Knowing what to do is one thing. Actually doing it is another.
It’s the difference between who stays in the middle average and who ascends to the top.
Kevin Young knows all about that as someone who competed at the top of Major League Baseball for over 12 years.
He played for Hall of Fame coaches and with Hall of Fame players, while breaking records himself. Now he plays the role of Executive Athlete, serving as Special Assistant to the General Manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
In today’s episode of the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show, I sit down with Kevin and unpack what led to his clutch moments and record-breaking seasons, as well dig into what Kevin believes is the biggest threat to coming up clutch more often.
In this latest episode, Kevin and I talk about…
- Three attributes of a Hall of Fame leader
- The 7 key lessons from Kevin’s ultimate clutch moment
- The difference between average and top performers
…and so much more.
If you want to be the person who consistently shows up and shows out, then lock in to today’s episode.
[00:01 – 08:29] Introducing Kevin to the show
- Kevin’s most embarrassing moment
- Kevin’s background and professional journey
[08:30 – 13:09] Three attributes of a Hall of Fame leader
- Commands respect
- Always in close connection with his people
- Makes communicating with people a priority – it’s not what you know, it’s what you show
[13:10 – 32:22] The 7 key lessons from Kevin’s ultimate clutch moment
- Kevin’s Clutch Moment (‘97): had to have thumb surgery and was told he’d have to be out 8-10 weeks. He decided he was ready after 5 weeks, but didn’t tell anyone he was still hitting to prepare. In the sixth week of his rehab, he gets put in a game as a defensive replacement. He was left in the game to hit first in the Bottom of the 9th and hits a home run to win the game.
- Key lessons from that moment:
- I always wanted to be there for my teammates
- Always be prepared
- Was willing to do whatever it took
- Don’t allow people to tell you what you can’t do if you’re passionate about doing it
- Get rid of the negative around around you
- I never settled for being good in one area of my game – must have a growth mindset in every area of your life / game
- Key question to ask: What does Hall of Fame look like for you?
[32:23 – 36:06] What Kevin believes is the biggest threat to coming up clutch more often
- Being too judgemental. It makes you lose perspective
- Give people opportunities just like you’ve been given opportunities
- Power comes with humility and confidence
[36:07 – 40:34] The difference between average and top performers
- The drive to be the BEST version of yourself EVERY day
- The game never speeds up on them
- How they respond to challenges
- Mental toughness
- Know how to use discernment properly
- They have perspective
[40:35 – 44:57] Wrapping Up
- Kevin’s BIG domino
- How to connect with Kevin
KEY QUOTES
“It’s not what you know, it’s what you show.” – Kevin Young
“Don’t allow people to tell you what you can’t do if you’re passionate about doing it.” – Kevin Young
“Power comes with humility and confidence.” – Kevin Young
“You only have one body. Fuel it, don’t feed it. Get the proper rest that’s needed.” – Kevin Young
“You have a window of opportunity. Don’t make it a peephole.” – Kevin Young
CONNECT WITH KEVIN
- Instagram: @ky29times
- Twitter: @ky29times
CONNECT WITH J.R.
- Facebook: @jamesJRreid
- Instagram: @jamesjrreid
- LinkedIn: in/jamesjrreid/
- Twitter: @jamesJRreid
- Website: jamesreid.com
RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple: https://jamesreid.com/review
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