Kick Butt Tip: Don’t Quit Even If You Don’t See Results

Today's Kick Butt Tip of the Day comes from the man labeled the greatest sprinter of all time, Usain Bolt. "I trained 4 years to run 9 seconds. And people give up when they don't see results in two months."

Jamaica's Usain Bolt, at one time was by far, the fastest man in the world. Still to this day, Bolt holds the world record for the 4X100 metres relay along with records for the 100 metres and 200 metres.

Bolt went on to win an amazing 8 Olympic Gold medals during his three Olympic appearances. What a tremendous accomplishment.

Now, back to you and I. Why is it that many of us give up so easily? We decide that we have a dream or a goal that is worth pursuing or we face at task at work that we need or must complete. And then when the first challenge presents itself, we are ready to throw in the towel?

My friend, the next time you think that you have it tough or you think about complaining about your current situation, take a moment to think about those that have the goal to become a United States Navy Seal.  If you want to get your mind blown, go online and check out the training requirements in order to become a Navy Seal. The demands are incredible. The criteria will make you wonder how the human body stands up to such challenges. In the end, only the best of the best become U.S Navy Seals.

You and I may never become a world-class sprinter or a Navy Seal, but we both have dreams and goals. Beginning today, pursue those dreams and goals and remember. Even if you are not seeing results, do not quit. Stay the course and the results will come.

Go get 'em tiger! God don't make no junk. You, yes you are awesome! Now go be awesome!

- Don Chase's Kick Butt Tip of the Day is a daily motivational feature designed to give you the inspiration you need to power through your day. Check out all the Kick Butt Tips here.

Spring is coming, and that means baseball is on the way. So, why not get into some early MLB Power Rankings?

If you weren't happy with how last season ended, then you're in luck. That's because you have a million new games up ahead in the 2024 season. Okay, maybe not a million. But, a lot. The Major League Baseball season schedule packs a whopping 162 games for each of the 30 teams in the American League (AL) and National League (NL). Those games take place over about six months. That means baseball fans, in theory, could watch 2,430 games in the regular season alone.

Don't do that. You have more of a life than to sit around watching 2,430 baseball games. But, I should talk. During football season, I watch all the games I can get my eyes on.

Let's not leave out the minor leagues, by the way. It's always really fun to go to a minor league baseball game, because it's much more chill than a major league game. It's also cheaper, both tickets and parking. So, don't just support your major league team this year. Cheer for the minor league guys, too. You won't have quite as many games to catch in the minor league, though, as a full, regular season in Triple-A is 150 games, Double-A is 138 games and High-A and Single-A are 132 games. Still, that's lots and lots of baseball to attend.

With the official start of baseball season getting closer, it's a good time to get into my initial Power Rankings for 2024. Sure, this is a bit premature, since players will shift going into the season. But, the biggest players are with their respective teams now, so we have a good picture and idea of which teams will pop in 2024. Frankly, deciding between No. 1 and 2 was very difficult, because both teams are so, so solid right now. Who are your picks for the 2024 season? Reach out to me here and let me know, and find the full MLB schedule here.

Seattle Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto has done a good job of putting together a team that could deliver, even with a limited budget. Expect to see Mitch Garver, Jorge Polanco, Luis Urias, Mitch Haniger and many more on the field this season. The Mariners were decent last year, and fans could be in for a solid team this year.

Wander Franco is still a question, but without him, the Tampa Bay Rays look strong. The team simply has one of the best batches of offensive players in the MLB. Will they go all the way? We'll find out. They could certainly make a run for it.

The Toronto Blue Jays played well last season and had a fantastic rotation, but they didn't win a playoff game. Say what? They're back for revenge this year, and they have a similar, stellar lineup.

The New York Yankees have more question marks than most of the teams on this list. But, overall, they look solid. As time shakes out, we'll know more about how this roster will shape up, but it's looking on the upswing so far. Would you expect anything less from such a heritage team?

The Arizona Diamondbacks are coming off a pleasantly surprising World Series run. They're hungry for more. They've added Eduardo Rodriguez to the middle of their rotation and have made a few other choice moves.

How did the Philadelphia Phillies not make it to the World Series last year? They totally should have, but that's all in the past. The team has gotten so close for so long, and this seems like the year that they could actually win it all. Maybe.

The Baltimore Orioles won 101 games last year, but they're bringing in Jackson Holliday, who will probably be AL Rookie of the Year. They've also added Craig Kimbrel to the fold. Fans expected bolder moves, but we feel good about this lineup.

The Houston Astros are regulars on the road to the World Series. They were in the American League Championship Series for the seventh consecutive season in 2023. They're likely to do it again.

The Dodgers really stepped it up in the offseason. They've brought on star players in Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. They're going to be really tough to beat.

The Atlanta Braves are the team to beat in 2024. Not only do they have a stellar lineup that they're bringing back from last season, but they've also added left fielder Jarred Kelenic and pitcher Chris Sale. They're the team to beat.

How did the Texas Rangers not get in the top 10? Ridiculous, right? Well, they obviously just won the World Series. They could do it again, but I decided to give some of the other teams a bit of the spotlight. That said, yes, the Rangers are going to be very strong in 2024. Also, let's talk about the Detroit Tigers. They underperformed in 2023, but they could surprise people this year. Over the years, the team has brought on plenty of talent, and they've continued that in the offseason.
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