Not So Good

I am an avid New York Mets fan. People often ask me how I could possibly follow the Mets since I grew up in Daytona Beach and have no family connections to New York. It's actually a result of us getting the old TV station that played the Mets games out of New York on our television. I started watching in the mid-80's when they were bringing up some great young talent and I haven't abandoned them since. Sadly, there have been many more disappointing seasons than successful ones, but I still follow my team. I have some collectibles in my office and the only sports gear that I wear are Mets hats and t-shirts. Through all the years of poor draft choices, terrible free agent signings, and bad management, I have maintained my allegiance.

I don't know what this says about me as a person, but I think it speaks to my desire to be loyal. I actually believe that we all want to experience loyalty. We want to know that people will stick by us even when we aren't at our best. We want to know that if we are willing to endure rough patches they will do the same in return. It's an affirming principle that strengthens our relationships and reminds us that things get better when we stick together. My loyalty hasn't resulted in better play from my favorite baseball team, but it has helped me in the rest of my relationships.

A Little Out There

Sandy Alderson, the general manager of my New York Mets, set a goal of 90 wins for the team this year. That's a fairly audacious aspiration since we haven't sniffed the playoffs in several years and have only averaged a win total in the 70's recently. Some people are calling his statement ridiculous and foolish, but there is some sense to his declaration. Setting a goal that will take hard work and favorable circumstances can be an effective way to motivate and inspire players. It's certainly better than setting an objective of mediocrity.


What goals are we setting for ourselves? Are they easily attainable? Are they worth it if they can be reached without a combination of disciplined effort and time? There is some wisdom in putting manageable steps into lofty goals, but to challenge ourselves and grow we should shoot a little higher than what we've done in the past. Stretching to reach a new height can bring about new gains in personal strength and maturity as well as uniting a team with a common focus.