In my leadership guide Want to Be Cool?? Be a Leader!!, I talk about the importance of appreciating the journey. We often get so locked in on the reward that we forget where the real growth happens.
“If only we won the championship.”
“If only I got that job.”
“If only…”
The journey is the reward.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking the next milestone will finally make you happy. “Once I finish school… once I make the team… once I get the promotion…” But the truth is, fulfillment doesn’t magically appear at the finish line. It’s built in the everyday moments leading up to it.
And the outcomes? They’re never guaranteed. You can work relentlessly and still come up short. Former New York Giants punter Steve Weatherford is a great example. After winning the Super Bowl in 2012, he expected to feel unstoppable. Instead, he called it one of the most depressing nights of his life. The moment he dreamed about didn’t deliver the satisfaction he thought it would.
Why? Because the mountaintop isn’t what changes you – the climb does.
When you embrace the grind, appreciate your growth, and value the people walking beside you, you’ve already succeeded. Especially in sports, a career isn’t defined by one game or one trophy. It’s built from the relationships, the effort, the resilience, and the pride of knowing you gave everything you had.
During my years working in pro baseball, there were seasons when we didn’t win it all – but the memories, lessons, and friendships from those teams are just as meaningful as the one that came with a championship ring.
In the book, I ask readers a reflection question:
What part of your current journey – in school, sports, or life – can you learn to enjoy more instead of only focusing on the end result?
Don’t wait until the finish line to start appreciating what’s happening right now. The big win is great… but the process can bring a deep, lasting level of satisfaction that no trophy can replace.
Social Media: @billythebatboy
Billy Pinckney
(862) 377-8737
