Reflecting on Your Response to Failure

Some time ago I wrote a post titled “Lessons from the T-Ball Field” and my readers loved it. For this post, let’s journey to the other end of the baseball spectrum — the World Series. I’ve heard both commentators and fans call the 2017 games “instant classics.” Admittedly, I don’t have any kind of comparative basis, but I do know that the games have been so fun to watch and I am thrilled with the Astros’ win given all Houston is enduring from hurricane Harvey.

By the way, even if you are not a fan, watch the highlights from game #5. It was fantastic and even as a novice I can see why it has been called, “one of the most unforgettable contests in the history of the sport’s championship series.”

Business and life lessons continually played out on the ball field. Don’t worry – I’m well aware that untold number of books exists on life lessons via all different sports AND I know my limits …indulge me for a minute and let’s take a look at just one.

In the 7th inning of that incredible Game 5, with a runner on first and one out, Astros fan favorite (and ultimate Series MVP) George Springer dove for, and missed, a line drive hit. This allowed the Dodgers to take the lead 8-7. Springer commented on his miss, “I thought I could make a play. I didn’t. It’s a very lonely feeling to know that I made a bad decision. I’ll own up to it. I should have stopped it.”

So, you miss your mark and the consequences are real.

Ever been there? Of course you have, we all have!

The bigger question is: how did you respond?

Sure, the angry-sad-disappointed-sucker-punch-to-your-confidence is real! Scenarios like this were common during these games. What struck me was the players can’t dwell on their failures AT ALL. They must move on and they must move on quickly.

Setting aside his feelings, Springer did move on. He was the first to bat for the next Astros’ offense and guess what he did? He hit a home run allowing the Astros to tie the game! So cool.

Lessons:

1. There is a time and a place to process feelings and a time to compartmentalize them so that you can deal with what is waiting for you now
2. Get out of the dug-out
3. Step up to the plate and rely on your intellect, skills and training to help you through the next step

Waiting for Game 7 to start one announcer asked another, “What will it take for a team to win this game?”

Typical announcer babble followed but he finishes with, “and they absolutely can’t be afraid of failure.” I’m glad George Stringer wasn’t.

So, my question for you is: What feelings to do you need to set aside so you can get out of the dug-out?

As always, I welcome your thoughts and comments.

Gigi