Kobe Bryant once said, “The biggest mistake that we make in life is thinking that we have time.”
Those words ring true not just in life but especially in baseball. For hitters, time often is the one thing they believe they have plenty of—until it is gone.
January marks the end of what I call the “Build Phase”—the crucial period of November, December, and January when hitters focus on building habits and strength. This is the time to put in the reps, to refine the mechanics that will eventually become second nature. Habits, after all, are the things you do repeatedly and well without even thinking.
But here’s the catch: Building habits takes tens of thousands of reps.
As we move into February, we transition into the Conversion Phase, which runs from February through April. This phase is where habits are converted into skills. Why does this matter? Because skills pay the bills.
Skills are habits under pressure—they’re what you can do instinctively and repeatedly while managing stress. And stress in this context comes in two forms: distress (negative stress) and eustress (positive stress). During the Conversion Phase, my hitters are exposed to eustress, the kind of stress that challenges them to grow, adapt and perform at higher levels. By April, as the spring season ramps up, they’ll need to perform those skills under the real pressures of competition.
Right now, though, it is still cold in Georgia and across much of the country. For many, baseball season feels far away. But somewhere in the world, it’s warm, and hitters are working—putting in the tens of thousands of reps necessary to build habits. The problem for most players? They think they have time.
Time is the enemy of complacency. While some hitters believe they can put off building habits until tomorrow, others are working hard today. And when the season starts, the gap between those who worked and those who waited will be undeniable.
When it’s all said and done, only the best players in the world will get the chance to play Major League Baseball. They’ll be the ticket. For everyone else, the only option will be to buy a ticket to watch them play.
So the real question is: Which one do you want to become?
Time is running out to build the habits and skills that lead to greatness. The Build Phase is almost over—what have you done with it? Will you be ready to convert your habits into skills when the time comes, or will you find yourself wishing you had started sooner?
Don’t make the mistake of thinking you have time. The opportunity is now. Put in the reps, build the habits, and prepare for the pressure—because the spring season waits for no one.
7 Steps Hitters Can Take to Stop Being a Time Waster (One for Each Day)
Day 1: Set Clear Goals
- Write down one specific, measurable goal for the season. Do you want to improve your batting average, hit for more power or make fewer strikeouts? Be specific and align your goal with your vision as a hitter.
- Example: “I want to increase my batting average by 50 points this season.”
Day 2: Track Your Time
- Analyze how you’re spending your day. Keep a log of all your activities, both baseball-related and non-baseball-related. Identify time spent procrastinating or doing non-productive tasks.
- Once you see where your time goes, plan to redirect wasted time into training or preparation.
- Build a daily training schedule that includes specific blocks for batting practice, strength training, flexibility and mental preparation. Consistency is the foundation of good habits.
- Example: 30 minutes of tee work, 20 minutes of fielding drills and 10 minutes of visualization.
Day 4: Master One Drill
- Focus on mastering one skill or drill that addresses your weaknesses.
- For example, if timing is an issue, work on tempo drills to sync your swing with the pitcher’s motion. One habit built well is better than several done halfway.
Day 5: Track Your Progress
- Measure your reps and improvements daily. Are you making more consistent contact? Is your bat speed increasing? Tracking progress helps you stay motivated and shows you what’s working.
- Use a notebook, app or spreadsheet to track each session’s key metrics.
Day 6: Visualize Success
- Spend time visualizing yourself executing perfect swings, hitting under pressure and succeeding in competition. Visualization builds confidence and reinforces habits.
- Set aside 10 minutes before bed to mentally rehearse game scenarios and visualize positive outcomes.
Day 7: Reflect and Adjust
- At the end of the week, evaluate what worked and what didn’t. Are you sticking to your routine? Are you seeing progress? Identify where you can improve and refine your approach for the next week.
- Reflection is key to turning good habits into great skills.
By following these seven steps over seven days, hitters can stop wasting time and start building the habits they need to succeed. Remember, the clock is always ticking—don’t let it beat you.
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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