand slam.
You don’t always have to perform at superhuman levels to do something that really matters. How much pressure do you unnecessarily put on your shoulders to live up to the performance you believe is expected from you? Or maybe the pressure is what YOU expect from yourself. A run is still a run even if it is achieved one base at a time. Perhaps a better approach would be to: 1.) Be content in doing your best 2.) Be content in enjoying the process even when it doesn’t end how you hoped it would. We’ve become attracted to the extraordinary as opposed to the consistent. If there is some other reward you seek for your efforts, maybe your intentions need to be examined a little closer.
In the Hollywood movie “Moneyball” a room full of ball club top executives were all discussing their desires for top hitters and glittery players to replace the talent of one player who left to play for another team that offered him more money. However, the manager took a new approach and made his lineup decisions based on who was the most consistent at simply getting on base. The idea was not widely received at the time, but in the end, it proved a wise move.
Also consider that sometimes a “sacrifice” play is better for the team so more players can score. Remember, statistically, the probability of those already on base to score runs for the team is higher than the odds of hitting a home run every time. Always be looking for ways to elevate others, to advance them to the next base, even in the actions YOU take. More people will succeed in scoring runs and the team will win more games. It is our human nature that drives us to desire more for ourselves, but we need to live beyond the depth of our skin and live in the hearts of others. As I have said before; “Find a mentor, be a mentor”. Both require humility in realizing we aren’t always the very best, and there are always others who can benefit from your help.
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
– Proverbs 11:2
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
– Philippians 2:3