As the weather changes, trees are teaching us a lesson.
- Their leaves are falling.
- Not because they are weak,
- but because it’s time to let go.
The trees don’t fall—only the leaves do. It’s the season for that. And soon, there will be another season where new leaves will grow again. But you can’t simply tape the old leaves back on. Growth requires time, patience, and process.
This time of year—November, December, and January—is what I call the season of conviction. In baseball, it’s the equivalent of winter workouts. Everything looks barren from the outside, but something powerful is happening beneath the surface. Roots are deepening. The ground is hard, but it’s still holy.
Then comes spring—February, March, and April—when the leaves return. That’s the season of connection, when everything that was refined in private begins to show in public. But not every tree survives the winter. Some trees never grow new leaves again because the roots were never grounded in strong soil to begin with.
And that’s where conviction meets truth.
Some players dream of being Major League Baseball players, but their dreams are planted in shaky ground—ground filled with distractions, poor habits, or shallow purpose. And when the storms come, they get uprooted. No more growth. No more leaves.
If you want to grow again each season, you have to be more than talented. You have to be rooted.
Top 5 Signs You Are a Strong Tree (So Your Leaves Can Grow Again)
1. You’re Rooted in Purpose, Not Popularity
Strong players know why they play. Their purpose feeds them when recognition fades. A player without purpose will always chase applause instead of progress.
2. You Stay Grounded During Adversity
Storms reveal roots. When you face failure, criticism, or a bad season, do you bend or break? Deep roots allow you to bend without breaking. Weak roots make you fall with every gust of wind.
3. You Feed on the Right Soil
Trees need good soil; players need good surroundings. The soil of your life is your circle—coaches, teammates, mentors, and habits. If your soil is toxic, your growth will be too.
4. You Trust the Seasons
You can’t rush growth. You can’t tape on new leaves. Winter may feel empty, but it’s necessary. Strong trees—and strong players—respect the rhythm of rest, reflection, and renewal.
5. You Bear Fruit That Helps Others
A healthy tree doesn’t just grow leaves—it gives shade, fruit, and life to everything around it. A mature player uses his platform to inspire, mentor, and serve. That’s what makes the game meaningful.
This winter is not the end—it’s conviction season.
- Let the weak leaves fall.
- Focus on your roots.
- Because spring is coming, and only strong trees will bloom again.
Remember: Intelligence tops being smart.
For more information, visit www.diamonddirectors.com 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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