growth

Don’t Widen Home Plate: A Baseball Metaphor for Maintaining Standards and Values

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John Scolinos’ (a baseball coach hall of fame inductee) famous “Home Plate” speech began with him walking onto the stage with home plate hanging from a string around his neck. He asks the audience how wide home plate is in Little League? High school? College? And finally the major leagues? The answer, of course, was 17 inches for all levels of play. In his speech, he repeats, “17 inches… 17 inches… 17 inches…”

He goes on to ask, “what is this trying to tell us?” A dramatic pause, followed by, “This [home plate] is important! For kids, for teenagers, adults, and all the old guys like me… Certain standards, certain values, certain rules stay the same!” A deafening silence sweeps across the audience as the coaches weigh the gravity of his statement.

He continues by explaining how coaches, players, and society often try to “widen the plate” by bending the rules and compromising standards to make things easier for themselves. Scolinos drives home the point of the importance of maintaining one’s ethics and not compromising one’s values, both in baseball, but perhaps more importantly, in life too.

“If you got a pitcher for crying out loud that can’t get the ball over the plate whatta ya gonna tell ’em, ‘Hey, Larry, don’t worry about it I am going to widen home plate.'” The crowd chuckles. The meaning is clear, pitchers who consistently fail to throw strikes within those 17-inches were not given a wider plate but were instead taught to improve their skills. Scolinos uses home plate as a beautiful metaphor for personal growth, responsibility, and accountability in our lives.

He goes on to ask the coaches in the room, “Let me ask you a question, and you answer it? What will profit you as a coach if you gain all the baseball knowledge and win all the games, but you don’t influence your ball players in the right direction? You guys answer that…” He concluded his speech by encouraging coaches to instill discipline, work ethic, and strong values in their players, ultimately preparing them not just for baseball, but more importantly for life. The home plate around his neck served as a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining consistent standards, no matter the level of play, nor the challenges one may face in life.

Some More Great Sports Related Motivation…

Centering Yourself: Staying Confident Under Pressure

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I was fortunate enough to learn the concept of centering from a sports psychologist named Dr. Betty Wenz. She taught me the power of the useful technique of “centering” for maintaining not only physical, but emotional balance in my life.

Centering is a psychological technique often used in various disciplines, such as sports, performing arts, and meditation, to help individuals maintain focus, composure, and confidence in high-pressure situations. By understanding the concept of centering and learning how to implement it effectively, you can enhance your ability to perform at your best when the stakes are high. In this article, we will discuss the concept of centering and how to utilize it to remain confident under pressure.

Understanding the Concept of Centering

Centering is the process of bringing your attention and awareness to the present moment and focusing on the task at hand. This technique helps you to redirect your focus from distractions, such as anxiety or negative thoughts, and concentrate on what is most important in the situation. By centering yourself, you can achieve a calm and balanced state of mind, allowing you to perform at your peak under pressure.

Techniques for Centering

There are various techniques to help you center yourself and maintain confidence in high-pressure situations. Some common methods include:

  • Deep breathing: Focusing on slow, deep breaths can help calm your mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety. Inhale deeply through your nose, filling your lungs completely, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this process several times until you feel more relaxed and centered.
  • Visualization: Mentally rehearsing a successful outcome can help boost your confidence and focus. Close your eyes and visualize yourself performing the task at hand with ease, poise, and skill. Imagine the sights, sounds, and feelings associated with success, and allow this positive imagery to fill your mind.
  • Grounding: This technique involves connecting with your physical environment to bring your awareness to the present moment. You can do this by focusing on the sensation of your feet touching the ground or the feeling of an object in your hand. Concentrate on these physical sensations to help anchor yourself in the present moment.
  • Positive affirmations: Repeating positive statements to yourself can help reinforce your self-belief and confidence. Choose a phrase that resonates with you, such as “I am calm and focused,” or “I am capable and confident.” Repeat this affirmation to yourself as you prepare for the high-pressure situation.

Implementing Centering Techniques in Your Life

To utilize centering techniques effectively, it is essential to practice them regularly, so they become second nature. Incorporate these techniques into your daily routine, and make a conscious effort to apply them in situations where you feel anxious or under pressure.

