We have all heard Thomas Edison’s quote, “I have not failed; I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Misusing the word Slump is another.
Unfortunately too many of us use the second definition of the word “slump” is used more than the first, and is tied directly to sports. Some might even say it is tied directly to baseball, especially when you have had several bad outings. Even ESPN describes, “…a slump [as] a feeling unique to baseball.” Those who believe in them truly believe it is an adjective, however it’s actually a verb, “leaning over with a bent back.” I believe slump as an adjective is an excuse we use to justify why we are not doing well. The “S” word stated with your head tilted down is a right of passage believing, once we admit it, all is forgiven. “I would have … but I am in a slump.” C’mon, “I ‘m in a slump” is no different than “My Bad.” It’s just spelled differently!
I apologize for the sarcasm, but the one thing I have learned over my 20 plus years coaching, if you don’t change anything nothing changes. Unless you are planning to be in this slump for a long time! Glenn Moore said, “you need to identify what is wrong before you can fix it.” So instead of convincing yourself, use knowledge to set you free. Find out why something didn’t work, then fix it! Ryan Holiday states, “Things that we think are obstacles are actually opportunities to do something.” Check out his Nine “9” Essential Habits and Practices of Mentally Strong People.
The Nine Essential Habits and Practices of Mentally Strong People
They see things objectively.
Your perception of the situation – truly understand what just happened versus accepting the failure. Recognition is a powerful tool!
Identify solutions – Once you recognize your failure layout a plan to fix it. Use the knowledge you already have to resolve it immediately [e.g. next pitch, next swing]
Approach – Reaffirm what you already know by yourself. If you need more, [don’t go running for a hitting or pitching lesson] reaffirm what you already know with your mentor by calling them over the phone. Work on it on your own.
They let go of entitlement.
Drop the belief you deserve to get what we want, [guaranteed spot in the line up every day] and it will make it easier for you to deal with challenges, especially those that take you by surprise.
Mentally strong people recognize that their entire life plans, and life itself, could be derailed at any moment – and they don’t waste their effort feeling wronged by destiny when things don’t go their way. Simply put…Keep working hard everyday.
They keep an even keel.
Keeping a cool head is an enormous asset when it comes to dealing with challenging situations. Instead of throwing your bat when you strikeout, or impress [NOT] the stands with an explicative when you give up a bomb, recognize why something happened and fix it next time.
They don’t aspire to be happy all the time.
Mentally strong people don’t try and avoid negative emotions – Accepting both positive and negative emotions…is [the] key component of resiliency
They are realistic optimists.
Mentally tough people make a habit of getting up after they fall. Do You?
Mentally tough people have the hopefulness of optimists and the clarity of pessimists…gives them both the motivation and critical thinking required…to come up with solutions
They live in the moment.
You can call it being in the zone, you can call it whatever you want, but the idea is that if you’re focused exclusively on one thing in front of you, you are…considering only the variables that matter.
Glenn Moore recommends the “Yes…but theory.” Water the hiccup down by recognizing it, then eliminate the emotion with the strongest word in the dictionary, BUT. [e.g. Yes I just struck-out, but I got to see every one of his pitches, pitches I can hit, and I will be ready next at bat.]
They’re persistent in pursuit of their goals.
Perseverance is one of the most fundamental qualities of resilient people. Angela Lee Duckworth said it is, “more than any other single quality [IQ, emotional intelligence, good looks, physical health].
Perseverance to make that future a reality
But they know when it’s time to let go.
The ability to recognize that you can control only your own actions – not the results of those actions.
He hit your best pitch; That pitch was nasty and fooled you; Even though you were right on it, he made a great play in the field. Mentally, tip your hat and move on.
They love their lives
You can find the joy in not just accepting, but embracing the things that happened to you.
[Be] grateful and appreciative of obstacles because of the simple fact obstacles are life itself.
Author Jane Lotter, shortly before her death put it, “May you always remember that obstacles in the path are not obstacles, they ARE the path.”
Make Pact with yourself –
From this day forward I will only use the word slump when describing someone’s posture. [e.g., …slumped over.]
Step across the lines and apply Ryan Holiday’s 9 essential habits
View hiccups as opportunities to get better.
So here are my Recommendations:
- Pick up Ryan Holiday’s Book: The Obstacle Is the Way http://www.amazon.com/The-Obstacle-Is-Way-Timeless/dp/1591846358
- Listen to the audio book – Handbook for Success by Glenn Moore
- Check the Video Blog: Perseverance; Does This Describe How You Play the Game?
Until Next Blog,
Al McCormick
