Outside Expectations - Don’t Let Them Be a Success Killer

It is no mystery why, after watching the new Beatles documentary, I wake up each morning with four words in my head, “Don’t let me down.” Though I would have suggested to them, the lyrics should have continued with, “Easier said than done.”

Those Dang Outside Expectations

I’ll never forget this. After my solid season with the Seattle Mariners in 1984, they hired a new hitting coach. Upon meeting him, a great guy, I will add, he says, “I hear you are awesome.” Wow, that is cool of him to say that, especially seeing how I never thought of myself as even being good. Just me. Of course, he had every good intention, but what I heard was, “Don’t let me down.” You see, self-expectations are normal and expected for achievement, no pun intended, but getting them from the outside world is another matter. The stakes go way up when people expect high achievement, and the pressure that produces can overwhelm them. Needless to say, my 1985 season did not go as hoped.

It is why, I suppose, so many big-time free agents seem to struggle at first when they receive the large contract, with Francisco Lindor popping into mind. Add in the big-city pressures of New York and their fan base expectations, and it is indeed a difficult transition.

Of course, even self-expectations can be a success killer. In my second athletic life as a runner, I often think the next extended run will be a piece of cake, turning into a real bear. So, the question becomes, how does one handle expectations from within and without you? It’s evident from the story above, I don’t know, but I will do my best to surmise anyway. And, I’ve tried to help my hitting students do it for the past 33 years of dealing with the outside expectations from parents and coaches.

 Handling Outside Expectations

·         Don’t say, “I don’t care what others think,” when it is obvious caring has helped get you into this predicament.

·         Recognize the things you control, your preparation, and your effort.

·         Do say, “Just do the things that got me here, and I have done so many times before.”

·         Attend to the basics and do not try to do more than what is logical

·         Be patient; knowing the nature of sports and life is the constant ups and downs.

·         Do your best to enjoy the process and challenge.

·         Don’t let pressure change who you are and want to be

·         Remember, The cream always rises in the end.

·         Never fail to laugh some each day

Finally, a line from above is a good one to repeat because so often, “It’s easier said than done.”  

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