The older I get the more I try to focus only on things in my control. 

Sometimes you can execute everything perfectly, but you still don’t get the results you want or expected.  

As a long time Little League coach, I find myself having this conversation with players a lot. Especially pitchers.

I always tell the kids judge their performance based on their effort, not the results.

With age comes the realization that results often come slower than we would like, but they will eventually come with the proper level of effort. This is especially true in a team environment where there are multiple variables outside of your control.

Former major leaguer, and World Series MVP, Ben Zobrist said, 

“At the end of the day, you can’t control the results; you can only control your effort level and your focus.”

As a pitcher there are a lot of things you can’t control that affect results. The umpire, the hitter, your teammates . . . However, you can control your own effort. 

If you are giving 100% then there is no reason to ever hang your head. After all, you can’t give anything more than your best.

If you aren’t giving your best then you need to evaluate why. The answer could be as simple as maybe your goals aren’t really what you think they are. I find that generally, when there is a lack of effort there is also a lack fo desire.  

The thing with effort is that you are the only one that can truly evaluate if you gave it your all. It is the one thing entirely in your control.

So next time your game, product launch, meeting, review, etc. doesn’t go your way. Don’t judge the results, judge your effort.

Welcome to the Limitless Podcast with Nathan Jovanelly.  Thanks for tuning in.