Business Owners & Athletes have a lot in common.

My brother and eight others were inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame last week for their softball prowess. It was a gala event complete with plaques, Super bowl-like rings and speeches.

Each of the recipients talked about the deep friendships they made and recited different tournaments and plays with relish. It was clear each had enormous passion for the sport.

Then Eugene* got up. He too expressed his appreciation for the award and for the supportive and skilled teammates who helped him achieve this honor. Then he thanked his family; that part of the speech went something like this:

“I want to especially thank my family who supported me throughout the many years I played. I know the five-night-a-week practices and the weekend tournaments were hard for you. I missed things no father should ever miss: birthdays, anniversaries and school activities. (At this point he had to pause and regain his composure.) I want you to know that I would give it all up – the international trophies, the awards and the friends, if I could just have that time back with you.”

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room and not an athlete who didn’t relate to what Eugene had just shared.

If Eugene had been asked while he was playing ball to share his core values, I’m sure family would have been right up at the top. Not softball. Not trophies. Not awards. But the truth of the matter is action speaks louder than words.

Live your core values.

*Not his real name

~ Linda Laitala
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