Life lessons, playing cricket in the scorching heat!!

After a long gap, I had this opportunity to play cricket (an English sport prominently played in commonwealth countries) over the weekend. Thanks to the recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup, it heightened my motivation to play.

However, soon the reality set in when I realized that we will play the game in one of the historically hottest days in the US, a whooping temperature of 106 F. Against all advice I ended up playing. We all know more often than not our passion prevails. 

The game got underway as scheduled. It was a great game, and I enjoyed being part of the team and playing my bit contributing to the team’s cause. A little rusty initially, but eased in gradually as the game progressed. 

However, mid-way through the game, the weather turned on its head with a severe thunderstorm and rain. The game got decided by D/L Method and our team lost. Explaining D/L Method (Duckworth-Lewis) would need another article. An easier way is to look it up.

As in every aspect of life, there were few key lessons I took away from this opportunity to play in such extreme weather. Here are a few I wish to share, including some well-known quotes from great thought leaders paraphrased below. I am sure you will relate to it.

1. Find motivation and purpose in everything you do and it will surprise you ended up doing it or at the least trying it.

2. Conditions may not always be favorable hence learning to adjust, adapt and acclimatize is the best way out.

3. Not every variable out there can be controlled, so focus only on things we can control.

4. Give it all you got, at the end; you either win or emerge wiser.

5. Results are important but the process is key.

6. Attempt for success at all times but sometimes attempt itself is a success.

7. Obey your mind and do what you wish to do, never allow others to discourage or stop you.

and finally, 

8. Age is just a matter of mind; if you don’t mind it never matters.

Until next, cheers!!

Sunil Kumar Kumaran