For example, if you have an important presentation at work, take a few moments before the meeting to practice deep breathing, visualize a successful outcome, and repeat positive affirmations. As you become more proficient at centering yourself, you will find it easier to remain confident and composed in high-pressure situations.

Understanding the concept of centering and incorporating it into your life can significantly impact your ability to remain confident and perform at your best under pressure. By practicing deep breathing, visualization, grounding, and positive affirmations, you can achieve a more balanced and focused state of mind, allowing you to tackle challenging situations with greater poise and self-assurance.

Centered? Good! Read Some More…

Beyond Lavish Lifestyles: What Athletics Should be Teaching Our Kids

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While the extravagant lifestyles of professional athletes often dominate the headlines, the reality is that only a small percentage of aspiring athletes will ever achieve such “fame” and “fortune”. For example, roughly 3.5% of high school basketball players go on to play collegiate level ball, and of those, only 1.2% will make the cut to play in the NBA1! If you do the math the number is staggeringly small that you will play in the NBA (or NHL, NFL, MLB, pick your acronym…).

If you notice I put quotes around fame and fortune above… This was by design. The pursuit of excellence in athletic training can lead us to “fame” and “fortune”, but not in the way we should envision. Rather than focusing on the glitz and glamour, it’s essential to shift our attention to the valuable lessons and character-building experiences that athletics can provide, which are the true measures of success (at least in this authors opinion). In this article, we will discuss the true benefits of participating in sports and the long-lasting impact it can have on a child’s life.

Emphasizing Teamwork and Cooperation

One of the most significant lessons we can learn from participating in athletics is the importance of teamwork and cooperation. Working together toward a common goal fosters a sense of unity and camaraderie. This teaches children that success is often achieved through collaboration and mutual support. This skill is not only applicable to sports, but also translates to personal and professional relationships throughout life.

Building Resilience and Perseverance

Childhood athletics provides ample opportunities for children to face challenges, setbacks, and even failures. These experiences teach them the value of resilience and perseverance, as they learn to pick themselves up and continue striving for their goals. Developing a strong sense of determination and grit will serve them well in all aspects of life, far beyond the sports field.

Encouraging a Healthy Lifestyle

Participating in sports from a young age instills the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and balanced nutrition. Children who engage in athletics are more likely to develop lifelong habits that promote overall well-being and reduce the risk of chronic health issues later in life.

Developing Time Management and Discipline

Juggling school, sports, and other extracurricular activities requires children to develop effective time management skills and self-discipline. By learning to prioritize their responsibilities and maintain a balanced schedule, children can excel both academically and athletically. These skills will serve them well in their future careers and personal lives.

Boosting Self-Esteem and Confidence

Sports offer a unique opportunity for children to challenge themselves, set goals, and experience the satisfaction of accomplishment. By pushing their limits and achieving personal milestones, children can build self-esteem and confidence that will carry over into other areas of their lives.

Cultivating Social Skills and Sportsmanship

Participation in athletics encourages children to interact with their peers, coaches, and even competitors, honing their social skills and ability to communicate effectively. Additionally, sports provide valuable lessons in sportsmanship, teaching children the importance of respect, fair play, and graciousness in both victory and defeat.

The true value of childhood athletics extends far beyond the possibility of achieving fame and fortune as a professional athlete. By focusing on the lifelong lessons and character development that sports can offer, we can ensure that our children reap the true benefits of their athletic endeavors. As parents and mentors, it’s essential to encourage children to participate in sports for the right reasons – personal growth, development, and the love of the game – rather than chasing the fleeting glamour of professional stardom.

More Inspiration from Sports…

1What percentage of college basketball players make it to the NBA? Exploring the odds. Tyler Rucker. Sportskeeda

The Power of Dedication: Nolan Ryan’s Inspiring Journey to Baseball Greatness

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Nolan Ryan, one of the most legendary pitchers in Major League Baseball history, is a prime example of the incredible power of dedication. His remarkable career, which spanned 27 seasons, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the sport, his craft, and the pursuit of excellence. Let’s delve into the inspiring story of Nolan Ryan and the role dedication played in his journey to baseball greatness.

