What You Do Now Matters Late
Happy Wednesday! As many of you may have seen, I was recently hired in a partnership sales role with Athletes Unlimited. Essentially, my role is to help secure business partners to help all four of our leagues grow. Every day I get to be on calls discussing the growth and ROI of women's sports and how businesses can partner with us to help further the mission. It's quickly become a passion of mine, and although most of my schedule looks vastly different now that I'm in this full-time corporate role, I'm reminded of just how impactful our sport can be in the business world. Here's a few things that have translated for me from softball to the sales world:
Dealing with Failure
In softball, as in life, failure is inevitable. Striking out, missing a crucial catch, or losing a game can often feel like the end of the world, but it's these moments that teach us resilience. Instead of viewing failure as the end, we should see it as an opportunity for growth. In sales, rejection is a constant companion. Embracing failure as a chance to learn and improve is a mindset that has served me well. I'm learning that each "no" in sales brings me closer to the next "yes." Just like each one of my outs is bringing me closer to my next hit.
Being a good teammate:
Softball is a team sport, and success on the field requires collaboration and support. These teamwork skills are invaluable in the corporate world. Being a good teammate means lifting others up, sharing successes, and working harmoniously towards a common goal. In sales, building a supportive team is paramount. I'm constantly asking my team questions and leaning on them to help me figure it out. I don't have all the answers and I'm not supposed to! Closing a deal is a Mudita (selfless joy) moment.
I Can Handle Rejection:
I know that hitting a home run is exhilarating, but I also understand the sting of a swing and a miss. Similarly, in sales, success often comes after facing a multitude of rejection. It's crucial for us to develop a resilient mindset and understand that setbacks are stepping stones to success. Rejection doesn't define you; it REFINES you. I learned to analyze my hitting, correct my mechanics, and swing again. In sales, I analyze rejections, refine my approaches, and pursue the next opportunity with renewed enthusiasm.
What You Can Do RIGHT NOW to Set Yourself Up for Off-Field Success
Time Management: As an athlete, managing time efficiently is a skill that will prove invaluable in any career. Balancing practice, school, and social life prepares you for the juggling act that is adulthood. Develop a schedule, prioritize tasks, and practice time management early on to set the stage for a successful future. Grab a calendar and a journal, and prioritize and execute what you need to get done.
Self-Discipline: The discipline instilled by practice translates seamlessly to the corporate world. Simple habits, such as making your bed every morning, may seem trivial, but they cultivate discipline. Apply the same self-discipline to your school work—meet deadlines, fulfill commitments, be on-time, and do the little things right. This will automatically make you above-average.
Developing Resiliency: Embrace the Hard Things Softball players are no strangers to hard work. Embrace challenges, tackle the difficult drills, and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Life after sports will undoubtedly present challenges, but the resilience developed on the field equips you to overcome them. Remember, you've faced tough opponents before—hard things are just another opportunity to shine.
The lessons learned on the softball field have proven to be a foundation for finding success in the business world. Whether dealing with failure, facing rejection, or being a good teammate, the skills honed in softball have become my secret weapons. Young athletes, take notice—your time on the field is not just about the game; it's about preparing for a successful future beyond the diamond. Attack the day. Do what you need to do. Grow. Get Better.
Get after it!
