The Paradox of Praise: When 'Excellent' Meets Adversity
There’s something deeply intriguing about the way we talk about success and failure, especially in the world of sports. Take the recent comments from Ben Cherington, who lauded Paul Skenes’ ‘excellent year’ despite the ace’s apparent struggles. On the surface, it’s a straightforward endorsement. But if you take a step back and think about it, this raises a deeper question: What does it mean to call something ‘excellent’ when it’s happening during what many would label a low point?
Personally, I think this disconnect highlights a fascinating tension in how we evaluate performance. We often equate excellence with flawless execution, yet Cherington’s remarks suggest something far more nuanced. What if excellence isn’t just about peak moments but also about resilience in the face of adversity? This isn’t just about Skenes or baseball—it’s about how we define success in any field.
The Psychology of Praise in Tough Times
One thing that immediately stands out is the timing of Cherington’s comments. Praising someone during their worst stretch isn’t just a morale boost; it’s a strategic move. What many people don’t realize is that this kind of praise can reframe failure as a temporary setback rather than a permanent condition. It’s a psychological nudge, a reminder that excellence isn’t linear.
From my perspective, this approach challenges the all-or-nothing mindset that dominates sports culture. We’re so quick to label athletes as ‘heroes’ or ‘failures’ based on their last performance. But what this really suggests is that true excellence is about consistency in effort, not just results. Skenes might be having a rough patch, but if he’s still showing up, still working, that’s where the real value lies.
The Broader Implications: Excellence as a Process, Not a Destination
If you expand this idea beyond sports, it becomes even more compelling. In business, art, or personal growth, we often measure success by outcomes rather than the journey. But what if we’re missing the point? A detail that I find especially interesting is how Cherington’s praise shifts the focus from the end result to the process. It’s not about whether Skenes wins or loses; it’s about whether he’s growing, adapting, and pushing through.
This raises a provocative thought: Maybe excellence isn’t something you achieve; it’s something you embody. It’s the grit, the persistence, the refusal to be defined by setbacks. In a world obsessed with instant results, this is a radical idea.
The Cultural Shift We Need
What makes this particularly fascinating is how it contrasts with our cultural narrative. We celebrate winners and forget losers, but Cherington’s comments invite us to rethink that binary. Excellence, in this view, isn’t exclusive to the victorious. It’s inclusive, recognizing effort even when it doesn’t pay off immediately.
In my opinion, this is the kind of mindset shift we desperately need. Whether you’re an athlete, an entrepreneur, or just someone trying to navigate life, the ability to see excellence in the struggle is transformative. It’s not about lowering standards; it’s about broadening our understanding of what truly matters.
Final Thoughts: Redefining Excellence
As I reflect on Cherington’s praise for Skenes, I’m struck by its simplicity and depth. It’s a reminder that excellence isn’t just about the highlights; it’s about the lowlights too. It’s about showing up when it’s hard, learning when you fail, and growing through the process.
So, the next time you hear someone praised during their worst stretch, don’t dismiss it as empty encouragement. Instead, consider what it implies: that excellence is a mindset, not a milestone. And in a world that often feels like it’s moving too fast, that’s a lesson worth holding onto.
