AROD taught me these lessons...

Hi Team...

I wrote a post on Linkedin this AM that went like this:

"I was asked to interview Alex Rodriguez- so I had to say YES."

Whenever you can sit with a former player that you coached and ask questions that allow people to see "who" the person under the uniform really is, it is always gratifying...

On this day, Alex shared a few key points...

1. Admit when you are wrong, no matter how long it takes to do so, it feels better when you just get it out there and take the hit.

2. We all need structure and leadership to be great- he did not have a father in his life and he really needed a butt whipping he never got- his butt whipping costed him $25m, the Hall of Fame, and his reputation...

3. Work hard for you and the most important people in your life, for him, it is his daughters.

You see, when you look at these 3-points, you can see key lessons on leadership, character, and purpose.

I will attest to this, although he had some spots on his record as a player, Alex showed up everyday prepared to play, prepared to win, and prepared to compete.

Baseball and his paying career were his life.
His sleep, meals, and training all revolved around the game.

When you get serious, you get committed.

If you are feeling your commitment start to waver, it may be time to get seriously serious about something that you truly love.

I firmly believe in these points that Alex shared... but even more than those points I believe we all need to be open to: what is next...

I come across too many that are dealing with frustration..

At times, I am one of those people...

When I find myself in that place, I remind myself of these 2-words: STAY OPEN.

Yup.

STAY OPEN.

Meaning, give up the control on what you want to force and make happen- and be open to what is possible even past what I want..

Personally, in my life, when I am open to what is possible and take chances on things even if they do not make total sense, I often find myself in some really great places....

At the time that thing are happening I do not always understand the WHY, but I go with it.

And when we can not resist, good things can happen.

It is hard though.

Most high performers are control freaks- we love control.

But, we must always remember this: CONTROL IS AN ILLUSION.

We control very little...

We can not control people or many other outcomes...

We can always control response to all things..

Stay open.

Stay hungry!

Your Coach,

COACH DANA CAVALEA