Don't Wait!

I’ve written before about my prowess (or lack thereof) as a minor sports athlete. While I had great success at soccer in my first year playing, the same can’t be said for baseball. From standing in the batters box and being told to “just go for the walk” to learning how to play the field, baseball was a much tougher go than soccer for me.

One time, while playing the outfield we had an inning that seemed to go forever. I went out at the start having to use the facilities but didn’t have the chance. After waiting what seemed like an eternity I finally relieved myself in left field standing there helplessly.

Before you judge, I was like 7 years old and didn’t understand baseball. Further, I was terrified of my coach and didn’t want to interrupt the game. It was easier to just piss myself than it was to stop the game and become a spectacle.

Back in those days we wore white pants. Needless to say I was horrified when I did it but surprisingly relieved to have emptied my stressed bladder during the game. I looked down a few times sheepishly and surprisingly enough there was NO stain or remnants of the deed.

When the inning finally ended I came back to the dugout and acted like nothing happened. The inning took so long they were pretty much dry by the time I came back to the dugout. Thank god for polyester pants!

That experience framed my ways of thinking into my adult life, specifically in the area of not waiting to act when the need arises. From using the facilities to making the tough decisions in the corporate world, procrastination is an issue. Here are a few lessons I would share out of that experience and how it has shaped my approach to things:

"The best time to plant an oak tree was ten years ago..."

Don’t Wait: during many times in office, sports and personal life we put things off, telling ourselves we’ll get to it later. The better option is just do it now. A tough conversation does not get easier if you wait and in many cases, procrastination only makes things worse. As the old saying goes, the best time to plant an oak tree was ten years ago, the next best time is right now.

Have a Contingency Plan: if you can’t (or won’t) wait, what is your plan? In the case of me in the outfield several decades ago, I probably could have pulled myself from the game and found a place to do my business. The reality is I didn’t and paid the price. Know what your plan is in every situation and plan ahead.

"You always have options"

Explore Your Options: the only thing better than having a contingency plan is having more that one. If you’re in a bad spot, you ALWAYS have options. Don’t be afraid to use them. The hardest part of any change in your life - be it with work, sports, relationships or anything else is making the decision to change. If you’ve planned out multiple options you just need to pick one and act.

If you've been holding off on doing something...don't wait. Have the courage and foresight to get it done. You may just keep your pants dry in the process. Until next time, keep the faith...

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Jim McKay is a seasoned supply chain executive with over twenty-five years experience in leading and coaching others. Through his 'Reflections' posts and 'Reflections of a Workaholic ' publications Jim shares his experience in transportation, supply chain and leadership through impactful and insightful stories that are meant to help and inspire others.