Lessons from a (new) baseball Hall of Famer

Pat Gillick's lifetime devotion to baseball was rewarded this week when he was elected to the Hall of Fame. For 27 years he served as General Manager for 4 major league teams including guiding my beloved Toronto Blue Jays to back-to-back World Series victories in the 90's and my hometown Philadelphia Phillies to a championship in 2008.

Pat Gillick understands what it takes to be a champion.

So what did he learn over his career?

"When I started out in this game, I thought it was 70 percent ability and 30 percent character, and the longer I've been in it, I think it's 60 percent character and 40 percent ability," Gillick said.

To me, character is made up of many things. When it comes to competition, I list a willingness to work hard, put in the time, commit to the workout, and not giving up are the top character traits.

This applies to your workouts as well. All of us put limits on ourselves based on our perceived ability level. We look at someone who can do 50 pushups or walk on their hands or deadlift 300 lbs or run 10 miles and say "I wish I was a natural athlete like they are". We tell ourselves we're too old, too fat, too out of shape, too tired, too sore, too stressed to achieve great results.

But remember what Pat Gillick said, "60 percent character and 40 percent ability."

You can achieve great results if you choose to display the right character traits. Work hard, put in the time, fully commit to the workout and don't give up. The results will follow and others will look at you when they are in need of some fitness inspiration.

Be well,

Paul

Paul Dziewisz

Active Personal Fitness

www.ActivePersonalFitness.com

267.626.7478

"You give us the effort...we'll get you the results."