Every January, we all step up to the home plate of the New Year and get ready to take our swings at the wild pitches of life. Some of us dream of pointing to the center field fence like Babe Ruth and swatting one over. Me? I'm happy just to not strike out. I still remember the words of my little league coach, who used to tell me, "Just meet the ball. Just get on base." Years later, as the reality of everyday life tosses us fastballs, curves, changeups and the occasional beanball, the coach's words sometimes feel like the fat part of a wooden bat meeting the ball. As we begin this New Year, consider putting a little dugout philosophy in your life. It just might help you make it to the big leagues of the industry. You can warm up with these coach's words of wisdom.
"Keep your eye on the ball." Take a few minutes to dream about exactly where you would like to be 10 years from now and write it down in as much detail as you possibly can. Now distill it down to its essence using one or two sentences. That's your ball. Some people might call it a mission statement, but those two words – "mission statement" – don't appear in the coach's handbook of baseball clichés. So for now, we'll call it your ball. Keep your eye on it. It helps to type it out on your computer, print it on certificate paper, frame it and hang it on the wall in your dugout (or in your office if you prefer). Look at it first thing every day before you pick up your bat. Then spend at least one hour every day working towards it. That might mean reading a book or magazine, learning new software, practicing, learning from a mentor, or tossing the ball around in the bullpen.
"Just meet the ball, don't murder it." In this industry, as in life, the most important tools for success are basic. Show up on time every day and bring your game face; that alone will take you far. You don't have to take steroids and break Barry Bond's homerun record to do well. Being reliable and dependable will get you on base every time. You can't steal first base; you have to work for it. But once you're on first, you can steal second base. Bring a great attitude and the ability to get along with people and you'll get a big jump on it. Pick up some serious skills and you will get to third base. With a little luck and a lot of hard work you'll get the rest of the way to home plate.
"Just get on base." Get your foot in the door and opportunities will present themselves. Once you get to know the industry and the people in it, you'll learn to recognize new opportunities and how to take advantage of them. Don't underestimate the value of working "menial" jobs with good companies. They can lead to better things. To increase the odds of getting where you want to be, work on building your network of contacts and improving your marketable skills.
"All it takes is one." When you have two strikes against you, remember that it only takes one good swing to get a hit and get on base. As Yogi Berra once said, "It ain't over till it's over." If 2009 didn't go your way, keep swinging away until you meet the ball in 2010.
So grab your bat, spit on your hands, knock the mud of 2009 off of your cleats and step into the batter's box of 2010. Happy New Year!
