The great 20th century philosopher Lawrence Peter “Yogi” Berra once opined: “90 percent of the game is half mental.” He was referring, of course, to the game of baseball, once upon a time our national pastime.
Despite the incongruous reasoning, Yogi’s point has always resonated with me, as so many of his malapropisms, real or manufactured, have with so many: Much of what we attempt to accomplish physically is actually controlled by how we approach it mentally.
Speaking of, while I am in a physical line of work — affordable housing construction, renovation and repair — I do very little physical labor (a point that many are quite fond of reminding me.) My days are mostly spent in administrivia, planning, logistics, finance, marketing, HR, advocacy, etc.
Which begs the question: what is 90 percent of all mental?
Answer: tiring.
While physical work is strenuous and exacts a toll on the body, one grows physically stronger with repeated exercise, and the appropriate rest and nourishment.
The same with mental work. It can be exhausting. After all, the brain is the body’s biggest energy hog. Mental exhaustion can manifest itself in many ways, dulling and compromising productivity.
“But life is very short and anxious for those who forget the past, neglect the present, and fear the future.” - Seneca
So it’s time for a break, at least from longer form topical posts. Will continue posting Notes and ephemera, here and on Instagram.
As I am not, by nature, an optimist, I have had to retrain my brain to stop and think before I react. I don’t always succeed initially, but I do eventually figure out how to look on the bright side, and how to chart a successful course forward.
That sure is hard work.
“To think too much is a disease.” - Fyodor Dostoyevsky,
Will let others continue to hammer away…literally…while I mentally recharge.
Be back after Labor Day.