There are two cleats hanging above my door. Why? Let me tell you a story.
After an arm surgery my freshman year of baseball in college, I walked into my coaches office and told him, “I just wanted to let you know I am going to give it everything I’ve got, and you’ll never have to doubt that I am doing my best.” He said okay, and I went through spring training just making major strides. But the pain came back, and I had to make a big decision.
I walked out of his office, hurting but head held up high. It was time to hang up the cleats. My cleats are hanging above my door because it reminds me how lucky I am to be doing what I am currently up to. They remind me when I go to the gym that one day it could all end, so lift like you are going to have to stop tomorrow.
My cleats don’t just remind me of that, but of all the times where I built my character and the memories I have of playing catch with my dad in the yard, hitting a ball to my dog, and being on the mound staring down hitters. They remind me that if you set your mind to be something, and put your heart into it, you can be anything and anyone you want.
Those cleats will always hang above my door.
Evan sanders
Reblogged this on wireswilltangle.
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Inspiring.
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Now u made me wonder?
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Evan, I love how you used a hardship in your life to inspire yourself and remind you of all that you have. Hanging up your cleats is such a great metephor, symbol, and statement. I read this post today as I left work and just thought, “how cool is that, he’s poetic, inspiring and totally open, and even a little romantic in a way.” I have been thinking about what the cleats in my life are. I think we have a tendency to hide those things away, those lost loves, but we shouldn’t. Our victory and defeats define us, not one or the other…I think I just found my blog topic for tomorrow. 🙂
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If you have questions after watching the video, please shoot me some back.
A Few Thoughts. First, “The Better Man Project” is just a name for the blog. Better can’t be measured and quantified…because what is “better.” Second, I am not comparing myself to anyone, just comparing myself and my actions to me. Third, I use the gym as a metaphor for life, and don’t always write about the gym. I understand your thoughts, however I think you misunderstood the intent of the project. There is no benefit to compare myself to anyone else and it would be detrimental to my own growth. Hope this answers some of your questions.
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Thankyou for sharing Evan , there are days one needs to hear a story like yours , today is one if them for me ! Inspirational indeed 🙂
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Nice story! What are you currently doing?
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Hi Evan.
Every now and again I read your blog and am intrigued by your project.
What I don’t understand is how any progress in being a better man is measured/ quantified. For instance, in who’s eyes are men to get better, what or who are you comparing yourself too? Who is your benchmark?
If it were a sportsmans I would understand that through exercise etc in the gym you can get fitter, lose weight, tone the body etc, but none of this makes a man ‘better’ than anyone else. Thoughts?
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Thanks for the inspiring story!
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