Early Years and the Spark of Dedication

Born in 1947 in Refugio, Texas, Nolan Ryan quickly developed a love for baseball. He discovered his natural talent for pitching at a young age and began to hone his skills with relentless dedication. His commitment to practice and improvement eventually earned him a spot on his high school team, where he began to make a name for himself as a talented young pitcher.

Rising Through the Ranks

Nolan Ryan’s dedication and hard work paid off when he was drafted by the New York Mets in 1965. Over the next several years, he continued to work diligently on his craft, developing a reputation for his blazing fastball and incredible strikeout ability. His relentless dedication to improvement eventually led him to stints with the California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers, where he solidified his status as a dominant force in the league.

Record-Breaking Career

Throughout his 27-year career, Nolan Ryan’s dedication to the sport was evident in the numerous records he set and the accolades he received. He holds the record for the most career strikeouts with 5,714, as well as the most no-hitters with seven – a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence. Ryan was also an eight-time All-Star and earned the prestigious honor of being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999.

The Role of Dedication in Longevity and Success

Nolan Ryan’s incredible career longevity is another example of his dedication to the sport. He retired at the age of 46, making him one of the oldest players to have ever competed in the Major Leagues. His ability to maintain his high level of performance for nearly three decades can be attributed to his relentless work ethic, discipline, and commitment to maintaining his physical and mental well-being.

Baseball

Lessons from Nolan Ryan’s Journey

The inspiring story of Nolan Ryan teaches us several valuable lessons about the power of dedication:

  • Embrace hard work and perseverance: Success rarely comes without effort. Embrace the process of working hard and pushing through obstacles, just as Ryan did throughout his career.
  • Stay committed to your goals: Ryan’s unwavering commitment to his craft led him to become one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. Stay focused on your goals, even in the face of adversity or setbacks.
  • Prioritize continuous improvement: Never be satisfied with your current level of performance. Like Ryan, strive for constant growth and development in your chosen field.
  • Recognize the importance of longevity: Dedication is not just about short-term success but maintaining a high level of performance over time. Cultivate habits and practices that support your long-term well-being and success.
  • Surround yourself with people who believe in you: A little known fact is how important Nolan’s wife was to his success. It was in many regards her insistance that he continue playing baseball that led him to become one of the greatest pitchers of all time. Sometimes you need someone to kick you in the ass a little bit…

Nolan Ryan’s remarkable journey to baseball greatness is a shining example of the power of dedication. His commitment to the sport, his craft, and his pursuit of excellence allowed him to forge a legendary career that continues to inspire others. By embracing the lessons from Ryan’s story, we can harness the power of dedication in our own lives and pave the way for personal and professional success.

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Tamatoa the Crab: What a Disney Character Can Teach Us About Fulfillment

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Tamatoa is a character from the Disney movie Moana. He is better known as the giant crab who lives in Lalotai, the realm of monsters. Tamatoa is known for his love of treasure and his massive collection of shiny objects. He sings a song called “Shiny” in which he boasts about his love for all things glittery and flashy.

Tamatoa’s love of shiny things can be seen as a metaphor for the human tendency to be attracted to external appearances and superficial qualities, rather than focusing on the more important aspects of life. Just as Tamatoa is obsessed with collecting shiny objects, many people become obsessed with accumulating material possessions, wealth, or social status, often at the expense of neglecting their relationships, personal growth, and inner fulfillment.

This emphasis on superficiality and external validation can lead to a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction, as people realize that the things they thought would bring them happiness and fulfillment do not actually fulfill them. I myself am guilty of this phenomenon (damn you Amazon and Facebook for making it so easy!). Keeping up with the Jones’ is a very real problem that if left unchecked can really cause emotional and financial harm. In contrast, focusing on the more important aspects of life such as personal growth, relationships, and inner fulfillment can bring a deeper sense of satisfaction and contentment. And as a bonus, these things are often much cheaper financially and pay much larger dividends over the long term.

