Batter Up!

Never let the fear of striking out get in your way. – George Herman “Babe” Ruth

You may be thinking, “Sure that’s easy for the Sultan of Swat to say. He was a home run machine!” Yes, he did hold the home run record for many years, but did you know he also held the record for the most strike outs for several decades as well? In fact, the Bambino struck out almost twice as often as he hit home runs (714 HR / 1,330 SO). Do you suppose that upset him? When asked, he said, “Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.” He understood that striking out once in a while—or more—was part of the game, but he had to risk striking out in order to hit the home runs.

Mistakes, setbacks, false starts, they’re all a part of life, especially if you’re undertaking a big challenge, or attempting a major change in your life or career. But if you never try because you’re afraid you might fail, then success becomes impossible and dreams never have a chance to become reality. Accept the fact that there may be stumbling blocks or obstacles on the way to your dream, and decide right now that you’re not going to let them stop you from trying. Then stop thinking about them.

Don’t sit in life’s dugout just because you’re afraid you might strike out. The dugout will always be there; it’s not going anywhere. Wouldn’t you rather be taking a victory lap around the bases? You can’t hit a home run if you never swing. So step up to the plate and swing for the fence! If you strike out, dust yourself off and try again. Remember, each swing is that much closer to finding that home run waiting inside you.

Batter up!