On the historic date of September 6, 1995, I surpassed the major league baseball record for consecutive games played, marking my 2,131st consecutive appearance. My streak continued until it concluded on September 20, 1998, after 2,632 games. The previous record holder, the iconic American figure and baseball legend Lou Gehrig, was more than an athlete to me. Gehrig and I were bound by a shared ethos rooted in old-school values—principles of daily commitment and resilience in the face of adversity. This ethos is about the simple yet profound act of rolling up your sleeves and performing your job to the best of your ability, reflecting ideals reminiscent of a time when baseball was merely a game.
Having the right values is fundamental to achieving success. These values are essential for persevering through challenges and establishing good habits and productive routines. A strong personal value system typically includes hard work, a commitment to excellence, and honesty and integrity. Hard work is more than just a physical attribute; it's a mindset that involves putting in the effort and going beyond mere talk. This value is embodied by baseball legends like Cal Ripken and Lou Gehrig, who were known for their dedication to success, disciplined routines, and belief that hard work is paramount. A commitment to excellence means building good habits and consistently delivering the highest quality in all tasks, no matter how small they may seem. This commitment drives your career forward as you develop the habit of performing every task to the best of your ability. Honesty and integrity involve a clear understanding of right and wrong, being straightforward, and not sugarcoating the truth. These qualities help build trust with colleagues, who will know they can depend on you to give your best every day. This trust is the foundation of personal integrity. Cal Ripken Jr. spoke of hard work as a way of life, and excellence as a crucial value for those with a conscience. His father, Cal Ripken Sr., believed in doing things right if they are worth doing at all. Lou Gehrig, who was not a naturally gifted player, worked tirelessly to become one of the most reliable fielding first basemen of his time.
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