There is a major difference between a player that says he wants to make it and a player that’s gotta make it. Players who want to succeed are often attracted to the idea of success. It sounds good. It looks good. It feels good. Professional baseball represents fame, money, attention, and a lifestyle that most kids dream about.
But the player that has to make it is different.
It’s not just a dream. It’s a calling.
It’s not just in his mind. It’s in his soul.
The “want to” player can talk about greatness. The “gotta” player is willing to suffer for it.
Three Distinctions
1. Wanting It Is a Thought. Needing It Is an Identity.
They want the player to see success as something he hopes to achieve.
They’ve got a player who sees success as something he must become.
2. Wanting It Shows Up When It’s Easy. Needing It Shows Up Under Pressure.
Want players who work hard even when they feel good.
Players must work hard because they refuse to be average.
3. Wanting It Seeks Comfort. Needing It Embraces Cost.
Want players who love the rewards.
You have to have players who accept the sacrifice.
The Truth About Competition
A lot of players think they are competing simply because they are on the same field. But proximity is not competition. Just because you are in the same dugout does not mean you are on the same level.
Real competition requires skill.
Talent, Habits and Skills
Talent is what you do well.
Habits are what you do well repeatedly without thought.
Skills are what you do well repeatedly without thought while under stress.
Most players compete with talent. Elite players compete with skill.
Because anybody can look good when it’s easy.
But the game reveals who you are when the pressure shows up.
Two Types of Competition
1. Proximity Competition
Same field. Same jersey. Same opportunity.
But not the same preparation.
2. Skill Competition
Two players who have developed habits strong enough to hold up under stress.
That is real competing.
If you want to make it, you’ll work when it’s convenient.
If you got to make it, you’ll work because it’s necessary.
Because talent gets attention.
Habits create consistency.
But skills separate the ones who dream from the ones who are destined.
And destiny is never built on what you want.
It’s built on what you’re willing to pay for.
Remember: Intelligence tops being smart.
For more information, visit www.diamonddirectors.com today.
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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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