There is nothing better than to make it to the College World

"There is nothing better than to make it to the College World Series. All of the extra reps in the weight room, all of the early morning practices, and all the hard work spent the entire year makes it worth it." — Jennie Finch. These words from Jennie Finch, one of the greatest softball players of all time, capture the essence of hard work, dedication, and the fulfillment that comes from pursuing a goal with relentless commitment. Finch speaks not just of a moment of glory, but of the sacrifice and discipline required to reach that pinnacle. The College World Series represents the culmination of countless hours of unseen labor—early mornings, long practices, and the unyielding desire to excel. This is the heart of what it means to strive for greatness: the journey is long, but the reward makes it all worth it.

In the ancient world, this idea was not foreign to the great warriors and philosophers who understood that true victory was not won in the moment of triumph, but in the sacrifices made long before the final battle or decision. The Spartan warriors are perhaps the most striking example. They were known for their rigorous training, which began in childhood and continued into adulthood. The relentless repetition of drills, the long hours of practice, and the physical and mental endurance required to become a Spartan warrior were not immediately rewarded. Yet, they understood that true glory was earned through hard work, day in and day out. For the Spartans, it was the journey—the sacrifice and effort—that made the victory sweet. In the same way, Jennie Finch’s quote reflects the ancient truth that only through consistent effort can one attain something truly meaningful.

Consider the story of Alexander the Great, whose military genius was not simply the result of a single battle but of years of training, strategic thinking, and sacrifice. His campaigns were long and grueling, yet Alexander understood that true greatness was not about avoiding hardship but about embracing the process. Every march, every battle, every day spent planning and preparing was a step toward his ultimate goal. In the same way, Finch highlights that the extra reps, the early morning practices, and the hard work spent on the journey to the College World Series are what truly define success. It is not the final victory but the dedication and commitment to the goal that matters.

The ancient Romans, too, revered the notion of dedication to the process. Julius Caesar, a general and statesman known for his military achievements, faced countless challenges throughout his rise to power. His success was not simply the result of battles won but of the long hours spent planning, strategizing, and ensuring his soldiers were trained and prepared for the tasks ahead. Caesar’s ability to endure hardship and persist through setbacks mirrors Finch’s message. Caesar did not enjoy the spoils of war in an instant; he worked tirelessly for his empire, often putting in more effort than others, understanding that the true measure of victory lay in the dedication and work that preceded it.

Finch’s words also speak to a universal truth found in the philosophies of the Stoics, particularly Epictetus, who taught that it is not the outcome that defines our success, but the way we approach the journey. The Stoics emphasized discipline and self-control as the keys to achieving peace and fulfillment. Whether in the practice field or the weight room, the Stoics believed that hard work, performed without the expectation of immediate reward, was the path to virtue and ultimate success. Finch’s statement aligns with this ancient philosophy, teaching us that it is the daily commitment to growth and improvement, even in the absence of immediate recognition, that shapes true accomplishment.

In our modern world, it can be easy to focus only on the end result—the moment of triumph—and forget the immense effort that it takes to get there. Finch’s reflection reminds us that the joy in success comes not just from the final victory, but from the grind that leads to it. Every rep in the weight room, every early morning practice, every sacrifice made along the way is what makes success not just meaningful, but lasting. Finch calls on us to remember that while the trophy may shine, it is the journey—the dedication and effort to achieve it—that is the true source of pride and fulfillment.

The lesson here is simple but profound: success is not a destination but a process. Hard work, discipline, and commitment to your goals are the true foundations of any achievement. Just as Jennie Finch relishes the reward of her journey to the College World Series, so too should we embrace the work that shapes our own paths—whether in sports, career, or personal endeavors. Victory is sweeter when it is earned through sustained effort, and the joy of success is only heightened by the knowledge that it was achieved not through shortcuts, but through dedication to the journey itself.