I grew up playing softball. From the parks and recreation days, to playing on a competitive team through middle school and high school, to playing for my high school's team, softball became an important part of my life.

Through my many years of playing softball, I learned many valuable life lessons. Here are ten life lessons that I learned through my years of playing softball.

1. Never give up, no matter how tough the situation

Some games, like life, will not go as you would like them to. No matter the situation you are faced with, you can never give up. Life, like softball, often throws curve balls at you. No matter what curve ball you’re faced with, never give up.

2. Teamwork

Working as a team really does pay off. Teamwork does make dreams work. You can accomplish so much more while working as a team. Teamwork is the secret that makes common people achieve an uncommon result.

3. Life’s a pitch

Life, like softball, is a pitch. Sometimes you have to learn to adjust your swing in order to be successful. Every pitch will be different and no two pitches will ever be exactly the same. You never know what pitch is going to be thrown at you or what life situation you will be faced with next. Life will always throw curves, just keep fouling them off. The right pitch will come, and when it does, be prepared to run the bases.

4. Patience

Some things take time. Whether it is improving your swing or that throw from the outfield to home plate, it will take time. Unfortunately, nothing in life comes easy. All things take time. Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting. Stay positive. Eventually, your patience will pay off. Good things take time.

5. Hard work

There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. With hard work, there are no limits. Your hard work will pay off. It might take time, but eventually the results of your hard work will be recognized. Good things come to those who work for it. Keep working, even when no one is watching.

6. Sportsmanship

Having good sportsmanship is one of many keys to success. While we are often faced with negative situations, it is always important to possess good sportsmanship. Stay positive and shake it off. Play fair, be respectful, and be willing to accept the outcome of the game.

7. It’s okay to fail

Failure is going to happen. It is inevitable and a part of life. Softball taught me to quickly grow from failure. Nobody is perfect and everybody makes mistakes. Grow from failure and let it help to make you a better person. Learn from your mistakes and make adjustments. Keep your head up and never fear failure. You only fail when you stop trying.

8. Life is not fair

Yes, there are plenty of games that should have been won, but weren’t. Softball is a lot like life, in the sense that it is not always fair. Games aren’t always going to go the way you think they should, but it happens. You might work your butt off to earn a position on the team, and still not earn that position. Things aren't always going to go as we would like them to. No matter what happens, never give up and always try your best. Eventually it will pay off.

9. Let go of mistakes.

Mistakes happen. Mistakes are just proof that you are trying. Nobody is perfect. Never give up, or let one mistake bring you down. Learn from that mistake and let that mistake help you become a better player and person. You’re going to strike out every now and then, learn to let it go.

10. Winning

Eventually, all of your hard work will pay off. Winning is one of the best feelings ever. We have to learn what it takes to win. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn. Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is. Don't let a win get to your head, or a loss get to your heart.