Every system I build whether in sport leadership or life follows a rhythm.
Not a rush.
Not a shortcut.
A rhythm.
In my four phase development process November December and January are my Engagement months. This is the season where we consistently build habits intentionally and strengthen what already works. Engagement is not flashy. It is foundational. It is about repetition, honesty and doing the uncelebrated work that prepares us for what is next.
- Engagement asks a simple but demanding question.
- Can you commit to the process long enough for it to work?
During these months the focus is not mastery. It is a habit and strength. We assess. We repeat. We reinforce. We find our rhythm and stick to it even when motivation fades. Especially when motivation fades.
Then comes Empowerment.
February, March and April are my Empowerment months. This is the season where habits are converted into skills. What once required intention becomes instinctive. What demanded effort begins to flow. Empowerment is not about doing more. It is about doing better because of what has already been built.
- You cannot empower what you have not engaged.
- You cannot convert habits you never committed to.
That truth became very personal for me recently.
I just updated my iPhone and Apple Watch to the new iOS 26.2 system and it sparked a deeper reflection. On March 1, 2026 I will run my first marathon.
26.2 miles.
That number is not just a distance. It is a declaration.
I have never run a marathon before. But I am preparing to run one because I have been engaging daily building habits and strengthening what works. That marathon will not be a moment. It will be a receipt. A receipt of months of commitment and discipline.
Those two traits, commitment and discipline are the difference between potential and performance.
Commitment
What it is
Commitment is a promise made to yourself for yourself before anyone else is watching.
Why you need it
Because motivation is unreliable. Commitment keeps you moving when enthusiasm disappears.
How you get it
You make a clear decision. You remove alternatives. You align your calendar with your values.
How you lose it
You negotiate with discomfort. You break promises to yourself. You wait to feel ready.
Commitment is not emotional. It is contractual.
Discipline
What it is
Discipline is doing what needs to be done even when and especially when you do not want to do it.
Why you need it
Because life does not pause for your feelings. Discipline creates consistency and consistency creates confidence.
How you get it
You simplify your process. You repeat small actions daily. You stop romanticizing results and start respecting routines.
How you lose it
You chase intensity over consistency. You skip the basics. You confuse talent with preparation.
Discipline is quiet. But it always wins.
Together commitment and discipline are the traits that separate participants from performers, Major League players from casual athletes and Major League citizens from passive observers.
Engagement builds habits.
Empowerment sharpens the skills.
Commitment makes the promise.
Discipline keeps it.
March 1, 2026 is not just about finishing 26.2 miles. It is about proving once again that when you respect the process the process rewards you.
One step at a time.
One habit at a time.
One disciplined decision after another.
That is how engagement turns into empowerment.
That is how runners become marathoners.
That is how people become Major League.
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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