This Diamond Celebrates People

The older I become, the more I realize the runway of life is a lot shorter than it looks when you begin the journey.

Maybe my perspective changed because I began to see markers I previously missed and the passing of each year reminded me I can't go backwards, only forward. Along my personal and professional journey those around me impact my outcomes; intended and untended. Each year my calendar is filled with "moments" to gather or celebrate, such as anniversary's, birthdays and holidays; however, the date does not matter; only the people.

Recently I was asked some questions by digital publication, Voyage Raleigh. Each question in this interview made me pause before answering. Pausing is not one of my "gifts", instead I usually charge ahead. Over the years I have watched or listened to numerous sporting events because of my kids; they love sports. It occurs to me, I've "charged the plate" for years. The definition of the term means the batter stands off the plate, then strides toward the pitch; sacrificing power, but gaining considerable plate coverage. My role as a business owner is to see the best play, not necessarily to be the most powerful in the moment.

Similarly, owning a business is not about "charging the mound." (A baseball player's response to a perceived indignity, that usually results in a team brawl) Unlike baseball, a business does not have time outs to pause play, umpires to review and rule, and the innings keep coming. In fact, the years keep coming in a way that reminds me of a little league game with batters than can't hit and fielders that can't catch; it goes on and on.

Life is not full of softball moments or mock interviews; life hits hard. Life hits fast. The team in your field either energizes you or drains you. Every team needs a pinch hitter. This player is able to step in for another batter, and in the workplace is someone who does something for another person in a pinch. Today marks 17 years Miranda and I have worked together.

In a pinch, as the inning keep coming, Miranda has been a clean up batter and always knows what to do to advance the runner. I'm glad she's effective on both offense and defense!

Back in 2022 I added a blog post that Miranda wrote back in 2007 as an intern, titled "Why Use a Distributor." The line art photos in that post capture the zany side of Miranda. Her zany side probably keeps her sane when we strive for the perfect day. In baseball, the perfect game keeps all the batters from reaching the base in every inning. In a business the perfect day means around the interference, errors, obstacles and even the weather, we advance around the bases providing a home run experience for our partners.

Life lessons I've learned?

Celebrate people not specific dates.

Also, don't get too caught up with what happens on the field during one game.

Life has a lot of extra innings.

Instead, focus on keeping the bench full of players that you can count on in a pinch!