I speak to this topic during just about every practice with the guys. I ask them to work on something that they need to improve on. The other night we talked about facing the most dominant pitcher you have faced or have seen within your age group. As we went through our focusing and visualization introduction, most all envisioned the same pitcher. A pitcher in our program, in the local LL org, and dominant force on the all-star team and beyond. The fun part, because of the success of the All-star team, these boys saw the best of the best in Nor Cal. They know how good this young man is and how he compares.
So now the work. Now the challenge. I had the boys see themselves winning the battle. Most smiled and had a look like no way. When we closed our eyes and started looking for the timing and tempo of his delivery, the release points, the body explosion- it became something more understandable. Knowing what adjustments to make. Knowing what work needs to be part of a routine. Creating a plan.
Challenges are opportunities for growth. Big Beastly Challenges are life changing memories and new ways of looking at the world kind of moments. These kinds of challenges grow calluses and thicken the skin. These kinds of challenges require intentful planning and work. These types of challenges are around every corner as we grow up, move up and look for more. If you are not looking for these challenges, we are not looking to be all that we can be. Many of you know my personal challenges with learning as a young man. It was much later in life when I learned how to embrace those challenges.
Be thankful for the challenges that are in front of us and see them clearly. Work to understand the challenge details. Know that there is an answer within all of us as long as we are willing to put in the work. Understand we may fall short and embrace it as a learning experience.
This little note is for all, but please have your player read it. When you see the boys laying on the ground, they are working. If you see your son laying on the ground somewhere around the house, he may be visualizing and working. If he is, know that he is being uncommon. And, yes, he may just be taking a nap. He is still a kid.
We are working to be uncommon.
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