“I never blame myself when I’m not hitting. I just blame the bat and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn’t my fault that I’m not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?”
― Yogi Berra

I grew up playing a lot of baseball, and along the way, I picked up a lot of clichés. As I grew up, I came to realize that those baseball clichés reflect a lot of truths about life. Here are a few examples.

Baseball is won between the lines.

Study, practice, and preparation are all important, but ultimately, you need to get on the field and play the game.

Help your own cause.

This typically applies to a pitcher that is batting. If he gets a hit, and especially if he drives in a run, he helps his own cause. Sometimes, we need to step outside our specialty, our comfort zone, and do the job that needs to be done.

A walk is as good as a hit.

When you just need to get on base, a walk is as good as a hit. You don’t always need to hit home runs. Sometimes, you take what life gives you and improve your situation incrementally.

Keep your eye on the ball.

It’s rule #1 of baseball. Whatever the distractions, understand what’s actually important and keep your focus there.

Don’t get caught napping.

Once you’re on base, stay alert so you don’t get picked off. In life, don’t let the little wins distract you from your real goals.

It comes down to execution.

Talent doesn’t win ballgames. It doesn’t make sales, write code, or lay bricks either. It takes talent plus hard work to get the job done.

Pick your poison.

Do you want to pitch around their best hitter and face a power hitter with a runner on base? Should you walk the eighth spot batter with the winning run at third and first base open or try to strike him out? When there’s no obvious answer, just “pick your poison” and do your best.

It ain’t over ’til it’s over.

Don’t give up. Don’t quit. Keep grinding. Just because you’re losing doesn’t mean you can’t come back and win.

It’s supposed to be fun.

Baseball’s a game, so have fun. Even when you’re hot, sweaty, dirty, tired, losing, or whatever — have fun. Life isn’t just a game, but that’s all the more reason to focus on the positives. Cut out the negativity and stay positive. Sure, there will be setbacks, negatives, and difficult times, but there can also be excitement, adventure, friends and family, good food, new challenges, and so much more.

“Sometimes,” said General Morpurgo, taking her hand, “dreams are all that separate us from the machines.”
― “The Fall of Hyperion” by Dan Simmons

To nerds like me, sometimes there seem to be a lot of parallels between software and people.

• Big data => Knowledge
• Data analysis => Understanding
• Upgraded hardware => Workout
• Fix a bug => Create a good habit
• Add a feature => Learn a new skill
• Improved UI => Dress for success
• Improved UX => Attitude of gratitude

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”
― Beverly Sills

There is no shortcut to knowledge, but you can optimize your learning.

There is no shortcut to fitness, but you can improve your workouts.

There is no shortcut to wealth, but you can start investing now.

There is no shortcut to happiness, but you can choose gratitude and kindness.

There is no shortcut to greatness, but you can take ownership of everything in your life.

“Losers visualize the penalties of failure. Winners visualize the rewards of success.”
― William S. Gilbert

Babe Ruth stuck out 1,330 times.
Michael Jordan missed 16,402 shots.
Martin Brodeur allowed 2,781 goals.
Dan Marino threw 252 interceptions.

People remember your wins, not your losses.

“Difficult roads always lead to beautiful destinations.”
― Zig Ziglar

It’s easy to be grateful for the good things in life. Anyone can be thankful when things are going well.

It’s admirable if you find the strength to be grateful during trials and tribulations. It takes fortitude to remain grateful for the blessings in your life when you’re suffering.

But can you be grateful for the pain? Can you be grateful for the suffering? Can you be grateful for the heartbreak, the loss, the storm, the struggle itself?

“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.”
― J.P. Morgan

May the New Year bring you many new adventures and opportunities! May you experience peace, health, and joy throughout 2022! Happy New Year to you and your family!

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
― Luke 2:14

Merry Christmas! May you be blessed today and always!

“Of course I’m crazy, but that doesn’t mean I’m wrong.”
― R.A. Wilson

Isn’t it funny that the Christmas season begins with Christmas eve, yet most people put up their decorations before Advent?

Isn’t it funny that we have high unemployment when every company seems to be hiring?

Isn’t it funny that people say they have no time but find the time to binge-watch Netflix every weekend?

Isn’t it funny that we have so many people searching for a purpose, but the churches are empty?

Isn’t it funny that we can talk to anyone with the touch of a button, but haven’t called our parents in six months?

Isn’t it funny that we know what to do but rarely ever do it?

“If it’s a priority you’ll find a way. If it isn’t, you’ll find an excuse.”
― Jim Rohn

When your to-do list is too long to fit on one page ― prioritize.

When you don’t know what to do next ― prioritize.

When you feel like you’re floundering ― prioritize.

When you’re running out of time ― prioritize.

When you’re bored ― prioritize.

When you have too many choices ― prioritize.

When you’re not sure how to resolve a problematic situation ― prioritize.

When people are counting on you ― prioritize.

“Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.”
― Sam Walton

Do you want to be a better leader?

It turns out there’s a simple way to level up as a leader almost instantly.

It’s simple but not always easy.

Give everyone else all the credit.

That’s it. Simple, huh?

But I put a lot of work into this!

I get it. It doesn’t matter. Give credit to your boss. Give credit to your team. Give credit to your spouse, your parents, and your kids.

Now, I don’t mean you should lie. I don’t mean you should artificially give praise. Instead, figure out how other people contributed and publicly recognize that.

Maybe a teammate took on a menial task to free you up. Perhaps your boss didn’t micromanage all week, or a subordinate did their job right the first time.

Don’t let your pride get in the way. You will win in the long run.