There are many assumptions that players and parents make about our game. Some of those assumptions are based in reality, some are based in dream land and others are, yet, based on a combination of both. Now remember, the base word of assumption is assume and we know the old saying about what happens when you assume.
The assumption that as long as I keep working hard I will continue to see steady improvement is one of the most faulty assumptions a player or parent can make. We all know the fastest way from Point A to Point B is a straight line, so we all want to travel on that straight path. Unfortunately our game is so difficult and so challenging that the straight path to success almost never exists.
Don’t get me wrong, hard work does lead to improvement. If you work hard at this game, over the long haul you will be a much better player for the effort. That is the good news.
The bad news is, even with a lot of hard work there will be setbacks and potholes and detours and frustration along the way. Old habits, new skills, tougher competition, growth spurts, and more. The list goes of things that make the journey to become a great softball player is so complicated.
If you know these setbacks are part of the journey, you’ll be a whole lot happier on the trip. If you allow these setbacks to become a major distraction, you’ll find yourself digging a deeper hole more than you are solving any of the issues. Frustration will never help you become a better player. The faster you accept the setbacks and get back to work, the sooner you will make the next step.
There are no shortcuts, enjoy the journey, detours and all!
