We have all heard speeches and lessons aimed at “staying the course” and “getting down to business” with whatever endeavor we are pursuing. These classic phrases suggest that if we put our nose to the grindstone and persevere regarding the pursuit of our goals, good things will come out of our extra efforts. Through my experience in sports and life, I have learned that it is really a variation of these classic idioms that are true. I believe that good things happen to those who work hard, but more importantly to those who work smart and find a way to differentiate themselves from others with similar goals. While we may not reach the end we aim for, good things usually happens to those who make the best of their situation.
Staying the course is not always an easy endeavor. Personally, I have let distractions get in the way of my goals far more often than I would like to admit. These days, it is so easy to get sidetracked with texting, Facebook, Twitter, Xbox, television, the internet, and so many other things. Very rarely do people stay productive consistently, getting through necessary responsibilities without having to fend off some sort of time-waster.
Neglecting necessary responsibilities for far too long and letting distractions take over the majority of someone’s time tends to teach one lessons “the hard way.” I’ve actually found this to be the biggest cause of stress in my life – a lack of prioritizing responsibilities almost always leaves one unprepared. A lack of preparation also seems to perpetuate Murphy’s Law – what can go wrong, will go wrong. Prioritization is the number one thing I am working on as I move into the next stage of my life. Whether it applies to my search for a business career or more baseball, priorities need to be properly set.
Speaking of baseball, I received an offer to play winter ball in a placement league in Palm Springs from mid-January to mid-February. This may be the opportunity of a lifetime, or a further distraction; I won’t know which until I go through the experience. Simultaneously pursuing multiple options is tough for anyone, and not being 100% committed to a job search while playing baseball could prove to be difficult.
So what’s the point? My goal is simply to offer encouragement to anyone in a situation similar to mine. The next month will test my ability to prioritize. While my goal is to find a job, hopefully playing baseball, I have learned from previous endeavors that “hope” is not a strategy, and that backup plans are essential. I will give baseball everything I have while I’m in California, but will also continue the job search and “backup plan” in earnest.
Hope you all have a blessed holiday season.
Jacob Kemmerer
More on Jacob: The Journey Begins / Jacob Joins VOTB / @kemmerer11