“You're only as good as your last at bat.” - Gary Vaynerchuk
Tony Gwynn played major league baseball for the San Diego Padres retiring in 2001. Gwynn retired with a .338 lifetime batting average, 135 homeruns and 3141 base hits. Tony Gwynn’s 19 consecutive seasons hitting above a 300 average is astounding, consistent growth was his secret.
No One Stays Hot Their Entire Career
Like every other Major league player, Gwynn too had his share of hitting slumps; he worked hard throughout his career to be on top of his game. Some say Gwynn learned something new about himself and the game at the ballpark every day, and that’s saying something when you consider baseball’s grueling 162 game schedule.
Consistent in the Mundane
The daily grind of any career takes its toll on our emotions in all kinds of ways, understanding how to navigate the ups and downs in our careers will help us experience better than average cycles of personal growth and productivity. Leaders enjoy highly productive seasons, and who doesn’t? It takes showing up day in and day out throughout the year to continue producing consistently.
Villa A. Foster says, “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.”
You’re more likely to intelligently work your way through slumps than trying to conjure up feelings of motivation to get you going. When I’m not feeling particularly creative, I find it helpful to begin writing just the same. Showing up day in and day out keeps you competitive through your highs and lows.
Germany Kent says, “You can't reach your potential by remaining in a past due season. Your breakthrough is coming. Strongholds are breaking. Get Ready!”
“Motivation gets you going, but discipline keeps you growing” – John C. Maxwell
It doesn’t matter how gifted or talented you are everyone goes into a slump now and then. Tony Gwynn’s passion for baseball had him showing up every day regardless of his feelings or yesterdays performance.
Personal and team growth comes by consistently playing through the tough times asking ourselves the tough questions. The drive for excellence requires commitment and self-discipline. Gwynn took regular batting practice, whether he was hot or in a slump he always showed up.
“Once you learn to quit it becomes a habit.” - Vince Lombardi
Consistency has a compound effect, like muscle memory, showing up “all-In” all the time becomes a matter of habit producing positive change. Consistency is the key behind all championship teams, practice (showing up) is the secret.
Identifying inconsistencies for greater growth
“Ninety percent of the game is half mental.” – Yogi Berra
Business, like the world of sports, requires consistency and a positive mental attitude to be successful. Baseball players take thousands of swings examining every component of their swing until they’re consistent with it. More importantly, is their attitude when they’re not playing well.
Applying The Law of Consistency to your personal life and career will keep you growing even when you’re in a slump. Learning how to play to your strengths minimizes the length of your slumps.
3 Tips for Consistent Growth in and out of Season
John C. Maxwell writes, “Small disciplines repeated with consistency every day lead to great achievements gained slowly over time".
Tip #1 - Align your methods of motivation with your personality type… Once you have a good handle on what makes your personality type tick, then develop a daily growth system that is simple and plays to your strengths.”
Tip #2 - “Make a list of everything you like about personal growth. If your list is very short, really work at it. Anything you can find as motivation will help you to develop better growth habits.”
Tip #3 - “The more whys you have for pursuing personal growth on a daily basis, the more likely you will be to follow through. Start compiling those whys. Think of immediate benefits as well as long-term ones… Any reason to grow is a good reason as long as it’s your reason.” (1)
(1) The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth “The Law of Consistency” by John C. Maxwell
*** This article was authored by John Picarello, Chief Leadership Officer at Lions Pride Leadership Co.***