Pay Attention - Education is the Key to Success and is Right in Front of You

Words I spoke to a ballplayer just yesterday after listening to them about their disgust with their coach’s moves – “Life is not always fair.”

That was easy to say because it’s something one of my coaches, Del Crandall, said to me many years ago. I was very down in the dumps when an organizational move didn’t go my way. It just didn’t seem fair.

At the time, I didn’t know I would spend the rest of my life working with young athletes, but now it all makes sense – life has a way of circling back. I’ve come to realize that situation happened to me for a reason. Along with that life lesson, another came with it – “Loyalty doesn’t extend very far.” No matter what one gives to benefit a situation, that can disappear quickly.

Besides my parents, the biggest influences in my early life were 3 of my sports coaches. Each shaped my life for the better, and none did it with earth-shaking actions but with simple words. Just as important, they all had the same way of inspiring – with just a look. They looked me in the eyes, and their eyes shouted, “I believe in you.” Knowing and feeling that someone believes in you as an athlete and as a person is a powerful experience.  Lesson learned? The look you give can be the best form of motivation possible.

Education Opens the Door for Success

I wish I could say my college education was beneficial for any future successes I’ve had, but the truth is my education mostly came from the ball diamond. The advantage of age allows me to recognize that the education I received on the playing fields was the key to success in life after my sports career.

When I look back, many lessons came in each phase of my career and are one’s I pass on to this day.

1.     As a youth player, I learned rules are rules after a coach snuck me in to play little league baseball as a nine-year-old when the age limit was 10 – 12 years old. Many parents, rightfully or not, believe their child should play with older kids, but it is probably not worth the “blowback.”

2.     As a teenage ballplayer, I learned success would have to be fought for when my rocket of an arm deserted me, never to return. Adversity comes for all, once one is unwilling to fight, it’s time to move on to another adventure.

3.     In high school, I learned what leaders do – empower others – when the most outstanding leader I’ve ever known, Gordie Gillespie, asked me, a high school athlete, for my advice by saying, “What do you think we should do here.” The “My Way or the Highway” approach is no way to go.

4.     In college, I learned, “Good was not good enough when better is possible and expected.” My coach, Johnny Reagan, would tell us he could go into any dorm on campus to find players who could do the ordinary. We, the team, can do much more if we apply ourselves. When mediocrity becomes acceptable, it’s another reason to move on to another endeavor.

Remember, The Success Trail is a long, winding path, but heeding the journey’s lessons makes finishing and enjoying it possible.