Inspiration Through Failure

I normally do not write about sports; I just partake in them as often as possible. But living in Japan while being a Seattle Mariners fan has sufficiently destroyed my work and sleep schedule enough, that today I felt compelled to write a bit about the Seattle Mariners. Also, if I did not incorporate them into this week's blogpost, then I'd be suppressing a lot of what was going on in both my writing life and non-writing life. Something that's definitely counterintuitive to any creative writing.

So, for today's post I shall ponder on what the Seattle Mariners have shown me that could apply to anyone in the known universe, not just to baseball fans. Hmmm… I regret my decision immediately. Oh well, let's give it a whirl.

Here are some things that the 2022 Mariners have taught me:

1. Adversity Reveals Character

"Adversity does not build character, it reveals it. -Scott Servais, Seattle Mariners Manager"

So, for all you non-baseball fans, here's the main thing you need to know about this team: the Seattle Mariners have not been in the playoffs for the past 21 years. Before this season, it was the longest playoff drought for ANY team in ANY major American professional sport. (A drought that ended this week.)

With all that said, the Seattle Mariners(and consequently, their fanbase), are no strangers to adversity or failure. But what Servais said is as true in baseball as it is in life: the struggles and adversity you experience do not build character, it only reveals it. No one likes to fail or struggle through tough times. So to give any credit to the adversity, other than it being a necessary obstacle to overcome, is not a healthy way to view the struggles and failures we will all experience throughout our life.

This season's success, despite 21 years of failure and adversity, revealed a lot of their character - and this type of idea is something we all can learn from.

2. The Power of Belief (In Yourself, Your Dreams, and In Others)

No team in Major League Baseball has ever fallen behind 7 runs on the road in a playoff game and comeback to win it. But after today's Mariner's game, that can no longer be said in truth. (By the way, the league started in 1901)

If they had given up, they would have lost, but because they believed in themselves, they did what no other team has ever done. And that type of belief is something we have to work towards in life as well. You have to believe in yourself, even when everyone else and the history books are telling you that you can't do it. Because if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will.

I have worked with many people from different cultures and backgrounds, and in many different roles, and I can tell you with confidence that the biggest obstacle we each face is our lack of belief; whether it be the belief in yourself, belief in others, or belief in the methods or reasons of why you do what you do each day. If any of those beliefs falter, you may never discover whether or not what you're working on is ever possible.

So, no matter what situation you find yourself in, whether you're down by seven runs or stuck in a long slump, you always have to believe in yourself, and believe in your teammates who have the same goal or mission. That's another important lesson that this year's Mariners have taught me.

3. You Still Need Talent and Hard work

Of course, belief in yourself and others is important, but hard work and talent still play a huge role in any endeavor. In building a baseball team, or any community you become part of, each member must do their best to not just rely on one or two of these qualities that greatly influences the chances of success.

This year, the Mariners have acquired a lot more talent than in previous years; some home grown, some through trades and some through free-agency signings. But being a fan for decades has shown me it is not just the players - but the entire organization is full of talented people who work hard to make the team successful. And while they may not be the most talented team in baseball, they now have enough talent to be competitive.

This is the same for everyone and everything in life. You may not be the most talented person around, but if you work hard and believe in yourself, and if you can also surround yourself with others who have talent where you might be lacking, then your chances of happiness and success raise dramatically.

Today I Learned - You Still Need Sleep

"May the Ichiro-like Samurai Spirit of the 2022 Seattle Mariners continue taking us on a magical ride with many more life lessons to learn." -Me, Sleep Deprived

Since I live in Japan, these first two playoff games have unfortunately had a start time of 5 am. Watching these two games through a sleep-deprived haze has only made me doubt whether this is all happening in reality or not, but after waking from a power nap I see that it is all too real.

The Seattle Mariners have been one of the best stories in baseball this season, and they've also been one of the best examples of how to live your life. They've taught me how to believe in myself, how important talent is, and how adversity reveals character. For that, I will always be grateful to them - even if they don't win a World Series this year (but hopefully they will). Go M's!

またね

I hope these thoughts are helpful. Thank you so much for reading. I Agape-Love you all.

Until next time, God bless.