I crossed an item off my bucket list this week: I saw the Yankees play a home game in the World Series.
By now, you’ve probably heard that the Yankees fell short in heartbreaking fashion. After a thrilling 10-4 win over the Dodgers in Game 4, the Yankees began Game 5 full of hope and confidence. “#YankeesIn7” became the rallying cry for the Bronx Bombers’ faithful. Our belief soared in the bottom of the first inning with back-to-back home runs by Yankee Captain Aaron Judge and third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. By the fifth inning, they were up 5-0, and it felt like victory was within reach.
But, this is baseball, and “It ain’t over ’til it’s over.”
A series of costly errors in the top of the fifth inning allowed the Dodgers to come back, ultimately winning 7-6.
By now, you’re probably wondering what the point of this story is and how it relates to our own leadership. Allow me one final scene to make the connection: the train ride back from the Bronx to Penn Station.
We managed to find seats as the subway car filled with people in pinstripes. With everyone squeezed in, my mother-in-law, Kiki, and I were separated, giving me a chance to simply observe. Despite the gut-wrenching loss, most people were smiling and laughing. Some were already talking about “next year,” while others discussed Halloween plans. And that’s when it hit me: despite our losses, there’s so much to be grateful for.
Yes, my beloved Yanks lost. But I got to go to the World Series. Twice! I got to spend two nights with my mother-in-law, whom I rarely see anymore. I got to eat at my favorite Italian restaurant in the City. I wasn’t counting calories as I enjoyed fresh pastries from NYC bakeries, 1:00am hot dogs with sauerkraut and mustard outside of Madison Square Garden, and slices of pizza that were perfectly sauced and delightfully crispy. These are just a few of the many things I have to be grateful for.
Like the World Series was for the Yankees, this time of year isn’t easy in schools. The “honeymoon” of the new year is over, and what my friend Carrie calls “Shocktober” is in full effect. Negativity is all around, testing our patience and often souring our attitude toward others. Our focus shifts from what we can do to what’s being done to us. Without an intentional shift, we risk defaulting to pessimism—a common state this time of year.
To combat this, I invite you to operate from a place of gratitude this month. Open your eyes and heart to all the things—especially the people—that bring joy and make you smile. Move beyond recognition and express your gratefulness to them. Let them know how much they mean to you and highlight specific ways they brighten your life and add value to your team. This might look like thanking someone who took on extra duties, recognizing a teacher who stayed late for students, or acknowledging a colleague who uplifted others despite their own challenges.
Choose encouragement over discouragement, gratitude over negativity, and greatness over mediocrity—that’s what true leadership looks like.
#ChooseToBeGreat
Angelo
CHOOSE TO BE GREAT 