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Frame 10: The Perfect Game

The percentage of games bowled by professional bowlers that are "perfect games," meaning they achieve a score of 300 by knocking down all ten pins with each of their twelve rolls in a single game, is extremely low. What's even more rare, is that leagues often play three games to a match. So having a perfect match, scoring 900, is extremely rare.

 

Suffice it to say, the probability of bowling a perfect game, let alone a perfect match, is very rare, even for highly skilled and experienced bowlers.

 

Despite the rarity of achieving a perfect game, professional bowlers strive for excellence in every frame, aiming to maximize their score and performance in each match. While perfection may be elusive, the pursuit of perfection drives bowlers to continuously improve their skills, refine their techniques, and push the boundaries of their capabilities on the lanes.

 

 

Defining Success

“But wait”, you may say, “I like bowling, but I’m no professional. And I’m not sure I want to be!”

As a non-professional, a question remains - are you bowling solely for fun or would you like to improve? There is no wrong answer. It’s an honest question, seeking an honest answer. Your response will impact how you play and your emphasis.

 

"Success is the progressive realization of a worthy goal or ideal."

Earl Nightingale

 

For the solely recreational player, playing for “fun”, usually means it’s a social time or something you’re doing just to put in time A “Perfect Game” may not be score related. It would be the quality of the time spent and those with whom that time is spent. Those are important distinctions from the point-driven participant.

 

For the professional, points will always be the main goal as this is the only factor that separates the competitors; but make no mistake, no one wants to have a “bad” time. As the purpose and priorities change, the tolerance for specific types of discomfort change. For the amateur who is looking to get better, it’s not realistic to fixate solely on achieving a perfect game on the scoreboard.

 

 

Lessons from the Professionals

Amateur bowlers with ambition should prioritize the development of fundamental skills, consistency, and technique. Setting realistic goals, such as improving their average score, increasing their spare conversion rate, or mastering a specific aspect of their game, can provide tangible benchmarks for progress and success.

 

Amateur bowlers should also embrace the learning process and view each game as an opportunity to gain experience, refine their approach, and learn from both successes and setbacks, not dwelling too much on either. Maintaining a positive attitude, staying focused on the present moment, and adapting to changing lane conditions can enhance performance and enjoyment on the lanes.

 

While the pursuit of perfection is admirable, amateur bowlers should remember that bowling is ultimately a recreational activity meant to be fun and enjoyable. Celebrating small victories, enjoying the camaraderie of bowling with friends or family, and appreciating the satisfaction of personal improvement can bring fulfillment and meaning to the bowling experience, regardless of whether a perfect game is achieved.

 

Just as professional bowlers prioritize the pursuit of excellence in every frame, individuals may face choices regarding whom or what they choose to follow or pursue in life.

 

 

Follow What Aligns with Your Values

There will be ideals and other followers for which the pursuit of perfection is the commitment to achieving the highest level of performance and success and progress. Other followers you meet may choose to follow paths or pursuits that align with other goals, values, and aspirations, striving for excellence and fulfillment in other endeavors that don’t match your level of commitment to specific metrics.

 

In selecting what or who to follow and with what intensity and goals, consider your priorities, values, and motivations. You may choose to focus on improving fundamental skills and enjoying the camaraderie of the journey, you may prioritize personal growth, meaningful relationships, and overall well-being in a host of other pursuits.

 

Take the time to investigate and decide for yourself and pursue your journey in the way that promises to fulfill your values and ideals.

 

Ultimately, the pursuit of perfection in bowling and in life serves as a reminder that success is subjective and multifaceted. Whether striving for excellence on the lanes or in personal endeavors, individuals must choose paths that resonate with their values, bring fulfillment, and align with their broader aspirations for growth and fulfillment.

 

The Zen of the Perfect Game

Have you selected your path or have you simply found yourself on a path? Wherever you find yourself, you can choose your commitment level and you can choose the metrics that matter. You can decide what you’re really willing to sacrifice for your current path and what you’re not. Are you on a lackluster journey or on a focused, purposeful mission? Do you know what matters to you?

 

Do not judge yourself by others' standards or priorities. If you must judge yourself, judge yourself by where you were yesterday. Take the time to investigate and decide for yourself and pursue your journey in the way that promises to fulfill your values and ideals. Adjust when appropriate. Follow with your whole being, those things that deserve your full attention. When you discover there are people whose values and ideals don't align with yours, dare to follow only recreationally, socially, lightly, occasionally, or without personal sacrifice. You may need to be brave. It may seem like it costs too much to create such a separation. It may cost greatly, but history has shown that the cost of sacrificing your integrity and the progress on the things that are important to you is greater; you must speak and live truth.