FEEL VS REAL
In the realm of sports, particularly in a game as intricate and nuanced as baseball, the interplay between feel and reality is a constant dance. It's a fascinating dichotomy where what a player feels in the moment may not always align with the technical reality of their actions. This paradox is especially pronounced in the art of hitting, where a batter's sensory perceptions can sometimes diverge from the biomechanics required for success.
Consider the example of a hitter working on their swing. In practice, they might focus on the sensation of "swinging down" on the ball, feeling the bat angle downwards as they make contact. Yet, the reality is more complex. The ideal swing path in baseball is actually more up, with the bat staying in the hitting zone for as long as possible. So why the emphasis on swinging down?
It's because what feels right isn't always what's technically correct. In the case of swinging down, the sensation of driving the bat towards the ground can help a hitter avoid common flaws. By exaggerating the feeling of swinging down, players can ingrain muscle memory that translates into a smoother, more effective swing in actual gameplay.
This concept extends beyond baseball diamonds and into the fabric of everyday life. How often do we find ourselves relying on our instincts, our gut feelings, only to realize later that reality doesn't quite match up? We might feel confident in a decision that ultimately leads to failure, or conversely, feel apprehensive about a choice that turns out to be the right one.
In our personal and professional lives, success often hinges on our ability to navigate this gap between feel and reality. Sometimes, we need to trust our instincts and lean into the confidence they provide. Other times, we must step back, reassess, and align our actions with the objective truth of a situation, even if it contradicts our initial perceptions.
Take the example of public speaking. Many people experience nerves before addressing a crowd, a sensation that can feel overwhelming and insurmountable. Yet, the reality is that these feelings often stem from a fear of judgment or a lack of confidence in one's abilities, rather than any inherent flaw in the speaker. By acknowledging and accepting these feelings while simultaneously focusing on the task at hand—delivering a compelling speech—the speaker can bridge the gap between their emotional state and the reality of their capabilities.
Similarly, in pursuing long-term goals or aspirations, the road to success is rarely a straight line. It's filled with detours, setbacks, and moments of doubt. During these times, it's crucial to maintain a balance between the subjective feelings of frustration or fatigue and the objective reality of progress. Just because something feels difficult or overwhelming doesn't mean it's impossible. By reframing challenges as opportunities for growth and focusing on the concrete steps needed to move forward, individuals can overcome obstacles and achieve their objectives.
Ultimately, the interplay between feel and reality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience. Whether on the baseball field or in the stadium of life, learning to navigate this dynamic is key to unlocking our full potential. By embracing the lessons of adaptation, resilience, and self-awareness that baseball teaches us, we can approach our endeavours with clarity, purpose, and a willingness to confront the complexities of the world around us.
CP OUT
