Disclaimer: This is not a new sabermetric, but rather a prescription for success.
Eevent + Response = Outcome
I have been thinking about this one a lot lately. Concentrating on applying it myself, and encouraging SP_son to think about it as he enters the 2011 campaign. I'm curious as to your thoughts about this ...
Premise: We may not be able to control the Events around us, but by controlling our Responses to those Events, we have a great say in the ultimate Outcome.
Events happen ... You don't make the team. You get beaten out as a starter. Your team is not very strong. You get injured. Or, maybe, you're named as a pre-season All-American.
We CHOOSE how we Respond ... Go ask the Coach if you can be a team Manager and/or what you need to do to be prepared to make the team next year. Be a leader in the dugout, and work hard so you are ready to contribute when called upon. Be a leader in organizing extra practices & training sessions with guys who want to get better. Get the best medical care you can obtain, and work hard on your re-hab. Or, stay grounded, and remember that you are just one member of a team, and work hard to prove yourself every day.
It is how we CHOOSE to RESPOND to the EVENTS that will dictate the ultimate OUTCOME.
Case in Point: SP_son has been a late blooming, "crafty lefty", all his baseball life. Although he has enjoyed a lot of success on the field, he has never thrown or run fast enough to attract serious attention at the upper levels of college baseball (EVENT).
Beginning last fall he CHOSE a new RESPONE ... He lifted and rowed crew in the fall to cross train for baseball. He followed an intense strength & velocity development program (designed by the NPA) all winter. He embraced a very challenging college prep curriculum in school that targeted his academic soft spots.
OUTCOME ... He enters the spring with a new body, a 6+ mph increase in his FB velocity since Jupiter, and 2 quarters on the Dean's List under his belt.
NEW Event ... He has put himself where he wanted to be. He has worked very hard. He is a little tired (mentally, emotionally & physically). Now, it's go time.
I am hoping that he will CHOOSE the Response to give himself the personal recognition he deserves for what he accomplished over the last 6 months ... take a moment to reflect & catch his breath ... and now choose the Response of "it's time to go out, work hard, play hard, and have fun playing ball, and competing with and for my team."
It seems to me that this is the best way to achieve his desired Outcome of earning a roster spot at one of his Top 10 dream schools.
Those are my thoughts ... what are yours?
Original Post
