Last week, we focused on the mind—how you think. We explored anticipation, emotional regulation and situational awareness. But thought without action is just theory.
To master anything, you must train your body to execute under stress. This week, we focus on what you do.
Week 2: MUSCLE – What You Do
The Bible gives us a simple truth in 2 Thessalonians 3:10:
“For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat.’”
The message is clear—effort is not optional. In baseball and in life, those who refuse to put in the work will not reap the rewards. Many players want success, but few are willing to commit to the disciplined work required to reach mastery. Wanting to succeed is not the same as working to succeed.
Three Essential Actions for Hitters
- Repetition with Precision – Your body learns what you teach it. If you practice the wrong way, you’re reinforcing mistakes. Are you taking quality reps or just swinging to say you got work in?
- Adjustments in Real Time – No hitter has a perfect swing. No pitcher is predictable. The best hitters recognize what’s happening and make immediate adjustments. Are you locked in on each pitch or just hoping for the best?
- Work With Purpose – You don’t get to mastery by showing up when you feel like it. Do you push through fatigue? Do you train with a sense of urgency? Or do you rely on talent and expect results?
First, First Questions (March 12-18):
Ask yourself these three questions every day this week:
- What part of my swing needs the most work?
- Am I training with focus or just going through the motions?
- How do I respond physically when I face failure?
Write it down. Be honest. Then take action.
Marching Forward
Your mind sets the foundation. Your muscles execute the plan.
- Talent is what you do well.
- Skill is what you do well, repeatedly, under stress.
- Work is what turns one into the other.
This is your March to mastery. Let’s get to work.
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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