If you’ve known me at all over the years, you know I frequently talk about how vital it is to have a strong mind. This post offers no advice. It’s simply an ode to the characteristic I respect most in human beings.
During my MLB career, I paid close attention to the psyche of the men with whom I stood shoulder to shoulder. I watched as they fell and stayed down, or picked themselves back up. Baseball is a game of failure, and, of all the major team sports, none demand a more powerful mind. It is required simply for survival.
As I sat back and watched these men take their swings, it occurred to me having the game come easily was not indicative of owning a strong mind. It was the men who had something going on upstairs to overcome who were the toughest mentally.
Bill Mueller, my teammate in 2003 and 2004, had thoughts percolating constantly and wrestled vigorously with demons at the plate. Bill stepped out, told said demons to fuck off, took a deep breath, got back in the box and lined a double off the Green Monster on his way to winning a batting title. Tell me that he’s not a mental warrior.
Of course, having both is ideal, but if given the choice, I’ll select the strong mind over the strong body without blinking.
In our workouts, it enables us to gather the wherewithal to take down another set or rep. At the grocery store, it inspires us to make decisions conducive to a healthy lifestyle. It’s the backbone of confidence, the core of character. At every turn, we are challenged at work and in relationships. We either react emotionally or allow our rational, sound deliberation to guide how we navigate our various interactions.
The more robust our mindset, the better equipped we are to handle the world’s hecklers, trolls and slugs.
From Martin Farquhar Tuppe:
Ridicule is a weak weapon when pointed at a strong mind; but common people are cowards and dread an empty laugh.
What are you doing to sharpen up?
Kap
Loved this post.
I work on the beach at a place that rents kayaks, pedal boats, and umbrellas. At times I really want to go down to the lemonade stand right next to our location that sells amazing frozen lemonade. I know that it will taste delicious if I go get it, but I have to fight myself to not go get it. I’m trying to cut out unhealthy foods from my life which is why I don’t want to buy the lemonade. So far I’ve been successful in fighting the urge and I always go with water instead when I’m thirsty, it’s healthier and cheaper.
A strong mind is definitely key in the martial arts as well. It’s not the strongest fighter that wins. It is the smartest and most focused.With that said, if something is eating at oneself it is best to seek help (whether it be found in meditation, therapy, friendship) to work through those issues. I have seen way to many patients put their emotions aside and push forward with work (both physical and professional) only to find that it affect their sleep, stress etc. I agree that a strong mind is effective on the ball field, in work, and in life when dealing with rejection and the challenges that life presents…. but what I think is most impressive is resiliency. A positive mindset, forgiveness (for self and others ), and determination to dream big and chase those dreams is equally important. Kudos to you for having a strong mind and an open heart. 🙂
Great post! And thank you for paying respect to my all-time favorite baseball player, Mr. Bill Mueller. (No offense! Ha!) It’s his birthday today, btw….coincidence??? He is the reason I am a baseball fan.
You said something in your article about if given the choice you would pick a strong mind. I completely agree. Most goals cannot be achieved without the strength of willpower, concentration and knowledge. Thank you for reminding us of this. Your writing always puts things into perspective for me. When I get discouraged or frustrated with my efforts and my goals of a healthy lifestyle, I know I can always find a post of yours that will help with exactly what I am struggling with. This one being no exception. Most importantly, I need to remember that my strong mind will get me through anything.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and advice. It helps more than you know.
Happy St. Patricks Day….or should I say, Happy Bill Mueller’s Birthday!! 😉
Thanks, Gabe. I have grown to appreciate the mental aspect of performance more and more as the years go by(32 yrs young now). Thought I would share my favorite quote for inspiration when needing to dig deep.
I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth will I apply all my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy.
-Og Mandino
Great post. Reminds me a lot of the research on resilience and grit that I’ve read about. I found a good interview with one of the leading psychologists in the field, if you’re interested: http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/sept13/vol71/num01/The-Significance-of-Grit@-A-Conversation-with-Angela-Lee-Duckworth.aspx
So true, Gabe.
Recently read “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Covey (best “self-help” read out there because it’s not a self-help read) and one of the biggest take-aways was what you do with the time between “impulse/thought/feeling” and “action”.
When you have a craving, do you grab that donut conveniently located in your office? Or do you have the mental toughness to wait 10 more minutes to buy some almonds down the street.
When you get home after a long day and your spouse hits you with a negative/digging comment, do you get immediately defensive? Or do you try and understand why she’s in that mood and what she is trying to say?
If this is something you struggle with, check out ‘mindfulness’ meditation. Helps you develop self-awareness of your impulses/thoughts, rather than letting them control you, your actions, your life.