December 7, 2023
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Turning Your Weaknesses Into Strengths to Become More Successful and Happier

Laura07 mins

Tom Dempsey was born with a partial right arm, and only half a right foot. To most, that would have ruled out a life in football, but Tom had a different belief system.
He developed a custom kicking shoe that fit his disfigured foot, with a flat toe about three inches in diameter. With hard work, Tom mastered the technique of his special equipment. He would swing his leg and drive the ball like a polo player using a mallet, propelling a football long distances.
Unbelievably, Tom made it to the NFL and landed a job as kicker for a new team, the New Orleans Saints. The Saints were finishing up a dismal season. With only one win to date, they were playing a much better team, the Detroit Lions. With just two seconds remaining on the clock, Tom Dempsey had a chance to kick the game winning field goal. But, there was much more than just the game on the line: history was at stake. Dempsey hit a 63 yard field goal through the uprights-the longest field goal ever, propelling the Saints to a 19-17 victory. That kick was a defining moment in his life. Using his special strength, Dempsey became an inspiration to millions on that day in 1970.
All true winners have learned to turn an apparent weakness into a strength. David Meador is a champion in his own right; David won the U.S blind golf championship. But that is not what makes him special-David has learned to turn his blindness into a platform for his professional speaking business. David speaks around the country about focus-yes focus. He shares with his audiences that blindness has allowed him to remain focused on the important aspects of life. His blindness does not allow him to be distracted by television, YouTube or text messaging, aspects of everyday life that can deter many of us from achieving our potential. As David puts it, he is the only guy in America who can walk into Home Depot and not be distracted by anything on the shelves. David’s blindness is his strength. In fact, his message is so powerful that he usually receives a standing ovation; David’s apparent weakness is his most poignant ally.
Voltaire likened life to a game of cards. Each player must accept the cards dealt to him. But once those cards are in hand, he alone decides how to play them to win the game. Tom Dempsey and David Meador took their cards and played a great hand. What cards have you been dealt?
Drill: Playing your cards
Most people run away from their weaknesses, or just deny their existence. Sometimes it is too painful to acknowledge them or just too energy draining to work on them in our high paced lifestyle. What is not realized is that many of our weaknesses can become a great strength–it all depends on our perspective.
President Andrew Jackson turned an apparent weakness of having an overly hot-temper into a negotiating strength. Andrew …

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Turning Yourself Into A Professional At Baseball

Laura06 mins

Baseball has been one of the favorite pastimes for people everywhere for decades. However, some people lack what they need to play at their very best level. When you read the following paragraphs, you are going to improve your playing ability, understanding and passion for the game.

You can practice alone. A pitching machine allows you to set the speed of the ball. By loading several baseballs into the machine, you can practice hitting without needing a pitcher. This electronic machine is perfect for those who wish to practice baseball alone. Pitching machines can be picked up at your local sporting goods store.

Learn how to use cut-off men when playing the outfield. With your adrenaline pumping, you may feel like you can throw that ball clear to home plate, but cut-off men are typically the better choice to make. Getting the ball back into your closest infielder will give your team a better shot for an out. The shorter throw means a more accurate throw.

Make sure you use the proper grip when hitting a baseball. You should go with a “standard” grip. The middle knuckles of your hands should be on the bat. Make sure the bat is across the callus line of your fingers instead of the back of your palms. This grip betters quickness and bat speed.

The kind of glove you choose to use is crucial. There are gloves made for each position. For instance, a catcher’s glove and an outfielder’s glove vary by shape and size. To ensure you handle the ball according to your position, be sure you are equipped with the appropriate glove.

Don’t let baseball take over your life. You need a break from everything, including baseball. Time away can actually have a rejuvenating effect on you and your baseball ability, so take time to enjoy other interests. When you return to baseball, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to conquer the world.

If you’re into stealing bases, practice taking leads off of bases. Taking leads means you need to know not only your own speed, but also the speed of the pitcher’s pick off move, the speed of his delivery to the plate, and the speed and accuracy of the catcher’s arm. There’s a lot to consider that’ll affect how much lead you take.

Shaving cream can be used to break in a new baseball glove. When you get a new glove, spray a handful of shaving cream into your hand and rub it into the pocket area of the glove. Next place a baseball there and tie a rope around the glove and baseball. Repeat this process a few times for the first month you have the glove.

If you are a first base coach, you have certain responsibilities. Basically, you must encourage the batter to hustle down the first baseline on all infield hits. You also have to remind the runners as to how many outs there are. You must instruct the runner when it is time ti take …

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