Furthermore, Tamatoa’s love of shiny objects can also be seen as a warning against becoming too attached to material possessions. Just as Tamatoa becomes so focused on his collection of shiny objects that he loses sight of everything else, people can become so attached to their possessions that they forget about the more important things in life. In fact, it is this attachment to shiny things that allow Moana and Maui to escape his grip

In summary, Tamatoa’s love of shiny things can remind us to focus on the more important aspects of life, such as personal growth, relationships, and inner fulfillment, and to avoid becoming too attached to material possessions.

Other Rockin’ Articles

Gandhi leading his people.

Gandhi on Goals: Determination, Sacrifice, and Self-Reflection

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Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian independence activist and political leader who is considered one of the greatest leaders in modern history. He is best known for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, which he used to lead India to independence from British rule. Gandhi’s life and teachings offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to achieve their goals no matter how big or small.

One of the key aspects of Gandhi’s philosophy that can be applied to goal-setting was his emphasis on the importance of determination. Gandhi was relentless in his pursuit of freedom for India and never wavered in the face of adversity. He believed that the key to success was to remain focused and dedicated to this goal, even in the face of massive opposition. He famously said, “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”

Mahatma Gandhi

To achieve your goals, it is essential to cultivate a strong sense of determination and never give up, even in the face of setbacks. This requires a deep understanding of your goals and a clear vision of what you want to achieve. It also means embracing a growth mindset, accepting that failure is a natural part of the process of achieving your goals, and using setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.

Another key aspect of Gandhi’s philosophy that can be applied to goal-setting is his emphasis on the importance of self-discipline. Gandhi was a model of self-discipline and self-control, and he believed that these qualities were essential for success. He understood that success requires hard work and sacrifice, and that it was necessary to put in the effort required to achieve your goals.

To achieve your goals, it is important to develop a strong sense of self-discipline and to cultivate habits that support your goals. This might mean setting aside time each day for focused work, avoiding distractions and temptations, and making sacrifices in the short-term in order to achieve your long-term goals. By practicing self-discipline, you can increase your chances of success and ensure that you are putting in the effort required to achieve your goals.

A third aspect of Gandhi’s philosophy that can be applied to goal-setting is his emphasis on the importance of self-reflection and introspection. Gandhi believed that it was essential to regularly reflect on one’s thoughts and actions, and to continually strive to improve oneself. He argued that self-reflection was a powerful tool for personal growth and that it was necessary for achieving success.

To achieve your goals, it is important to regularly reflect on your progress and to reassess your goals and strategies as needed. This might mean setting aside time each week or month to review your progress, seeking feedback from others, and adjusting your approach as needed. By engaging in self-reflection and introspection, you can ensure that you are on track to achieving your goals and that you are making progress towards your desired outcomes.

Finally, Gandhi’s philosophy can provide inspiration for goal-setting through its emphasis on the importance of compassion and service. Gandhi believed that success was not just about achieving personal goals, but also about making a positive impact on the world. He argued that the key to a fulfilling life was to live with purpose and to use one’s talents and abilities to serve others.

To achieve your goals, it is important to seek out opportunities to give back and to make a positive impact on the world. This might mean volunteering, participating in community service, or using your skills and abilities to help others. By putting others first and seeking to make a positive impact, you can create a sense of purpose and fulfillment that goes beyond personal achievement and success.

In conclusion, Gandhi’s life and teachings provide valuable lessons and inspiration for anyone looking to achieve their goals in life. By focusing on determination, self-discipline, self-reflection, and compassion, a person can increase their chances of success and ensure that they are living a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling. By following Gandhi’s example, a person can cultivate the qualities and habits that are essential for achieving their goals and living a life of purpose and significance.

Ultimately, Gandhi’s philosophy teaches us that success is not just about achieving personal goals, but about living a life that is guided by a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. By embracing Gandhi’s teachings, we can ensure that our goals are aligned with our values and that we are living a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling.

In the end, Gandhi’s legacy reminds us that success is not just about what we achieve, but about how we live our lives. By following Gandhi’s example, we can ensure that our goals are aligned with our values, that we are living a life of purpose and significance, and that we are making a positive impact on the world.