“I’d rather be in a good position in the playoffs and holding up a World Series trophy than holding up an MVP trophy.” – Aaron Judge
The name on the front of the jersey is more important than the name on the back. Individual accolades are always wonderful, but team sports are about collective victory as opposed to solo honors. Even though he has three MVP awards, Mike Trout has only played in a single playoff series and his Hall of Fame career will be lacking the greatest achievement in his field just like Barry Bonds and Ted Williams. Among the best ever, but lacking the one thing all athletes compete for: a title.
Quarterback Dan Marino would have traded all of his records to hold up the Vince Lombardi Trophy as Superbowl champion. Patrick Ewing would have traded all the All-Star selections for one Larry O’Brien Trophy in the NBA.
Being an unnamed coder in a company that IPO’s and having a net worth of 8+figures is better than being CEO of a bankrupt organization.
Having a family where all the kids are happy, healthy, and on good paths is a better reward than being #1 salesperson.
Teams win and are remembered, and both work and family are team sports. Win and celebrate together as a team, as champions.