When I was growing up, I always heard “you can do anything you want to if you try hard enough.” My eight-year-old son, who is a pretty good baseball player, asked me “Dad, do you think I can play in the major leagues one day?”
There was no way I was answering that with what I was taught! Instead, I talked with him honestly about skills, talent, luck and hard work – how all those things could come together and make his dream of playing in the majors a reality.
There was no way I was answering that with what I was taught! Instead, I talked with him honestly about skills, talent, luck and hard work – how all those things could come together and make his dream of playing in the majors a reality. However, if it didn’t work out that way, there were also many different ways to be involved with baseball without being a player: umpires, managers, coaches, accountants and more. The old saying that you can do anything you put your mind to is a myth! (In my case that was proven when I took several advanced math classes). In a way, teaching this sets some up for disappointment when they do not succeed.
I want my son to strive for his goals with all he has, but also to realize his true strengths and weaknesses. There is great freedom in knowing both of these things about yourself. In sports and in life, I teach my kids that there will always be someone more talented and always someone less talented than you in all areas. Learn from those who are more talented and help those who are less talented.
Clint
A Difficult Talk With My Eight-Year-Old Son
