As I was driving home from work the other day I was almost hit by a large piece of metal that flew off of the truck passing me. The metal piece missed my car by inches and I probably just avoided a pretty significant crash and the possibility of being injured.
The near miss got me thinking about inches. In the sports world inches matter. You always hear, they were inches from the first down, inches from catching the ball, being out of bounce, wining the race, scoring the touchdown, making the shot. In the end the difference between first and second place, or winning and losing usually comes down to a matter of inches. Which got me to thinking is all of the preparation worth it? A inch here or there has such an impact, but that inch is seemingly so out of our control.
Coaches and players spend countless hours in preparation to control as many variables as possible on the playing field. Practice, preparation, pushing yourself, watching that extra game film, the list goes on an on. In the end we would like to think that the preparation and dedication is what got us that inch, but I have to wonder if at times it all boils down to the randomness in the world we live in.
What then is the ultimate lesson when thinking about inches? I think it all goes back to working hard, but also taking time to enjoy whatever sport it is that you (or your son or daughter) love. Realizing that in both sports and life their are a lot of things we can’t control. That doesn’t mean we all get a free lazy pass, as nothing in this world is accomplished by being lazy. An extra mile ran may give you the second you need at the finish line. An extra basket shot may be the difference between making the game winning shot at the end of the game. Prepare for all things you can control, but then take a minute to enjoy the moment and love the game. Because inches are a funny thing, they creep up on you when you least expect them. Like the metal flying at my windshield. A few more inches and maybe I’m no longer able to throw the football or shoot a basket or watch my son play sports anymore………………..
Winning is important but sometimes all it takes is an inch to put everything in perspective. Work hard – Prepare – Enjoy And Be Grateful For Every Moment.
by Stacey Atkinson