Control is Paramount

"Some may have thought it was essential to know how to curve a ball before anything else. Experience, to my mind, teaches to the contrary. Any young player who has good control will become a successful curve pitcher long before the pitcher who is endeavoring to master both curves and control at the same time. The curve is merely an accessory to control." - Cy Young, Hall of Fame pitcher

Control. The ability to exercise restraining or directing influence over. A necessary skill. To control one's own temper, emotions, speech, tonal inflection, mannerisms. We all have situations that we face, obstacles in life, challenges we encounter...that when we look back we wish we had acted differently. The ability to know the appropriate behavior at that time and to act accordingly, that is the control you seek. Force yourself to breathe, control your breathing first, your heart rate, let the anxiousness of the moment wash over you and through you. Let the storm subside so you do not react. Reaction is a lack of control. When you have mastered this, then act accordingly. Think about what you would think later, and do it then. Control yourself and respond. Wait. Breathe. Relax. Calm.