We Are Sustained by Others
Human beings are born from other people, raised by other people, learn from other people, and live together with other people. As long as we live as human beings, we cannot ignore the fact that we are sustained and supported by others.
When we are young, being supported by others feels natural, so we do not realize it. However, by the time we become adults, we come to understand that we can accomplish nothing entirely on our own. Even if we pretend not to notice, sooner or later we are forced to acknowledge this reality.
The sooner we recognize and accept it, the better. It is important to cultivate a sense of gratitude.
Gratitude Improves Your State of Mind
People who are grateful tend to be humble. Expressing gratitude also makes those around them feel good.
Expressions of gratitude include saying “thank you,” giving gifts, or paying for services. Grateful people frequently say “thank you,” often give presents or souvenirs, and do not hesitate to invest in things that are necessary. This is because they understand that such actions make others feel good, while also improving their own mood.
When you feel good, you become more proactive in pursuing your goals and are better able to cooperate with others. By involving and being involved with those around you, you can achieve great things together.
Be Grateful to Your Opponents
A baseball game cannot begin without an opponent. Moreover, it is only interesting and worthwhile when the opponent is an equal competitor.
For example, a high school team could probably defeat an elementary school team, but would that be an enjoyable game? Before every game, first be grateful that there is an opponent to compete against.
When you enter a game with gratitude, your opponent ceases to be an enemy. Instead, they become a companion who shares the same aspirations. If you can think this way, you will not fear your opponent or become excessively nervous. You will be able to focus on your own performance.
Furthermore, if you can applaud your opponent’s great plays, you will feel joy in competing against such a worthy rival, and that positive feeling will encourage you to play more aggressively and confidently.
For the People You Are Grateful To
Who is the person you most want to see or hear about your success in a game?
Isn’t it the person to whom you feel the greatest gratitude?
It may be your father or mother, or perhaps a teacher or mentor who helped you in the past. The desire to share good news with that person and make them happy can become a tremendous source of strength.
You can work several times harder when you are playing for someone you appreciate than when you are playing only for yourself.
Before practice or a game, take a moment to think about the person you are most grateful to. When times are difficult or your motivation is fading, picture that person's smile in your mind.
Doing so will help you regain a positive attitude and renew your determination.
PDF Link : 2. Gratitude