My number one goal in going to college was to be a professional baseball player. Oh sure, I had other interests as well. I started out on a path to be a mathematician and then later changed to major in psychology. But first and foremost, choosing the right college to attend was largely based upon the success of the baseball team and how many players went on to play professional ball. I very much wanted to play professional ball. But simply choosing the right college didn’t assure success.

Looking back, I realize that there was a lot more I could have done to improve my chances. I could have lifted more weights. I could have attended more tryout camps. I could have traveled to Mexico or Alaska to play in the off seasons. Of course, there was no guarantee that if I had of done all those things I would have been signed. But I would have been able to say I gave it my best shot.

My passion now is to become a better leader. But just saying it won’t make it happen. Having learned from that earlier lesson, I don’t want to be in the position of saying I didn’t give it my best shot. So every day I ask myself what lessons have I learned and what more do I need to know? Then I make a plan to get it done. Giving it your best shot is the key to leadership success.