I was what is known as a role player. I came in, played hard, and tried to out-hustle the person or team I was playing against. And from time to time, I managed to make a somewhat spectacular play.
It's still the only way I know how to play. I continue to play sports because they're fun. I play the best I can, and hopefully I contribute to my team winning. And if not, I just hope they don't kick me off the team. :)
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Life should be approached the same way. Every day should be an opportunity to work hard and do the best you can. The world is full of people who fail in life even with incredible intelligence, superior athletic skills, or vast wealth (and sometimes all three), while the "role players" impact the world around them through dedication, hard work, and commitment.
They might run into a fence or two, but from time to time they do spectacular things.