Page 9 - Fully Equipped Playbook

MINDSET
So what if I swung at a bad pitch, had a bad approach and was too aggressive, or was simply in my head and thinking too much. Frustrating in the moment? Yes, but here's where the hard work comes in. After the game, sit back, think about those moments in the game and if it helps, write your thoughts. You'll then be able to learn from that experience and apply it next time. Failures NEED to become learning experiences and need to be used for good. Don’t let the growing pains be wasted. Too many athletes expend too much energy being frustrated about setbacks, adversity, or failure. Keep it moving, or you'll never allow yourself to grow. Have a positive mindset. Know that you will fail. Know that others fail, even the best. Lastly find a lesson in each failure, this will separate you from the pack.
BUILDING CONFIDENCE
The key to possessing a confident mindset is a strong belief in yourself and your abilities. Sounds great, but it doesn't happen overnight. If true self-confidence was easy to attain, athletes of all skill levels would never slump. Slumps can happen for a number of reasons, but most likely low self-esteem is involved. So what are the best ways to build it back up or try to have it consistently high? For me these were key.
1. Positive self-talk combined with sticking to the process.
2. Knowing you put in the work to prepare, and consciously believing that no one has outworked you.
Positive self-talk
I love this quote and want to reiterate the point. “We are who we are because of the thoughts that enter and occupy our minds.” Make those thoughts constantly positive and your confidence and attitude will be that much better. Negative self-talk is just part of the game. It happens to everyone, but not all athletes allow it to take roots in their mind.
There have been many times when the little guy in my head told me I suck, that I'm not good enough, and that baseball isn't as fun as it used to be. Whenever those thoughts overshadowed the positive ones, I would slump.
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