The Beauty of Hustling

How many times have you gone to a professional baseball game and can't believe the lack of hustle? I go to about 75 games a year, from high school to professional. The more the player gets paid, the less they're apt to run out a grounder or a pop up. Unfortunately, I've seen it too many times at the high school level. Why does this happen? I suppose that the more experience you have, the more you assume the outcome. So, if a player has hit a grounder to short hundreds of times in his career and been thrown out hundreds of times, why bother making the effort?

The same can be said in life. How many times have we had the same experience that we automatically assume the ending? How many times have we been thrown out at first? The problem is, every time we take this attitude, we give up. By giving up, we lose energy, drive and the will to succeed. This creates a malaise that carries over in all aspects of life. What's a leader to do?

First and foremost, a leader has to set the example. She has to be the one running out each grounder or pop-up. In life, we create routines based on our habits and the results we've achieved from those habits. So, how hard is it to perform the routine well rather than half-hearted? A great leader demands precision, focus and attention to detail with a focus on top performance and improved results. I have found in my life if I assume the outcome without the effort, I will be severely disappointed. If a player, worker or family member is not "busting it" everyday they must be counseled on the right way of doing things. If this doesn't work, more drastic steps will need to be taken.

Until last year, we as a society were complacent in our routines. There were more jobs than people to fill them. It allowed us to take short cuts and go through the motions. Those days are long gone. There are plenty of qualified people to take our place. Or, you might find yourself out of work because you weren't hustling every day.

Let's go back to our baseball analogy. What if a player did hustle down the line every play? Think of Pete Rose, the all-time leader in hits. I suspect that 20% of the time the player will beat out a hit or force an error. Over time, the player will get a reputation as a hustler and the defense will have to take this into account every time he's at bat. It changes the game!

As you go back to work after this wonderful holiday weekend, think about changing your game. Be a hustler. Have fun, work hard and become an example for other. You will get more out of your day and create the leader within. Good luck and let's hear from you!