G.E.T.U.P. and Be Great

Nearly 100 years ago, in the year of 1939, a man stood before a packed stadium and delivered one of the most powerful speeches of his time.  Lou Gehrig was the current holder of the consecutive games played in a row record in Major Leagues of Baseball.  Here stood a man who had played 2,130 games in a row, without missing one.  This streak spread over 15 years.  And there he stood, in front of thousands.  He was breaking the news that a grave illness was ending his career in the middle of the season.  Lou Gehrig was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, aka ALS aka Lou Lehrig’s Disease. 

In his 2 minutes speech, he did not curse the disease, he did not say this is the end, although his emotions were most likely running wild.  No, he focused on the good.  He spoke of the amazing people he worked with, the amazing people that were part of his life, and he gave one of the most iconic phrases ever said in baseball.  “Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” And to end it all he said, “And I might have been given a bad break, but I have an awful lot to live for.”

Less than two years later, Lou Gehrig, the iron man of baseball, would pass away at the age of 37.

Lou Gehrig showed up, day after day.  He focused on the good, appreciated the little things, and moved the needle in his favor when possible. In 15 years I’m sure he had aches and pains.  I’m sure he had excuses for why he shouldn’t play that day.  But, it took one of the worst illnesses to bring him down physically.

So today,  as you are feeling your own aches and pains, as you are feeling your excuse , are you going to call it quits?   Are you going to take a day off?  Or are you going to show up, take a moment to reflect on the things you have and move forward?  Don’t let the little things stop you.

G.E.T.U.P. and be GREAT!!!