Stealing Second

Baseball season is upon us and in baseball, when a base runner has reached their first milestone – first base – the next first step is a step toward second base. While first base means you’re “in the game,” second base means, well…possibilities. And stealing second base means you own the game.

Step, step, step…lean…go! It’s easy to imagine the feeling, the excitement. You’re on first…take a step toward second…the pitcher looks at you…you look at the pitcher…take another step…look at second…look at home plate…take a third step…pitcher looks at you…look at the pitcher…and then…and then…you lean. Body trembling…blood rushing…adrenalin pumping…vision narrowing…suddenly all you see is yourself sliding into second base. As if in slow motion…horizontally airborne…hands outstretched…like a caped superhero…dust flying…umpire yelling inaudibly… gesturing wildly…“SAFE!!!”

Ah, it’s the leaning that makes the difference…leaning is when you commit to second base…when you actually see yourself safely on second base. After the first step you can still easily get back to first base; same with the second step; with the third step you begin to visualize; and when you lean…you’re already there. Our friends at the Pacific Institute call this the “Three and Lean” concept.

So what does second base get you? Being on second base is what is referred to as being “in scoring position.” In shorthand, if the next batter hits a ball into the outfield, there is a higher degree of probability that you will score, which is your immediate objective that will support your goal (and your team’s goal) of winning the game. Of course winning the game may lead you to winning a championship, fame, fortune, etc. – whatever that ultimate goal looks like for you (and your team).

Now leaning is a question of attitude, which may be defined as our tendency to move toward or away from something. As we have learned, moving toward something is a positive attitude and moving away from something is a negative attitude. You can see that leaning toward second base is to have a positive attitude toward second base and that is inherently a good thing. In addition to having a positive attitude, in order to steal second base, you must also be willing to take the risk to try it in the first place. Self-confidence will help here as will remembering other times when you have safely stolen second base – it’s what the picture looks like fixed for you. Remember the “flick back, flick up” technique for visualizing future success based on past successes?

My advice – put yourself in scoring position. Whatever your game is, professional or personal, take three steps and lean and then steal your own second base. It just takes a positive attitude and a willingness to take the necessary risk.