Description

Have you ever considered how challenging your own 'realistic' expectations and overcoming self-imposed limitations can lead to extraordinary achievements?

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Ryan Lavarnway from collegiate underdog to baseball superstar. A Yale graduate, World Series champion, Olympian, dynamic keynote speaker, and an Ironman, Ryan recounts his experiences from being a non-athletic freshman in college to leading the country in batting average and becoming an All-American. He believes in giving oneself permission to excel and not being bound by past identities or perceived limitations. This mindset is evident in his transition from a college athlete to a professional baseball player, where he continued to set ambitious goals and achieve them, despite numerous setbacks. Throughout the episode, Ryan offers invaluable advice on resilience, discussing how to handle being fired or let down in professional sports, and how these lessons apply beyond the baseball field. 

[00:00 - 14:04] Why Not You?

• Despite not being a naturally gifted athlete, Ryan willed himself to become one of the best baseball players through determination and hard work
• His journey to becoming comfortable with his abilities, despite not fitting the traditional athletic mold, is a testament to self-acceptance and perseverance

[14:05 - 21:25] The Grit and Greatness of a Winning Team

• The concept of 'three Fs' - Fundamentals, Foul tips, Four-run homers - became a unifying language and vision for the team, contributing significantly to their victory
• The grueling nature of a 162-game season in baseball teaches players to perform at their best regardless of physical condition

[21:26 - 30:29] From Rejection to Record-Breaker

• Ryan faced being fired or let go from major league teams 26 times, highlighting the harsh realities of professional sports
• In moments of doubt, he emphasizes the need to reconnect with one's passion, lean on support systems, fight through challenges, and take the first step forward

[30:30 - 36:01] The Catcher's Role in Building Championship Teams

• Effective leadership, whether in sports or business, requires building trust with team members to have impactful conversations and guidance
• Understanding and adapting to the unique needs of each team member, like different approaches for calming pitchers, is crucial for team success

[36:01 - 42:24] Life After the League

• Ryan’s decision to retire and focus on his family, especially his daughter's health, underscores the importance of prioritizing personal life over a professional career
• Transitioning from a sports career to a new chapter involves starting from scratch, requiring resilience and a willingness to embrace new challenges and opportunities

Reach out to Ryan Lavarnway!

Instagram: @rlavarnway

Twitter: @RyanLavarnway

Website: ryanlavarnway.com

Key Quotes:

“I decided I needed to do more than I had ever done so that I could be more than I had ever been.” - Ryan Lavarnway

"Your realistic expectations are self-imposed limitations. So be unrealistic." - Ryan Lavarnway

“Sometimes you have to be just dumb enough to think you're better than you are.” - Ryan Lavarnway

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