
If there was one guy who always looked to get better, it was Cal Ripken Jr. He had to do just that if set a record of playing in 2, 130 consecutive games. This is one thing that I always try and mention to my students every year, and of course I try listen to it too; and that is to become a person of value. To your friends, your family, to your employer, everyone!
In today's world there seems to be more opportunities to get better and improve ourselves but for many reasons it seems more difficult too. Lot's going on with the economy, pay-cuts, job loss, technology in all parts of our lives, the negativity out there in society, politics, etc. There sure are a lot of distractions that's for sure. That is probably the best reason to listen to Mr. Ripken. In today's world, more than ever before we MUST look to improve and get better due to all of these things going on around us. There is an old saying that says if we are not improving and moving forward - we are really moving backwards in life. Even if we think that we are "doing pretty good", or "I'm better off than 'ol so and so neighbor of mine", that type of thinking won't create anything that is worth working hard for.
For me, as I get a tad bit older here, I know this has to be the case for me. I can't afford to not get better. This has to happen in my marriage, me being a father, a son, a brother, an uncle, a teacher, a coach, a Christian, a neighbor, a friend, a nephew, a cousin, a brother-in-law, a son-in-law and all the other hats I wear in my lifetime. These things is who I am. Like Cal says - if I want to stay around, I always have to look for ways to get better and improve. Every single day. How about you? What does Cal's quote mean to you? Always looking to learn from others... leave me a thought or two.