Turning goals into results for 2025

As February approaches, our hitters are deep in winter workouts, building habits and strength that will shape their success in the coming year. Winter is the time to lay the groundwork for greatness.

And, as 2024 comes to a close, we look ahead to 2025 with a key lesson in mind: There’s a big difference between a goal and a result.

Goals are the road map—they lead to results. But without the right habits, discipline and focus, goals remain just dreams. The truth is, your potential is limitless, but reaching it requires consistent effort and intentional progress.

At the same time, failure to reach your potential is a real possibility. Blame for missed potential can be shared, but the responsibility often falls squarely on the individual.

As we think about 2025, the question becomes: Are you doing everything you need to do to be properly positioned for success—not just for the upcoming season but for your future?

Winter workouts are the time to reflect, refocus and recommit. The habits you build now will determine the results you achieve later. Make 2025 the year you unlock your potential by holding yourself accountable, staying disciplined and putting in the work.

2025: A Play on Numbers

To close out 2024 strong and set yourself up for 2025, consider these 20/25 Questions for Success:

20 Reflection Questions to Evaluate 2024

1. What was your biggest success this year, and what did it teach you?
2. What was your biggest failure, and how can you grow from it?
3. What habits did you build this year that helped you improve?
4. Where did you fall short, and why?
5. How did you handle adversity on and off the field?
6. What did you do to strengthen your mental game?
7. Did you give your best effort in every workout and game? Why or why not?
8. How did you grow as a teammate?
9. What’s one area of your game that improved the most in 2024?
10. What’s one area that still needs work?
11. What’s one moment this year when you felt truly confident in your abilities?
12. Did you make progress toward your long-term goals? How?
13. What feedback did you receive from coaches or teammates, and how did you respond?
14. How did you manage your time between training, school, and personal life?
15. What role did discipline play in your success or failure this year?
16. How did your mindset affect your performance during tough moments?
17. What did you do outside of practice to improve your skills?
18. Did you consistently show up prepared and focused for practices and games?
19. How well did you communicate with your coaches and teammates?
20. What’s one thing you would do differently if you could redo 2024?

25 Planning Questions for 2025

1. What specific results do you want to achieve next year?
2. What habits will you need to build to get there?
3. How will you stay accountable to your goals?
4. What sacrifices are you willing to make for success?
5. Who can help you stay on track, and how?
6. What’s your plan for handling failure or setbacks?
7. How will you measure progress in your game?
8. What’s your biggest strength, and how can you maximize it?
9. What’s your biggest weakness, and how will you address it?
10. What will you do to stand out to coaches and teammates?
11. What’s your plan for staying consistent in your training throughout the year?
12. How will you track your progress toward your goals?
13. What’s your strategy for improving your physical strength and endurance?
14. How will you build mental toughness and resilience in 2025?
15. What specific drills or techniques will you focus on to improve your game?
16. What will you do to become a better teammate?
17. How will you seek out and apply feedback to improve?
18. What’s one area of your mental game (e.g., focus, confidence) you will strengthen?
19. How will you balance short-term goals with your long-term vision?
20. What’s one thing you can do every day to stay committed to your goals?
21. How will you manage distractions that could pull you away from your goals?
22. What steps will you take to recover effectively from setbacks or injuries?
23. How will you use the offseason to prepare for peak performance during the season?
24. What’s one new skill or habit you’ll commit to learning in 2025?
25. How will you hold yourself accountable for achieving your goals and results?

Winter is for workers. The results you want in 2025 won’t come from wishing—they’ll come from working. Take the time now to reflect on 2024 and plan for 2025, knowing that the habits you build today will shape your success tomorrow.

The question is: Are you ready to take full responsibility for your potential? The choice is yours.

Let’s make 2025 a year of results.

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.