the value of being a great teammate
Self-improvement is a cornerstone of having a Major League Mindset. Understanding the steps that you need to take in order to overcome obstacles, improve your habits, and develop your mindset will give you an edge against the competition on the field and in life.
There is something that you should keep in mind when you think about the word *competition* though. Who exactly are you competing against? Being competitive is natural for any athlete, but you should never forget the fact that baseball (and life) is a *team* sport. How you interact with your teammates is just as important as the work you do to improve your own game.
Do you ever find yourself jealous of other players on your team that get more playing time, hit higher up in the batting order or throw a harder fastball? If the answer is yes, I get it, trust me. It’s only natural to have those feelings to be envious and want what others on your team might have.
It’s what you do with those feelings that matters. You can use those feelings as fuel to up your own game and become the best version of yourself, which will put you in the best position to be the player that you’re striving to be. Or, you can take those feelings and feel sorry for yourself and create a negative environment for yourself and your team.
Focus on being the best player and person you can be, and the best TEAMMATE you can be. If you can make yourself into a player that other players and coaches want to be around, you’ll find that more opportunities will start to come your way and the more chances you’ll have to succeed.
Here are three quick examples on how to be a great teammate:
1. Be a leader - Lead by example
For followers of the newsletter, this should be the easiest starting point. If you develop a Major League Mindset, and other great habits and routines, other people will want to start to emulate *you*, and you’ll find yourself in a leadership position regardless if you’re designated a captain or not.
2. Encourage your teammates
Letting your teammates know that you’re there for them, and doing your best to keep their spirits up when they make a mistake goes a long way to creating a positive environment for the team and helps improve the performance of everyone! Even if you’re the shy type, it really doesn’t take much to lift someone’s spirits when they’re down. Even an arm on the shoulder can do the trick.
Think about the times that you’ve been down on yourself during a game and someone reached out to you. It feels pretty good right? Pass it on!
3. Learn from your teammates
If you do have teammates who are performing well, it never hurts to ask about *their* routines and strategies. You might learn something new, and you’ll make your teammate feel good that their good habits and hard work are appreciated! Always remember: Success Leaves Clues!
By being a great teammate (in addition to developing a Major League Mindset), you become an asset to the coach and the team, and can set an example and a standard with your words and actions. Remember, baseball coaches at every level are looking for players who they can count on to help them build a winning TEAM.
