the flush-it routine

Happy day one, everybody! Today, I want to share one of the best ways to release negativity and get back to the present moment. For athletes, mastering the art of letting go and staying present is crucial. Whether you're a baseball player dealing with a strikeout or a basketball player recovering from a missed shot, the FLUSH-IT ROUTINE can help you maintain a positive and focused mindset.

Let’s take a dive deeper into that crucial recovery tool: the flush-it routine.

The Origin Story

Let's rewind to 2004. I was watching the College World Series on ESPN, and Cal State Fullerton, who eventually won the national championship, had a peculiar item in their dugout: a little toy plastic toilet sitting in their helmet rack. Naturally, I was curious about its purpose. Eventually, a reporter explained that the team used it as a tool to recover from mistakes. When a player made an error, struck out or had a rough inning pitching, they would symbolically "flush" the mistake down the toilet, letting go of the negativity and refocusing on the present-moment.

The Power of the Flush-It Routine

This simple yet effective routine teaches an essential lesson: mistakes are inevitable, but dwelling on them can hinder performance. The flush-it routine provides a tangible way to release the negativity associated with errors and return to the present moment, ready to face the next play with a clear mind.

Implementing the Flush-It Routine

Here's how you can integrate the flush-it routine into your mental toolkit:

1. Accept the Mistake: Recognize that mistakes are part of the game and a natural part of the learning process.

2. Symbolic Release: Imagine in your mind flushing the mistake away, just like the Cal State Fullerton players did with their toy toilet. You can also do the motion of flushing a toilet with your finger while doing so.

3. Refocus on the Present: Shift your attention back to the present moment, ready to give your best effort on the next play.

Practical Applications in Sports

For athletes, mastering the art of letting go and staying present is crucial. Whether you're a baseball player dealing with a strikeout or a basketball player recovering from a missed shot, the flush-it routine can help you maintain a positive and focused mindset.

Strategies to Embrace the Challenge

1. Accept the Struggle: Recognize that challenges are a natural part of the journey.

2. Shift Your Perspective: View obstacles as opportunities to grow stronger. (OMMS: Obstacles Make Me Stronger)

3. Celebrate Your Scars: Wear your scars as medals, acknowledging the battles you've fought and won.

Brandon’s Primary Takeaways

The flush-it routine is a powerful tool that helps players recover from mistakes and refocus on the game. 

• Mistakes are inevitable in sports; how you handle them determines your performance.

• The flush-it routine provides a tangible method to release negativity and refocus on the present.

• Implementing this routine can help athletes recover quickly and maintain a positive mindset.

Action Steps

1. Create your own version of the flush-it routine, whether it's a physical action or a mental visualization.

2. Practice the routine consistently, both in practice and during games.

3. Encourage teammates to adopt the flush-it routine, fostering a supportive and resilient team culture.

By incorporating the flush-it routine into your mental game, you can learn to release negativity swiftly and stay focused on the present-moment, enhancing your overall performance and enjoyment of the game.