Softball Success Tips: Do the Hardest Thing

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If softball success was easy, everyone would be an all-star, but it’s not and, while everyone may get a trophy nowadays, not everyone is an all-star. What's that thing they say about success? Oh yeah, the only place success comes before work is in the dictionary. Therefore, in order to achieve softball success, you must be willing to do what others are not. You must be willing to put in the work, not just when you feel like it, but all the time, day in and day out. The "secret" to success for most people is actually not some secret formula or mysterious strategy.  It rarely has anything to do with the latest trend or training at the best facilities.  In fact the "secret" most successful people know is pretty boring and UN-glamorous.  In order to achieve "great" things, you must do the work and possess the willingness to do the hardest thing.

What hardest thing? You know, the thing you don't particularly like doing.  The thing you would gladly skip if no one made you do it.  The thing you practically can't stand even though you know it's good for you and you know doing it will improve your softball performance. You must be willing to do that thing. So many players and coaches say they want to be successful, win big games, accumulate amazing stats, and win the biggest prize…and yet they are unwilling to do the work it takes to get to that level.  They often put off the hard stuff or dog the tough training.  They pass up the opportunity to train harder, focus better, increase intensity, or put in more time than their competition.  They might sustain full blown commitment and effort for a short period of time, but grow weary of the discipline and dedication required as the season drags on.

Are you one of them? Think about it.  Do you say you want big things, but train just like everyone else?  Are you really giving all you can?  Or do you hold back and avoiding areas you don't like or areas that push you outside your comfort zone?  Are there things you skim over or do half-heartedly?  Are there things you could do better, faster, longer, harder, or more focused than you do now? If you really want to reach your full potential and achieve more than anyone thought you could, do the hard thing(s) and do it with your best effort and highest level of enthusiasm! You can start small.  Make a change in just one area and let your actions compound from there.  It can start with something as simple as…

• Baserunning
• Training to hit pitches you don't like, rather than just your favorite one
• Setting up practice stations to help your team be more efficient in training
• Helping with team equipment
• Eating healthier so you can train and perform better (Don't skip breakfast! Cut back on junk food)
• Planning practice if you're a coach (stop flying by the seat of your pants hoping answers will come to you)
• Do conditioning: push-ups, sprints, core work or other "tough" exercises/workouts
• Working as hard on effectively throwing your least favorite pitch as you do your most favorite pitch
• Going to sleep at a decent hour (get off facebook)

I know, I know.  It doesn't sound like a lot of fun, but sometimes less "fun" now means more fun when it counts the most.

Before you decide this probably won't work, I want you to think about this one question…

If you did this, if you made the conscious effort to do the work, to do the hardest thing (not just the easy fun stuff)…

What's the worst thing that could happen?

Please comment below and let me know... I would really appreciate it.