What does it take to win? “A MADE UP MIND” and “LONG DAYS AND SLEEPLESS NIGHTS” (- Dr. Sid E. Williams). It also takes a team first attitude and an attitude of gratitude.
I’m a big Yankees fan and have appreciated Derek Jeter for more than 20 years. I heard about him when they first drafted him in 1992 and followed his minor league career prior to his joining the Bronx Bombers. During the post game, one of the announcers noted how in his eighth grade yearbook, he wrote that in a few years he’d be playing shortstop for the Yankees, helping them win championships.
Now, a cynic will say this is just the dream of a 13 year old boy. Cynics don’t know much about the reality of life…
The reality is, he set his mind to something and dedicated his life to it. He never gave up. He had the winning attitude, the drive, the confidence. All season long, his teammates have talked about his he worked hard, every day, early days and late hours. His work ethic is unmatchable.
Here in the waning days of a sure-thing Hall of Fame career, Jeter ranks #1 in most categories within the Yankees franchise. He is sixth all-time in career hits and has five world series rings, and a pair of World Series MVP awards. Whenever asked about his personal goals and achievements, his only answer has ever been about the team and winning in October.
The second item he always talks about is his appreciation for the fans and his teammates. Jeter knows full well he couldn’t have done half of what he did without them. He realizes its not about him. It’s about the greater good, the higher power, it’s about everyone else. A big reason why he has accomplished so much, is because he surrounded himself with others of good character.
You want to get healthier, you want a better life. Model yourself after #2. Begin and end with team, put THE higher power first and foremost in your mind, in your speech, and in your heart, and surround yourself with like-minded people who want the same for themselves and you. We’re here to help you.
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