When I played (there’s that phrase that kids LOVE to hear!!) I had to learn what worked for me. I had to take bit and pieces from all the things I had learned from others along with what I was learning about myself to get the most out of what I was inherently born with. It look a while (about 25 years), a lot of failing, a lot of success, a lot of trial and error to finally get to the point where I was confident enough to know when a bad day happened that it wasn’t a reflection of my abilities, it was just a bad day. The emotions of that moment/day wouldn’t carry over into the next. When I went home after that day at the park those emotions were gone. My family needed me, not someone else.
When I was given the opportunity to coach I was excited at the chance to help others achieve their life long dreams. But there was one big problem, though I did well with learning what worked for me, I failed to realize there was many more ways to do it than how I did it, how I was taught to do it and how I figured out to do it. I went into that first season much less prepared than I thought I was.
That first year coaching was one of the biggest learning experiences of my life. I was humbled very quickly but just like being a player, I had to use that season as a learning experience top get better if I wanted to continue. To this day and after playing with and working with hundreds, maybe 4 digits, of athletes over the years, I’m still learning but now it’s them who are my most impactful teachers. They may not realize it but their different personalities, abilities and ages force me to find ways to help them all while at the same time not judge them, compare them negatively or treat them differently with the attention I give. They FORCE me to be better.
I’ve also been sharing and teaching on SM for the last 10 years and it’s been another great learning experience. I’ve put my foot in my mouth many times as we all have throughout our lives. Learned there are many different views, opinions and thoughts on dang near any topic. There will be some that agree and some that disagree on the same messages. Some feel the same way while others want to straight up argue. The same wording is read one way by some and another by others. Social Media is literally an education in Social Emotions. Keyboard courage is a real thing and something I got caught up in early but not any longer. I’m not here for those people, I’m here for those who are looking for it and realize there is “More Ways Than 1” to look at and do things.
None of us know it all. There are, and always has been, “More Ways Than 1” to do this thing called life. Be open minded, be curious, not confrontational, ask questions, observe, experiment, try to really understand why different things work for others and keep growing.
Founder of Baseball Dudes. Blessed with three beautiful children and an amazing wife. Baseball is my life, after my family, and I love sharing what I have learned from it. Thanks for taking the time to view what we offer here at Baseball Dudes.
