Injury

You sprained an ankle and the doctor says you’ll be down for a few weeks. Bummer.

Self-pity creeps into your mind.  You’re helpless.  You’re useless.  You’re worthless. Boo hoo.

Doubts begin circling around your mind like vultures over a wounded animal. It’s hopeless…

What can you do?

1. Stop feeling sorry for yourself.

“Why me?” is a question without an answer. You’re not special. It wasn’t personal. Your ankle just doesn’t twist that way.

Stop complaining.

2. Be patient.

Wait.  Let time do its job. You can’t change this, so stop wishing the universe will make an exception just for you.

3. Don’t waste your time.

Find ways to get better, both physically and mentally. Take care of your ankle with ice, heat and movement. Do your rehab exercises. Strengthen the rest of your body with upper body lifts and arm care exercises. Learn something new about the game with a book, or a video, or a long conversation with a coach.

4. Find other ways to help your team.

Watch the opposing hitters. Chart the game. Talk to your teammates and share new ideas about how to win. The more you think about them, the less you will think about yourself.

Or, you could just keep crying about it.

It’s your choice…