“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.