Page 13 - Fully Equipped Playbook
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MINDSET
beach. Want to know why I did this? I knew other guys were working out, getting better, so I did too. This way I could confirm the mental advantage that even on my honeymoon, no one was outworking me.
Some of my training methods and lifestyle choices may have seemed a bit unconventional, but they worked for me and I have the credentials to show for it. I never worried what other people thought about the way I prepared, because I was always working hard and testing new methods to be ahead of the curve! If your goal is to become a leader, then consistently "leading from the front" is a great start.
VISUALIZATION
Visualization is the last of the 3 keys we’ll go over for mindset. Putting in the time to envision success can be a game changer. You’ve probably already done it. I remember before I even knew what I was doing, hitting off a tee and envisioning a pitcher I was about to face. For some reason I always hit a homerun. Gotta love the imagination! In all seriousness, as I matured, visualization became a part of my pre-game routine. Especially in the big leagues. I learned to visualize a situation I may be thrown into. Bottom of the 9th, 2 outs, man on 2nd, tie game. I did it back in the day because it was fun, who knew it would become a critical tool in my development!
Visualization practices evolved throughout my career, especially after working with various hitting and mental coaches. I would at any time (at home, in the clubhouse before a game, on the field before the game) visualize success. Sometimes I’d stand there holding a bat and my eyes closed, other times I’d lay down and
imagine the pitcher I was about to face. What he looked like, how he threw, his various pitches, his wind up, etc. Sometimes I’d just think about my approach, my process, my load getting ready to swing. I really believe that envisioning success, and seeing it happen in my mind paid off so much. There was nothing better than performing on the field a scenario I had already drawn up in my mind.
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