Let’s Talk Baseball
The New York Yankees are the most storied franchise in all of sports. I’ll even go so far as to say, “Rightfully so” seeing as they are currently the highest valued ($4B) in all of baseball and second only to The Dallas Cowboys ($4.2B) in all of sports. As for the Yankees you could argue that much of their success and value stems from playing in a large market city like New York. Possibly so, but the fact is, regardless of their market, they have won more championships (27) than any other sports franchise. These 27 Championships were won by some of the best players in the history of baseball. Names like Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Rivera and Jeter. Great talent doesn’t come cheap. The Yankees typically have one of the highest payrolls in baseball.
The Yankees Mystique
I will likely catch some flack here but I am a Yankees fan. Before my fanatical Red Sox fans get too anxious….. oddly enough I am also a Sox fan. yes that is possible. However, mostly I am a fan of winners! Whether its teams, people or groups; I like the idea of winning. Someone who wins repeatedly knows what it takes and consistently puts forth the effort to make it happen. Highly admirable! When you do it repeatedly over years or even decades you get a reputation or “mystique’ which proceeds you. The Yankees Mystique” is much talked about from their fans and severely maligned by others.
The Yankee Pinstripes, their iconic home uniforms, even carry that same mystique. Frank Abagnale was quoted as saying, “Why do the Yankees always win?… The other team can’t stop looking at the pinstripes.”
Small Ball
Small Ball is a baseball offensive strategy employed in which a high value is placed on individual runs and attempts to score them without requiring extra base hits, or sometimes without base hits at all.
I’d suggest that they Yankees have rarely if ever been accused of playing small ball. They’re noted for having the big sluggers who linger around and then ultimately explode on you. Rarely will they rely on typical small ball tactics which are also noted as safe, conservative or even boring. They go for the Big Kill!
Your Life, Business and The New York Yankees
Why am I discussing the style and attributes of The New York Yankees with you? How does this translate to yours and my life and business?
Simply put, I think many of us are held back by playing “small ball” in life. We think that sticking to the middle of the road mentality is the best strategy. Never putting ourselves into a position to hit that homerun; Never reaching our full potential thus never creating the wins in business and life that we ultimately desire.
A Small Ball or Middle of The Road Mindset will often seem very normal looking; possibly even admirable to some. Same job for years (hoping for a 2% raise each year), two weeks of vacation, decent vehicle, living through credit card debt, school loans, net worth primarily made up of home equity they can’t access and a favorite restaurant….. let’s say Olive Garden. All fine stuff! Please do not hear me wrong! I am not dogging that…… its just not for me!
So, if it isn’t for you either. Let’s keep talking.
If the description which I just shared isn’t for you either it is likely because you want an extraordinary life, the memorable, notable life that carries that “Yankees Mystique.” The Yankees or any other successful person, team or group didn’t achieve success over night or through some happenstance favor or luck. They were committed to building their team, brand and skills consistently for generations, seasons and decades. If you want to achieve the extraordinary I want to suggest that you do the same. Follow the model created by this great franchise and others like them.
The Yankee Model
Remember earlier when I mentioned The Yankees Payroll? I also could have included that accompanying their large payroll was also the largest grossing revenue/income for any sports team. Meaning they sell more shirts, hats, tickets, drinks than anyone else and they win. I am suggesting that you will need to spend money to achieve the extraordinary. In life or business spending could mean investing into your own education/skillset, tools or possibly investing into a team around you to help you grow. Whatever that looks like for you it likely means that you will need to adopt new strategies to get new results. The Yankees could have “saved” some money by not hiring or developing these legendary players but at what cost? Would they have won so many championships, sold so many tickets, shirts etc? You will not “Save” your way to “Wealth.”
The Yankees created their iconic look and have stuck to it. They’ve avoided many of the fads or temptations to change. However, do not hear me wrong they’ve changed and adapted when needed hence “The New Stadium.” They won many championships within the famed “House that Ruth Built” but when it was old and no longer exemplified their brand they changed. In business and life there will be times to change but it isn’t necessary to sell out to some other brand look or style. You may just need to update your skills, team or tools.
The Timing
The Yankees and all other teams tend to re-load and shift at the beginning of each year with some minor tweaks mid-year. When they want new results they make new changes. Frankly I hate that I am writing this near the end of a year when New Year/New You articles are everywhere. I beg you… plead with you to not dismiss this message to another new year message. This is a message about the life you want… not about a baseball team. The Yankees routinely achieve extraordinary success….. I want that for you!
Your Action
Do something. Let me encourage you to do something BIG. If you’ve always played it “middle of the road” maybe its time for a change if you you want new results. Grant Cardone, Real Estate Investor and Author, says, ” most people radically underestimate the amount of effort it will take to be successful.” He would suggest that whatever you’re thinking it will take; multiply it by 10 times. His words, Take Massive Action! Tony Robbins, Success and Business Coach, suggests that the right mentor or partnerships can shrink decades into days. So, find the right partners and get busy.
If you are reading this and want change but don’t know where to start. I want to help! Me and my team at Drive Planning develop customized programs for each person, business, family or organization that engages with us. Each package, service or process is developed with your success in mind. We are here to serve you.
You follow me on-line through facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, tik-tok or Instagram to learn more about me and our method. For more in depth information reach out directly through e-mail or a call.
todd.burkhalter@driveplanning.com or 404-429-4132
Play Ball!