Sunday Newscape Magazine

“Take Advantage of What I Was Given” Jim Abbott - Former Professional Baseball Player, Olympic Gold Medalist, Speaker

Baseballs off season focused on every scandal one could imagine. Undoubtedly, there are some players who will do or take anything to better themselves; unfortunately that is all we hear about.

Then there is Jim Abbott, a true gift to the game. This one handed pitcher has made history in many ways and opened many doors for others in baseball it is hard to fathom why we do not hear about him more. When I spoke to him for a few minutes I realized this humble man had simple yet powerful words to explain how he made it so far.

He said; “All I did to achieve what I wanted was to take advantage of what I was given.” In other words; in his mind, there were no limitations. All he wanted to do was play baseball and he didn’t ponder the disability he had. He knew he could pitch and knew he was good. All he did was use good old fashion tenacity, focus, and surround himself with the right support group to help him get there. It sounds like a broken record to some of my previous columns, but it’s so true!

In a nut shell, every one of us has been brought into this world with the ability to do one thing really well. Most of us know this, but fail to realize this gift has many opportunities. In other words, once you realize what it is you are truly good at the opportunities in that field expand ten fold. All you need is to take a little time to expand your gift on paper. For some this might be a chore. If you’re not sure what your talent is, ask the people that know you best. Sometimes others see things that we fail to recognize.

My term for this opportunity finder is called “the fruit tree” affect. Simply put, if you look at any fruit tree you will realize that it carries with it an abundance of fruit. On that tree you will notice some fruit looking better than others in size, shape, and appearance. From this metaphor you can create your own fruit tree of opportunities just by choosing the most appealing fruit first. In other words, sit down and write at least ten different areas you can pursue from the gift you were blessed with. Pick the most appealing first and line them up according to your interest. What you’ve just created is an opportunity list of different avenues to pursue from that attribute you are best at. Most important, if you do this, you will never feel trapped because if one area doesn’t work to your liking then just choose another and move forward.

Jim’s life is no different. His best attribute was a passion for pitching. He knew he could do it, therefore, the anchor was set and his career took off. From that one attribute he was able to pitch in the Olympics, Professional Ball, and now coaches others in many ways just by using that one quality and taking it to many different levels. His professional speaking career inspires many and his gift to baseball will always be remembered. In my opinion, Jim is a true model to the sport and an expert at picking the right fruit.

Speaking Engagements and Contact Information - www.jimabbott.info

Ms. Lilly Walters Schermerhorn- Agent

(c) Jerry Maldonado all rights reserved