Probably the most inspiring article that I read this entire year—and I’m not kidding—was an article on Sportsnet.ca about Cincinnati Reds First Baseman Joey Votto. As a Gold Glove, MNP, and repeated All Star First Baseman, Joey Votto has a contract to receive $25 million a year for the next six years. He is arguably the star of the Cincinnati Reds Baseball Team. Even before reading this article, he was my favorite baseball player. So I was even more inspired by him after reading the Sportsnet article.
In the article, Joey Votto said:
“I strive for boring in all elements of my game.”
That quote spoke to me. Here is my favorite baseball player saying that he strives for boring. Being boring is exactly what it sounds like; nothing special, nothing flashy, routine, and predictable.
But, boring is also focused on the details. Boring is comfortable with the basics. Boring does not get in the way of success.
Since 2002, Votto has been a professional ball player. He has been a boring one most of his life. He throws ball against a wall, does stretches, and has a batting average of .312.
He is a consistent winner. Some say that he is the greatest hitter in Reds History—and it’s a long history.
The article was inspiring because we need to strive for more boring in our lives.
We live in a flashy, noisy, shiny object world. But while many are chasing those shiny objects, it is the boring who steadily hit. Votto’s on base percentage is .424, which mean he gets on base half of the times he is at bat. He is steady, dependable, and consistent. Shouldn’t those words be applied to us as well?
We need to strive for boring.
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Photo of Joey Votto Topps Opening Day 2016
If you want to read the entire story about Joey Votto please see Sportsnet.ca