Short memory.
Albert Pujols
It doesn’t take long to go from goat to hero. In Game 2 of the World Series, St. Louis Cardinals All-Star First Baseman Albert Pujols made a critical error in the 9th inning that allowed the Texas Rangers to overcome a 1-0 deficit and ultimately win the game to tie the series. In Game 2, Pujols rebounded..slightly. He homered three times in the game to match Hall of Famers Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson as the only players to accomplish such a feat in the Fall Classic. His performance led his team to victory.
If you don’t have a short memory, you’re liable to carry on your failures into the future and make them even more damaging. Pujols could have carried on the memory of his error and most likely failed in Game 3. Fortunately, for his team and himself, he has a short memory. What about you?
It’s not always easy to do. Believe me, when I coached high school basketball, I had to work really hard to obliterate the memory of my failures in order to be the best for my team the next game. This takes strength, discipline, and confidence. Maybe the latter is most needed. I encourage you, in any part of your life, to keep a short memory of your failures. Learn from them; scream and yell if you must, and then move on. Your next “play” may be a home run…
This week’s quote – “A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.” – Corporal Klinger – “M*A*S*H (“Bug Out,” 1976)
(For those like me who love baseball and an occasional good cigar…)
