This brings me to the discovery of who I am and how I love a BHAG. I read it first in a book called Build to Last about businesses, then read it again in a book about accounting, and then I heard it a third time at a softball conference. A coach was able to win a DII National Championship because he believed his team created a BHAG, a Big Hairy Audacious Goal. This is definitely not a SMART goal. BHAGs are seemingly unattainable; they are moonshots. They put your brain on a different plane of thinking. They scare you, challenge your courage, and mainly get you excited.

How can you tell if you are mentally tough? Is it your endurance, your ability to come from behind, or strike out the last batter of the game? You might think a person who controls their emotions as tough, or one who can maintain complete focus amid a crowd of screaming fans.

I believe a mentally strong pitcher has a plan and sticks to it. She helps her teammates recover from their errors. Perhaps most importantly she understands the game, knowing when she’s in a crucial situation and can execute during those times.

I had to opportunity to attend my 5th National Fastpitch Coaches Association convention at the beginning of this month. This year we went to Atlantic City. I learn a great deal of information about mechanics, team and staff building, the mental game, and - get this -  even other positions besides pitching. But the best part is hanging out with my favorite coaches and talking about the game. 

What I find most inspiring is that my coach-friends absolutely love what they do and are super intense about improving. When there are breaks in between seminars we talked about what we liked, didn’t like, and what were planning to adopt ourselves. They love a healthy debate and rarely get to talking about anything else. It’s not like other jobs I’ve had where everyone wishes they were back home or at the hotel bar. Everyone is excited to be there. How could you not? It’s one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. 

In an effort to be festive, let's honor the 12 days of Christmas with the top 12 things I learned at convention.