
When I was 12 years old, our baseball team was hands down amazing. We actually just barely lost to the team that won the little league world series that year. Needless to say, we were filthy. Right before I was about to start a game, we were doing pitchers drills and all of us thought we were pretty good. So I was the last one to go…and made my way over to first, caught the ball nonchalantly, went to go step on first without looking…and the man up above proceeded to teach me a lesson I will never forget. I didn’t just trip over first base, I ate it over first base and fell flat on my face. After I got out of the pile of dust I created for myself, I had to wipe myself off…humiliation and dust combined. It was in that moment, I learned one of the greatest lessons of my life. Never…ever…be cocky.
Someone asked me the question the other day of what I thought made a good man. Well, I am sure I could come up with a whole list of things, but one of the biggest things is to maintain humility. I think cockiness is one of the most unattractive things possible. In fact, I apologize ladies for the guys you confront who are full of themselves because I can’t even spend time around that kind of stuff. Most of the time, we have to talk about what we are doing rather than just doing it because we need some sort of recognition. I think that lesson is part of the one that I learned falling on the ground that day. Let your game speak. If you are great, people will be able to see it no matter what. You don’t need to tell everyone how great you are. There is a difference between arrogance and being proud of who you are. Often of times that difference will get muddled up by those who perceive you, but just remember that arrogance is insecurity in disguise. Now when people pay you complements, you don’t have to deny them or say that they are untrue. All you really have to say is thank you. I honestly will never forget that lesson I learned at the baseball field that day because I felt like such a piece of junk when I had to stand up in front of all my friends laughing at me.
I still have my jersey from those days. One day I will frame it because that day is an incredibly important to me. I am going to keep asking for everyone to head on over to the Quotes Page and write down your favorite quotes. I am going to make something pretty cool with them. Thanks a ton for reading!
Evan Sanders
The Better Man Project
Extremely well put, couldn’t agree with you more. Truly inspiring!
Good post and something I have always agreed with. The people that bother me the most in life are the ones that strike me as arrogant. The other thing that bothers me is that I so often see them being successful (defined by traditional terms, not things like “personal happiness means success”). It is my sincere and ever lasting hope that arrogance simply follows success, although I know that sometimes arrogant people reach success by creating opportunities for themselves.
It would be great to read your view of the difference between arrogant and confidence and how to differentiate between the two both in your own personality and behaviors and those of others.
Arrogance just leaves people very lonely. No matter how many people are around them, pride puts them in a room by themselves.
This is a great lesson to learn and be reminded of.
“Arrogance is insecurity in disguise”, I second that.
“Let your game speak.” If this isn’t a true story with a riveting plot and dynamic characters, I don’t know what is..
Well put – on a closely related note – it’s liberating when you stop worrying about who get’s the credit for good deeds, and just do them anyway.
Cheers….Ian
I am so there with you on this one. I want to share this site with my son. Thanks for your voice. I had a similar experience while in seminary that I will never forget and always be grateful.
Peace
I loved this post! Thank you for the follow, and thank you for sharing this…it is so true.
Cheers!
~Beth
I agree with what you posted about men. Well said! And apology accepted! π
Thanks for following my blog! I have followed you back. π
I love this post. I think many men (and women) would achieve more and be more impressive if they stopped talking about how impressive they are and showed it through their actions instead. Well said, Sir.
Great post! I agree 100% with what you say. In fact, last night I posted a comment on FB thanking my supporters for all they do to help me achieve my writing goals. In one of the comments I mentioned about how I frown upon prideful remarks. Without my supporters, I am nothing. π I am grateful for even having the opportunity to write! I unfortuantely know too many people who are arrogant and honestly, they are by themselves on that bandwagon π
Well written and well put! Thank you.