Team Building - Free Life Lessons From Baseball

Do you ever feel that no matter what you doextraordinary ballplayer will get one hit every
for your business, you just can't seem to achievethree at bats for a.333 average. In those same
the level of success you desire? Have youtwenty at bats, he gets 6 hits instead of five.
wondered why it seems that success comesThat one hit will determine which players get to
easy to some while you seem to be stuck in aactually play the game and which players get to
rut? You can visualize and make all the positivewatch from the sidelines and ride the bench. Just
affirmations you want, (In my case, centerfieldone hit makes all the difference between earning
for the NY Yankees has already been taken), butan average salary and landing multimillion dollar
the truth of the matter is that if you don't takecontracts and endorsement deals. If done for an
action and apply the following lessons, success willextended period of time, that player who hit.333
be that much harder to come by.instead of.250 will end up in the Hall of Fame and
The fact is that in many cases, people knowearn a place among baseball's immortals.
what they want. They may have a clear cut goal,Business success is achieved by those who strive
but they just have a hard time getting started.to improve constantly, even by the smallest
Others may think that attaining their goal willmargin. A small effort can turn ordinary results
require an extraordinary effort. Some just give upinto extraordinary ones.
too easy.Lesson #3: Never Give Up
I was watching a movie the other day, and thereDuring the 1920's, George Herman "Babe" Ruth's
was a line in it which said, "Never let the fear oflarger than life personality was responsible for
striking out, keep you from playing the game."establishing baseball as America's pastime. Not only
After giving some thought to it, I realized thatwas he a character, but he was a great hitter
there are some very valuable lessons to be(and pitcher before making the switch!) and on
learned from the game of baseball. These areseveral occasions, he led the league in home runs.
lessons that can be applied to our business as wellHowever, who do you think was also one of the
as our personal success. The following are 3league leaders in striking out? That's right, Ruth.
lessons on business success we learn fromNonetheless, even after striking out, Babe Ruth
baseball.knew that the next time up at bat, he was
Lesson #1: Take Actioncapable of hitting a home run. He was so
In the game of Major League Baseball, if youconfident in his ability that legend has it he once
don't swing at the ball, you can't get a hit. In"called" one of his shots by pointing towards the
business and in life, if you don't dare to take aright field bleachers signaling to where the ball was
chance and ask for that promotion, launch yoursupposed to land after he hit it. Even after a
own business, go back to school, pursue thattemporary setback, he would remain focused on
which you've always wanted, you'll be stuck in thehis goal of hitting home runs.
same place!Business success will come to those who realize
Business success is achieved by those who nothat failing often will only move you closer to
matter what the circumstances around them willsuccess. You will suffer setbacks, however remain
take the initiative and take action. Fear will be afocused on your goals and never give up.
factor on many occasions, however, only thoseThe game of baseball has entertained the
who dare to act will achieve success.American public for generations. It's well known
Lesson #2: A Small Effort Goes a Long Wayfor its tradition and history. For years it has
In the game of Major League Baseball, anbrought families and friends together, who leave
average ballplayer will hit about.250 for the entireall worries and preoccupations behind as they
season, thus earning an average salary. He'll getsubmerge themselves in their "field of dreams".
one hit every four times at bat, and as theHowever, if examined closely, we can also enjoy
number of at bats increase, will get five hits ina few lessons in success.
twenty at bats. On the other hand, an