Fail Better

Ever tried. Ever failed.

No matter. Try again.

Fail again. Fail better. 

-Samuel Beckett

Small differences often decide wins and losses. At higher levels, it's not about "who wants it more." Does anyone think that the Super Bowl loser didn't care enough?

You may know the saying, "Baseball is a game of failure." Seven players hit at least .300 in Major League Baseball this season. In Massachusetts, eight volleyball players have a hitting percentage ((kills-errors)/attacks) over .400. Success means failing less, failing better. 

Mickey Mantle, a Yankee all-time great, struck out over 1,700 times, the equivalent of three full seasons. He made twenty all-star teams, hit over 500 homers, and helped win seven World Series. His production overwhelmed his failures. 

The French philosophical novelist Voltaire wrote, "Better is the enemy of good." The pursuit of perfection can interfere with progress and success.

"Control what you can control." The uncontrollable happens a lot. Focus, "be where your feet are" and give your best and nobody can ask for more. 

Lagniappe. Another saying dictates that players should not play like robots. Bryce Paup implies that efficiency-reacting robots make plays. Be good at the basics. Boring excellence works. 

Lagniappe 2. Volleyball Gold Medalist Kerry Walsh Jennings says, "I want to fight for it every day."