Hey, how was your week? How many complaints did you get? Personalities are getting more complaints than ever before. Everyone is, really. There are many reasons. There’s the whole Cancel Culture thing. There are a lot of Karens. And some folks just feel the need to lash out at anything that annoys them. Well, it’s October, which reminds me of baseball, and baseball’s Mr. October has some lessons on how to stay strong in the face of complaints.
Reggie Jackson was one of the most quotable and colorful players in the game’s history. He once described himself as “The Straw That Stirs The Drink.” Talk about setting yourself up as a target, but Reggie was bold, colorful, and memorable like most great entertainers. His hubris made him a lightning rod of controversy. His flair for the dramatic made him a celebrity, earning the nickname Mr. October for his performance in the World Series (played in October).
Jackson is a Hall of Famer known for hitting majestic home runs at the most critical times, but he was also one of baseball’s biggest failures. Reggie is among the all-time leaders in striking out.
Jackson was a great Major League player but was special because he understood he was an entertainer. At home, Yankee fans chanted, “Reg-gie, Reg-gie” when he came to bat.
The 70s were long ago, so you may wonder how famous he was. Reggie’s popularity went beyond baseball fans. There was even a Reggie candy bar.
But on the road, he was greeted by boos every time he stepped to the plate. And not just boos. Opposing fans cursed at him. They threw things from the stands and hurled insults at him and his family. Reggie got a reaction. He caused emotional responses.
Jackson was famous because he dared to be himself without apology. Sometimes, his opinions didn’t go over well. He often rubbed his bosses (manager Billy Martin and owner George Steinbrenner) the wrong way. The media had a love/hate relationship with him. Reggie didn’t care. Criticism comes with fame.
Be Like Mr. October
It’s easier to avoid controversy and stay out of trouble. Many performers go out of their way to play it safe. At the show’s end, they exhale and think, “Whew, I made it through another day.” Then they prepare another average show for tomorrow.
It’s okay for average performers to avoid the spotlight, but it’s not the way to become a difference-maker. Success requires courage, stamina, and an inner strength focused on a purpose. That’s the only way to advance beyond Stage 3 (Growth) in the Personality Success Path. It’s what drives the inner strength to stand out, even though it comes with criticism.
Do you want to be the best? Prepare for a few boos. There will be complaints. That’s okay because the alternative is to languish in the Zone of Mediocrity.
Reggie Jackson was asked how it felt to hear fans shower him with boos.
His reply:
They don’t boo nobodies.
Dare to be great. Be somebody. Do it boldly and with conviction.
[xyz-ips snippet=”further-reading”]
