ONE THING I NEVER DO
It feels absolutely crazy to say that I now have been playing softball for over 20 years. I'm 28. I put on a uniform for the first time at 5 years old, picked up a bat and a ball a lot earlier than that, and here I am still playing 23 years later. TWO DECADES!
Now I feel old, but my point in saying this is that I have been around the block. I have seen every type of softball story you can imagine. I've seen the athlete that burnt out because her parents put too much pressure on her. I have seen the athlete that quits to pursue something else she loves. I have seen the athlete that overcomes the most adverse situations (whether it be multiple injuries, financial struggles, or academic struggles). Most importantly, for the better part of almost 10 years now, I have seen the professional athlete.
I remember when I was first named to Team USA. I was a sophomore at Alabama. I turned 20 while playing with the best 3 letters across my chest. I was young and immature - around the best players in their prime. It was nerve wracking to say the least, but I learned so much from that team and the last 9 years of playing professional softball.
As I look around me today, there is one thing I see stand out among the absolute best of the best. It's something the best of the best never do (& therefore it's something that I NEVER do because I want to be the best softball player who has ever walked the earth - dream big). The best never compare themselves to others. I mean, like, ever. The best pros are so concerned with their own process and improvement and development and they are so wrapped up in the work that they don't have time to look at everyone else.
Let that be a lesson to you. In this age of constant distraction and stimulation, what would happen if you got lost in your work to become a better athlete? What if you just went dark and went to work? The possibilities are endless for you - and that is exactly how the greats think. If this is something you struggle with (which we all do from time to time), here are a few tips to stop comparing yourself to other people.
1. Give up social media. A great way to stop comparing your journeys to others is to stop following so many journeys. It's overwhelming and likely to make you feel like you are never good enough.
2. MOVE. Go for a walk, a run, a bike ride, anything that gets you moving. Comparing yourself to others causes anxiety, and the best medicine can often be movement. I know it's hard for me to think about how many other hitters are hitting when I'm 4 miles deep into a run.
3. Journal your progress. Be so focused and in control of what you are doing daily to improve. We often live each day on autopilot, going through the motions of where we have to be. Write down what you did today to get better and watch yourself fall in love with the journey.
I think Oprah said it best when she said, "You don't have to do what everyone else is doing." Why are you so caught up in someone else's process? Focus on yours.
Stay in your lane. Be yourself. Do the work.
Greatness follows.
