The MLB All-Star game is one of the biggest events of the summer. Deemed the “Midsummer Classic,” the game features the biggest and best stars in the baseball world. The All-Star game is part of All-Star week, which is a chance for Major League Baseball players to take a break, and if you’re an all-star, a chance to have a little bit of fun. The night before the all-star game features a dominant display of power – the Home Run Derby.
This event gives eight players the chance to showcase their powerful bats and be crowned home run king for that season. This event happened last night – and let me tell you; it was a doozy. Two rookies faced off in a tough battle in one of the rounds, and the former champ lost his crown in his own stadium in another.
While extremely entertaining, this event also taught us a few things. Particularly, it taught us that there are many factors that go into creating a good work-life balance. Here are some that stood out:
1. Sometimes you just need a break
All-star week comes in the middle of the MLB season, and it is welcomed by many players. For those who don’t make either team, it is a chance to rejuvenate with one’s family and friends before hitting the field for the final stretch. Even some players who have the opportunity to participate in either the Home Run Derby or the All-Star game don’t, due to the fact that they want to spend that time relaxing.
Regardless, the home run derby, and the all-star break in general, show us that sometimes you just need a break. Whether you’re at the office and need a few minutes to refresh your mind, or if it’s the weekend and it’s time for a nap, it’s extremely important to take breaks. They help you stay sharp and focused, and are sure to be enjoyable for any person who wants a little time for themselves amidst a busy day.
2. Enjoy the moment
Throughout last night’s derby, cameras were constantly showing players sitting on the field. They were laughing and smiling, and at times they were talking to players that are considered rivals. Whether they were participating in the event or not, every player seemed to thoroughly enjoy being at the stadium, even though there is a league-wide all-star break.
It is important that no matter where you are and what you are doing, you must try to enjoy the moment. If it’s at work – enjoy the task at hand. If it’s a challenge, enjoy the learning experience. If it’s a breeze, enjoy the fact that you have mastered that task. If you enjoy what you’re doing and take the best out of every moment, chances are it will have a positive impact on not only your career, but it will also have a hugely positive impact on your life.
3.You need to know when and how to swing
The Home Run Derby is all about the swing. When to swing, how hard to swing, its trajectory, and the follow through are all factors that each batter must consider with every pitch. If the player connects all the dots, then he connects for a home run. If he misses one of the factors, then his likelihood of a home run decreases, and precious time is lost.
Much like the batters, you must know when to swing in your life and in your career. Is it time for a relaxing vacation or a DIY project on the house? Swing the bat and make it happen. Connect on all the aspects of it and make it a home run. Have a huge presentation at work or an opportunity for advancement? Swing the bat. Blast the presentation over the wall and make yourself known, or say “yes” and don’t look back. No matter if it’s your life or your career, make sure you connect on your swing and hit it out of the park.
4. It’s okay to get an out
Now this doesn’t apply to last night’s derby, but it was once a rule that each batter had ten outs instead of a running clock. So, for all-intents and purposes let’s call anything that wasn’t a home run an out. Once this is clear, we see that the players last night were getting A LOT of outs, but it was okay.
It’s okay to get outs in the derby, and likewise it’s okay to get outs in your life or your career. We all fail at times in our life and in our career, but it’s what we do after them that matters. Outs teach us what not to do and what we can improve on. Failures make us more creative to figure out solutions. Just like the batters who get outs and move on to hit homeruns, you too must move on from failures and create successes.
5. Nurture your relationships – they’ll always be important
In almost every home run derby there is a story about a past relationship that warms the heart. This year it was the Bellingers. Cody Bellinger, who is a rookie this year on the Dodgers, participated in last night’s derby with his father, Clay, pitching to him. As cameras showed the two participating in the event, it was clear that there was a strong bond between the two, and that they both enjoyed being in each other’s company.
Relationships are extremely important for a good work-life balance as well. Work relationships help the day go by faster, and they are also necessary for when you need help. The same goes for relationships in your personal life. You need to have strong relationships and support systems that will always back you up or offer a helping hand when you need it. Whether it’s coworkers, family, friends, or a significant other, it is vital that you nurture your relationships in order to succeed in having a good work-life balance.
So there it is – the beauty of baseball yet again shows its face. Not only did it give us one of the most entertaining nights of the summer last night, but it also taught us a few things about work-life balance. Maybe if we’re lucky, tonight’s game will teach us something else.
