Perfect Pitch
Former pitcher's advice is a hit with entrepreneurs.
Jim Abbott was an inspiration to those on and off the field when
he pitched a no-hitter with the New York Yankees, despite being
born without his right hand. Overcoming obstacles to achieve his
goals, Abbott now shares his insights with small-business owners as
a motivational speaker. Here, in his words, is his key to
motivating and inspiring entrepreneurs:
"I use an acronym when I speak--ADAPT. A stands for
adjustability, and it's using your own ideas on how to do
things. Be open-minded and flexible in looking for solutions;
change course if something's not working. D is
determination. Don't allow someone else's expectations to
define you. Ignore critics, and believe in what you can do, in
spite of the skeptics. Next, accountability, to me, is the heart
and soul of ADAPT. It has to do with our obligations to others--the
teammates in our lives--and the abilities we've been given,
making the most of our talents. That's something that came from
my experience--never use the circumstances of your life to make
excuses. P is perseverance. We think it's a magical
power, but it's just a matter of making slow and steady
progress. There were a couple of seasons where I really struggled.
I wanted the quick fix, but I had to keep practicing to become
better. You make the smallest of successes and just do it
again.
"Lastly, we have trust. Be fully aware of what your
strengths are. Focus on those, have them available to you, and be
able to apply them."
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