What Hard Lesson Keeps Repeating Itself?

In one of his recent newsletters, Atomic Habits author James Clear posed a powerful question:

“What hard lesson keeps repeating itself in your life because you refuse to learn it?”

It’s a question that forces you to pause and look inward. We all make mistakes—it's part of being human—but there always seems to be that one lesson life keeps trying to teach us. No matter how many times we run into it, we just can’t seem to get it right.

For many young athletes, that lesson is learning how to fail. Not just experiencing failure, but truly getting comfortable with it—understanding that it's a necessary and valuable part of growth. Too often, kids are conditioned to avoid mistakes, to chase perfection, and to fear setbacks. But sports, much like life, are full of them. Missed plays, tough losses, unfair calls, and unexpected challenges are all part of the journey.

And yet, this is where the real growth happens—in the hard moments. But if a young athlete hasn’t developed the mental resilience to handle those moments, it shows. You see it in the slumped shoulders after a strikeout. The frustration after a tough game. The bad attitude that flares up after a questionable call from the ref. These reactions aren’t just emotional outbursts—they’re signs that a lesson is knocking at the door, waiting to be learned.

I, like so many others, used to struggle with the idea of not being perfect in my performance. Any mistake—no matter how small—felt like a reflection of failure, not just in that moment, but in who I was as an athlete and as a person. I craved perfection, chased it relentlessly, and when I fell short (which is inevitable), I took it hard.

The lesson? That adversity is not the enemy. It’s the teacher. And the sooner we embrace that mindset, the more prepared we are—not just for the game, but for everything life throws our way.

So, think about it: What’s the hard lesson life keeps handing you over and over again? And what would happen if you finally decided to learn it?

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! We’ll talk soon! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