With how routine, simple and straightforward a groundball is, you often see players lollygag down the line, knowing that in all likelyhood, the throw will beat them to first base for an out. With 162 games in a season, not counting post-season, you've got to find ways to reserve energy and prevent injuries, I get it. But, with consistent hustle, players can turn a routine out into a much more difficult scenario.

Hustle can change the game. If you're running out a ground ball, meaning you're giving it your maximum effort, your effort influences the defense. Hustle from you can cause an error, either fielding or throwing, or cause the defense to double clutch or rush a throw. They'll remember the guy who hustled. Even though there's a good chance you'll still be out, the extra hustle will add up over time, creating more times on base and more opportunity for your team to score.

It's like that in life. We do the mundane, routine tasks in our day to day, at work and at home. Often times we may not give it our best, maybe just "good enough" or we leave the passion out of our job or time with family. In my real estate world, there are dozens and dozens of boring tasks - contracts, paperwork, showings, market reports, blogging and client meetings. Most of these things are behind the scenes. Nobody would know if I put in extra effort or not, so what's the point?

The point is, as in baseball, the additional effort, the extra hustle, and doing the boring, mundane things exceptionally well will add up over time. You may not see the benefits every day. Somedays, your groundballs will be outs not matter how hard you hustle, but knowing that you hustled will make all the difference. Over the years, putting passion and joyful effort into what you do on a daily basis will always put you out ahead. Join me in always doing your best.

As the hall of famer Wade Boggs mentioned: "It doesn't take any ability to hustle".