Play the game the right way to the final out. I learned this lesson the hard way as a young coach. We were playing our conference rivals and were up a few runs in the 7th – a healthy lead. I started mentally planning what I’d say to the team after this win. Sure enough, our lead started to slip away. Always does. I took my attention off of the game and I missed some key moments. Rookie mistake, valuable learning.
Don’t get high when you’re up, don’t get low when you’re down. Stay in the game to the very last out. Stay present. Don’t start mentally spending those new contract dollars until it’s signed, sealed, delivered. Don’t count on the new job until your first day on it. Celebrate when there’s actually something to celebrate, not the idea of what you might celebrate. Stay present, play the game the right way – I believe the game rewards you when you do.
BUILT TO LEAD 