• Loading stock data...
Friday, December 13, 2024

Sacrifice Short Term Satisfaction for Long Term Gain

This article is powered by the SMU Sport Management Program.

By: D.J. Podgorny, @DJPodgorny

There is a lot to take away when a team wins the World Series for the first time in 108 years. Photo via https://www.designboom.com/

This month, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series for the first time in 108 years. As a lifelong White Sox fan, I can honestly say I never thought this day would come. And while you’ll never see me rooting for the North Siders, I have an immense appreciation for this year’s team.

To win over 100 regular season games, battle back from being down in two playoff series, and win a game seven, championship clincher on the road, there are a ton of superlatives a team must possess. Things like grit, resilience, trust, and camaraderie all come to mind. Yet, when I examine the 2016 Chicago Cubs, one defining quality stands out above all of the rest:

They sacrificed short term satisfaction for long term gain.

Dating back to spring training, this squad was regarded as baseball’s elite. Pundit after pundit agreed: this Cubbies team was special; they were finally contenders. Early praise of Theo Epstein’s ability to build another young, dominate roster was the topic of radio shows, newspaper columns, and SportsCenter segments.

Almost every year, there is a team that makes these headlines. In every sport there is always some club that is subject to media hype before the first game is played. More often than not though, these teams aren’t the ones left standing, holding the championship trophy at year’s end.


Why? Because it is easy to buy into the publicity. It’s tempting to believe the analysts, to convince yourself you’re the greatest, and when you do that, progress halts. You get complacent.

But your competitors don’t. In fact, they strive harder than ever to take you down. Every chance they have against you is their opportunity to prove to the world what they’re made of. You have a target on your back all season long.

The Cubs are one of the rare exceptions. They didn’t buy into the hoopla. Instead, they focused on the task at hand: winning each matchup and never getting ahead of themselves. They did the little things that add up to championship baseball.

They avoided shallow, short-sighted self-indulgence for an opportunity to achieve their long term goal.

Perhaps the best example is catcher and outfielder Kyle Schwarber. Schwarber was poised to have a big year after finishing the previous season with a stellar playoff performance. Expectations were high for the 2014 first rounder.

Those hopes came crashing down when, in the first month of the season, he suffered a torn ACL. Schwarber’s aspirations seemed nixed, put on the backburner for at least another year. There was no guarantee he would see the field again in 2016. Still, he committed to his rehab, working tirelessly to have any chance possible to help his team.

It paid off. Schwarber worked behind the scenes all season to strengthen his knee and return to form. Then, as the Cubs traveled to Cleveland for game 1 in the World Series, his number was called. Schwarber responded with one of the most memorable performances in franchise history, ultimately playing a large part in the championship run.

Schwarber could have easily given up on the year. He could have just packed it in and waited for 2017. No one would have faulted him after an injury like that.

Instead, he refused. He focused on the small things, the difficult minutiae of rehabilitation, and the painfully slow progress. He gave it everything he had; full well knowing he may never get a chance to help his team.

He sacrificed short term satisfaction for long term gain.

Now, it’s unlikely I will ever have a chance to win a World Series (little league dropout), but this message transcends sports. There are an overwhelming number of decisions in our life where we have to make a choice that influences our short and long term goals.

Should I binge watch three episodes of Mr. Robot or study for my exam? Should I work out or waste thirty minutes on Facebook? Should I introduce myself to this stranger at a networking event or act like I am on my phone until my friends arrive?

They all have varying degrees of influence on your happiness, fulfillment, and success. Most of them won’t have any impact in the grand scheme of things, when examined discretely.

What differentiates champions from playoff teams, however, is the ability to consistently fight the urge to do what’s comfortable in lieu of the activity that leads to growth. They have the willpower to abstain from what detracts from their goals and the awareness to consciously make the decision. Perhaps, most importantly, they have the resilience to get back on track when they make mistakes.

This is a guiding philosophy used time and time again. From John Wooden to Bill Walsh to Bill Belichick, leaders have preached this concept. When your behaviors constantly align with your long term goals, the small benefits will compound into monumental results.

That’s why I am doing my best to emulate the legendary performance of the Chicago Cubs. Because, even though it might not be a World Series, I want to be a champion.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning for game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.

Juan Soto Sweepstakes Underway: Superstar’s Deal Could Reshape MLB

The MLB superstar is set to gain the second-largest contract in U.S. pro sports history.

What’s Next After DSG Drops MLB Teams? Free Agency to New Deals

The affected clubs are now considering a wide variety of options for 2025 game broadcasts.
Chicago Cubs right fielder Patrick Wisdom (16) is greeted by Chicago Cubs third base coach Willie Harris (33) after hitting a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the second inning at Wrigley Field.

Cubs First in MLB with CBD Partner

Wrigley Field will be the first MLB stadium to sell CBD drinks.
Eric Hosmer selling Boston home.

First Baseman Eric Hosmer Sells $6.6M Boston Home

He signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
Sponsored

Temple Takes Your Sports Career to the Next Level

If you want to break through to the C-Suite , Temple University’s Executive Master of Science in Sport Business can help you up your game and accelerate your career. 
Sponsored

Networking With Purpose

Investing in the Ohio University PMSA unlocks access to one of the largest sports business alumni networks in the world.
Sponsored

University of San Francisco Is Your Ticket to the Game

Rated the No. 1 Sports Management program in California, USF has been a leader in educating industry professionals for more than 30 years.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Sponsored

UMass, McCormack Department of Sport Management Introduce Groundbreaking Women in Business Course

UMass’s Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management has announced the addition of a Women in Business course launching Spring 2021.
Sponsored

Sacred Heart University Gives Athletes and Students Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Professor Matthew F. Moran is training the industry’s next generation of exercise scientists at Sacred Heart University.
Sponsored

Ohio University PMSA Prepares Sports Professionals For New Normal

Two alumni of the Ohio University Professional Master of Sports Administration explain how they feel prepared for the future of sports.
Sponsored

Temple’s Sports Business Master’s Program Gives a Sports Media Pro Unique Perspective

Temple’s School of Sport, Tourism & Hospitality Management gave Sean Hanrahan the tools to elevate his career even after 30 years in the business.