PLAY BALL!!!! It’s that time of year again. Opening Day was two weeks ago for 30 teams. The next 6 months includes 162 games for each team. And lots of cold ones, hot dogs, peanuts, and cracker jacks for fans. So lets look at the connection between the national pastime and our mental health game.
In the 1999 sports drama film “For Love of the Game,” Kevin Costner portrays a veteran baseball pitcher named Billy Chapel who finds himself battling not just opposing teams, but also his inner demons and external distractions. One of the impactful moments in the movie occurs when Chapel, amid a critical game, employs a technique he calls, “clear the mechanism”, to shut out the noise and focus solely on the task at hand. This scene offers profound insights into the importance of eliminating negative distractions in pursuit of success, a lesson applicable far beyond the baseball field.
In the fast-paced world we live in, distractions abound. From the constant buzz of notifications on our smartphones to the pressures of work and personal responsibilities, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and lose sight of our goals. Just like Billy Chapel standing on the pitcher’s mound, we often find ourselves grappling with doubts, fears, negative self talk (ie. demands, awfulising), thought potholes (ie. assumptions), as well as external negativity and pressures that threaten to derail our progress.
So, how can we clear our mind of negative distractions and regain our focus? Here are a few key takeaways inspired by the concept of “clear the mechanism” from “For Love of the Game”:
1. Identify Your Distractions: The first step in overcoming distractions is to recognize them, to call them what they are. Take a moment to reflect on what is pulling your attention away from what truly matters. Is it social media, negative thoughts, or external pressures? Perhaps we are turning to things like work, food, substances (ie. alcohol, drugs, pornography), screens (ie. phone, tv, video games), and more to numb ourselves from experiencing pain or discomfort. By pinpointing the sources of distraction, you can better address them. Set aside time to brainstorm your distractions.
2. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as guided meditation and deep breathing, can help you cultivate awareness and presence in the moment. When you feel overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths and focus on the sensations in your body. By grounding yourself in the present, you can better manage distractions and maintain clarity of mind.
3. Implement Boundaries: Set clear boundaries to protect your time and energy from unnecessary distractions. This could mean turning off notifications during focused work periods or at the end of your day at a certain time, establishing designated “no-phone zones,” or scheduling regular breaks to recharge. This could mean safeguarding you time by saying no to others. By creating boundaries, you empower yourself to prioritize what truly matters. Everything can’t be your top priority. It’s simply not possible.
4. Visualize Success: Like Billy Chapel visualizing the catcher’s mitt as his sole point of focus, envision yourself achieving your goals with clarity and determination. This can include laying out clear action steps for yourself to reach your goal. Breaking it down can help to crystalizing the pathway to your desired end results. Visualizing success can help you stay motivated and resilient in the face of distractions and setbacks. Keep your vision front and center, and let it guide your actions.
5. Practice “Clear the Mechanism”: When faced with overwhelming distractions, take a cue from Billy Chapel and practice “clear the mechanism.” Close your eyes, block out the noise, and visualize yourself in a state of calm focus. By temporarily shutting out external stimuli, you can center yourself and perform at your best. If necessary and possible, step away from the situation or moment and into the dugout for a pause.
As with anything intentionality makes all the difference. Just wishing or wanting something simply isn’t enough. In the immortal words of '“The Answer”, aka. Allen Iverson, “We’re talking about practice.” Maybe you’ve kept yourself from fully leaning in, from giving it your all. Are you willing to give that to yourself? To your loved ones? Is now the time?
“I used to believe, I still do, that if you give something your all it doesn’t matter if you win or lose, as long as you’ve risked everything put everything out there. And I’ve done that. I did it my entire life. I did it with the game. But I never did it with you, I never gave you that. And I’m sorry. ”
In conclusion, the concept of “clear the mechanism” from “For Love of the Game” offers valuable insights into managing distractions and maintaining focus in pursuit of our goals. By identifying distractions, practicing mindfulness, setting boundaries, visualizing success, and embracing moments of clarity, we can clear the mound of our mind of negative distractions and step into our full potential, both on and off the field of life.
Good luck this season everyone!
Extra innings (free baseball)…well technically some 7th inning stretch clips. Any which way a little something to bring a smile to your face. Enjoy!
The man himself
Will Ferrell and Mike Ditka
Mr. T, Cookie Monster, & more
