In the world of baseball, success isn’t just about talent—it’s about cultivating habits and developing skills that set players apart.

Talent is innate, but habits are what separate the good from the great. It’s about doing things well repeatedly, without conscious thought. Skills, on the other hand, are honed through training—repeating actions effortlessly even under stress.

In the journey toward success, goals play a pivotal role. I believe in three types of goals: Easy, Stretch, and Impossible. While easy goals may be attainable through habits built during practice, it’s the stretch goals that push us beyond our limits. And that’s where training comes in.

Training isn’t easy—it requires applying stress. But it’s the positive stress, known as eustress, that helps us grow and develop. It’s through training that we build the skills that truly pay the bills—leading to opportunities like NIL deals, college scholarships, and even professional contracts.

Some players may not aspire to go pro in baseball, but in life, success requires going pro in something. And whatever path we choose, it demands a good usage of T.I.M.E.—Training, Improvement, Mindset and Execution.

So, let’s lace up our cleats, step up to the plate, and make the most of every opportunity. Because in baseball and in life, success is within reach for those willing to put in the T.I.M.E.

For more information, visit L.E.A.D. Center for Youth today.

If you found this inspiring and thought-provoking, or if you have any questions, comments or concerns, add me on Discord and let’s go deeper.

C.J. Stewart has built a reputation as one of the leading professional hitting instructors in the country. He is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization and has also served as an associate scout for the Cincinnati Reds. As founder and CEO of Diamond Directors Player Development, C.J. has more than 22 years of player development experience and has built an impressive list of clients, including some of the top young prospects in baseball today. If your desire is to change your game for the better, C.J. Stewart has a proven system of development and a track record of success that can work for you.

From February through April, in the world of competitive baseball, players enter a critical phase of development. It is a time where habits are transformed into skills, and where the path to achieving goals begins to take shape. This period is not just about physical training; it’s about mindset, communication and proactive engagement with coaches.

At the heart of this transformational process lies the mantra: Discuss, Demand, Do.

Discuss Your Goals

The first step in this journey is open communication. During the November-January Build Phase, players and coaches laid the foundation for success by focusing on building habits and strength. Now, as the season approaches, it’s time to discuss goals for the upcoming months.

Whether aiming for college scholarships, professional contracts or simply playing for the joy of the game, every player’s aspirations are valid and deserve attention. By articulating their objectives, players gain clarity and direction, setting the stage for focused development.

Demand Competence from Coaches

It is not enough for coaches to merely guide players through drills and practices; they must be competent in understanding and supporting each player’s goals. Players should demand nothing less from their coaches. If a coach lacks the expertise needed to help a player reach their potential, they must be willing to seek out additional resources and support.

It is a two-way street of accountability and collaboration, with the player-coach relationship serving as the cornerstone of progress.

Do the Work

Ultimately, success in baseball, as in life, comes down to one thing: putting in the work. Once goals are set and support systems are in place, it’s up to the players to roll up their sleeves and do what it takes to achieve those goals. This means showing up to practice with determination and focus, pushing oneself beyond comfort zones, and maintaining a relentless pursuit of improvement.

Success is not given; it’s earned through dedication and hard work.

For some players, the goal may be to improve teamwork skills or simply to experience the feeling of achievement on the field. Regardless of the specific objectives, the path to success remains the same: Discuss, Demand, Do. It’s a mindset that empowers players to take ownership of their development, demand excellence from their support network, and ultimately, achieve their dreams on the baseball diamond.

So, as February turns to April, let’s embrace this transformational journey and turn our baseball aspirations into reality.

For more information, visit L.E.A.D. Center for Youth today.

If you found this inspiring and thought-provoking, or if you have any questions, comments or concerns, add me on Discord and let’s go deeper.

C.J. Stewart has built a reputation as one of the leading professional hitting instructors in the country. He is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization and has also served as an associate scout for the Cincinnati Reds. As founder and CEO of Diamond Directors Player Development, C.J. has more than 22 years of player development experience and has built an impressive list of clients, including some of the top young prospects in baseball today. If your desire is to change your game for the better, C.J. Stewart has a proven system of development and a track record of success that can work for you.

 

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As Major League Baseball’s spring training kicks into gear, players across the league are shifting into conversion mode, transitioning from building habits during winter workouts to refining skills for the upcoming 162-game season.

This critical phase, spanning from February through April, sets the stage for players to solidify their techniques and elevate their performance on the field.

In the quest to convert habits to skills, there are three key principles that separate successful MLB players from the rest:

1. **Efficient Time Management**

MLB players understand the value of every moment and maximize their practice time to focus on areas that need improvement. They don’t waste time on non-essential activities, ensuring every practice session is purposeful and productive.

2. **Effective Energy Allocation**

Energy conservation is crucial during the conversion phase. MLB players prioritize rest, recovery, and nutrition to maintain peak performance levels throughout the grueling season. By managing their energy levels wisely, they optimize their training efforts and avoid burnout.

3. **Quality Repetitions**

Every repetition counts. MLB players prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring that each practice repetition is deliberate and focused. They emphasize proper technique and execution, striving for consistency and mastery in every aspect of their game.

While seasoned MLB players have honed these principles over years of experience, young hitters often struggle to grasp their importance. But mastering these intangibles is essential for young hitters looking to elevate their game and catch the eye of scouts and coaches.

Talent serves as the foundation, but skills are what ultimately separate the elite from the rest. Skills, honed through disciplined practice and repetition, are the key to success on the field and pave the way for long-term success in the sport.

Breaking down the hitting mechanics into seven key components—Stance/Load, Timing, Tempo, Tracking, Approach, Contact and Extension/Finish—provides a roadmap for hitters to focus their efforts during the conversion phase.

To illustrate the importance of targeted practice, here’s a drill focusing on extension and finish that has proven effective over the years. By incorporating this drill into their training regimen and logging 3,000 quality repetitions, hitters can enhance their power production and overall performance at the plate.

As hitters across all levels embark on their journey from habits to skills, embracing these principles and committing to deliberate practice will lay the foundation for success both on and off the field.

For more information, visit L.E.A.D. Center for Youth today.

If you found this inspiring and thought-provoking, or if you have any questions, comments or concerns, add me on Discord and let’s go deeper.

C.J. Stewart has built a reputation as one of the leading professional hitting instructors in the country. He is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization and has also served as an associate scout for the Cincinnati Reds. As founder and CEO of Diamond Directors Player Development, C.J. has more than 22 years of player development experience and has built an impressive list of clients, including some of the top young prospects in baseball today. If your desire is to change your game for the better, C.J. Stewart has a proven system of development and a track record of success that can work for you.