February is here. For my hitters, that means it’s time to convert your habits to skills, because as we know, skills pay the bills. My blogs like to focus on the true essence of what it takes to improve yourself every day. The three pillars in this equation are talent, habits and skills.
- Talent is what you do well.
- Habits are what you do well repeatedly without thought.
- Skills is what you do well repeatedly without thought while under stress.
In other words, talent is the floor, not the ceiling, so don’t be deceived when coaches and parents brag about how much talent you have. What happens when you add fire to water? It boils. And that boiling water can be used to cook food.
Wooden bats are carved trees. Before they became a bat, they were big, heavy trees that took years to grow. The point is that stress can make you the best, but you must pass the stress test.
Therein lies the problem. Most people don’t want to be tested by stress. I don’t always like to be stressed, but when I have the courage to lean into it and endure it, it brings out the best in me.
What’s your favorite hitting drill? Whatever it is, make doing it stressful.
Remember to hit using your Tanner Tee and Hitting Jack It weights. Use a weighted vest. Hit weighted balls. Use anything that will make you fail. Learn to focus on making quick adjustments—develop mental and hitting skills.
To help keep your skills sharp, we have introduced a new type of Skill Build—our Virtual Skill Build, where I can help you develop hitting skills anytime, anywhere using anything. Check it out.
Remember: Intelligence tops being smart.
For more information, visit www.diamonddirectors.com today. Also, check out our Digital Magazine.
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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