The Importance of Perception

Tommy John, one of baseball's most savvy and durable pitchers, played 26 seasons in the majors. He was able to do it because he got really good at asking himself over and over again: Is there a chance? Do I have a shot? All he ever looked for was a yes, no matter how slight or tentative or provisional the chance. If there was a chance, he was ready to take it and make good use of it; if effort would affect the outcome, he would die on the field before he let that chance slip through his fingers.