Monday, September 5, 2022

Every morning you have a choice. Hit snooze to continue watching your dreams or wake up to start chasing them.

My weekly perspective:

I grew up with a lot of dreams. I loved basketball and baseball. I loved my family and friends. I loved being active and working hard. Over time I narrowed my focus to baseball and academics. I knew that playing a college sport meant I had to prove myself on the field and in the classroom. I was told that coaches scouted specific metrics pertaining to athleticism, in-game statistics, and training totals. To give you an idea, coaches were looking for running speed, arm strength and power at the plate, and a high GPA to round it out.

For those who are unfamiliar, speed meant less than 7 seconds in the 60 yard dash, or faster. Arm strength meant 90mph, or higher. Power at the plate meant hitting homeruns at a velocity of 95mph, or higher. A high GPA meant 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or higher. What I kept coming back to was the “or higher” part.

Long story short, I wanted to run a 6.4 second 60 yard dash. I wanted to throw 100mph. I wanted to hit the ball 100mph. I wanted a 3.8 GPA. I also wanted to play Division I baseball.

I ran a 6.58 60 yard dash. I threw a baseball 102.3mph (outfield, not off the mound). I hit a ball 94mph. I had a 3.7 GPA. I played Division III baseball. I didn’t reach all of my goals. I only reached some of them. Regardless of the outcome, I chased them and continue to do so now. Chase your dreams and always strive for more, but cherish the memories you make and be grateful for what you accomplish along the way.