The Time is Now - How to Approach the Beginning of Season
D1 SOFTBALL IS BACK THIS WEEKEND! A reminder that my recaps aka "Halo's Dugout" are back rolling on TikTok. We have all been counting down the days to start watching these incredible athletes and role models and it's FINALLY HERE!
Many of you that read this newsletter are college athletes and high school athletes and you are getting ready to start playing your season, if you haven't started already. This message is specifically for you: Your Time is NOW. Now is when you begin to let all the training, practices, lessons, reps, and everything else in your preparation start to perform. It is SEASON. The time is now for you to stop worrying about anything but competing. That's it. That is your sole focus. COMPETE. How do you do that?
THINK MINDSETS - NOT MECHANICS: The off season is when we worry about our mechanics in our swings, throws, and defense. When we play games, our energy towards development should be geared towards our mindsets. We are placing trust in our practice and preparation to allow us to perform on game day. What are you telling yourself when you step in between the white lines? What's your confidence at? Are you ready to be a fierce competitor? Mindsets win, mechanics just assist along the way.
STAY PRESENT: Playing a game is all about remembering to be where your feet are - in the present moment. All in. Sold out. One pitch and one inning at a time. Are you nervous? Come back to your breath. Are you feeling the pressure of a late-game situation? Tell yourself an empowering mantra over and over again. Be your own best encourager. Be in the here and now. Be grateful for this exact moment. The game knows who is grateful and who doesn't and it tends to reward those who appreciate it.
That's what the season is all about: mindsets and presence. If you do those two things, you will compete at a higher level and win more games.
The game knows.
Have a happy and healthy season!
--Halo
