Champions don’t wait for January 1st to make changes or set goals. They understand that every day, every moment, is an opportunity to make progress. If you wait for the new year to start fresh, you’ve already lost momentum. That’s why we call them NEW DAY’S RESOLUTIONS here at MLM.

Let’s dive into one of the most powerful tools here at Major League Mindset: connecting with your future self. This isn’t just about motivation—it’s about building a vision of who you want to become as an athlete and person and using that vision to fuel your actions every day.

In the pursuit of greatness, whether in sports or life, many of us chase after external rewards—money, fame, success—believing they will bring us lasting happiness. But what if I told you that the real key to success isn't found in these external achievements, but in something much deeper, something INTERNAL?

Stress comes with athletics and life. It’s the weight of competition, the uncertainty of outcomes, and the friction that comes with striving for greatness. But suffering doesn’t have to follow. By mastering our mindset, creating mental tools, and maintaining perspective, we can navigate stress like the Stoics did—by using it as a catalyst for growth, not as a source of suffering.

Yup, that’s me back in early 2009 at the position I played most, 1st base coach. After 200 at-bats in Double-A I was hitting a whopping .190. On days I wouldn’t start (which were most) I would take my position as 1st base coach. Pretty much rock bottom. 

For the past couple of years I've had the pleasure of working with Nick Morabito on the mental side of the game. Just a few days ago he got named the Mets Minor League Player of the Year.

I thought it would be great to show players, parents and coaches the exact ‘process’ we came up with before the season started. He agreed and gave me the go ahead, so here it is.

Billionaire Warren Buffet, one of the most successful financial investors to walk the planet, once said: "Most people go through life using up a very, very small part of their potential. You could have a three-hundred-horsepower motor and get three hundred horsepower out of it or you can get a lot less. The people who I see function well are not the ones with the biggest 'motors,' but the ones with the most efficient ones."

"The price of success is paid in private. Visible triumphs are built on invisible work." This quote (author unknown) encapsulates the essence of success, not only in life but also in the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball. It's a truth that I, as a mental strength coach who has worked with numerous baseball players, understand deeply.

By understanding these mental states and having set routines, players can better navigate the ups and downs of the game. You can train your mind to recognize when you're slipping into a yellow or red light mentality and take the necessary steps to bring yourself back to green.

Success in sports, like in life, isn’t defined by how well you perform when everything goes right. Instead, it’s your ability to respond when things go wrong that sets you apart. This idea is at the heart of the Major League Mindset, a philosophy rooted in resilience, positivity, and the unwavering belief that every setback is an opportunity for growth.

Nick Saban, the legendary Alabama football coach, once said, "It takes a certain amount of character to be successful. It takes a certain amount of self-discipline to actually have character." This insight perfectly aligns with the Major League Mindset philosophy, which emphasizes self-discipline, accountability, and making tough choices to achieve success.

A core principle of the MLM program is antifragility—the capacity to not just survive but thrive in adversity. This concept directly challenges the notion of simply relying on a positive mindset. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of developing a mindset that can not only withstand but actually benefit from challenges.

The pursuit of excellence is a journey, not a destination. It involves continuous growth, learning, and adaptation. This necessitates a willingness to embrace discomfort and step into the unknown. By doing so, athletes can unlock their true potential and achieve extraordinary results.

John Wooden, the legendary basketball coach, once said, “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” This philosophy, rooted in resilience and optimism, resonates deeply with the principles of mental toughness and performance enhancement.

Champion journaling isn’t just about recording your thoughts—it’s about actively engaging in a process of self-reflection and growth. By consistently practicing this journaling method, you’re training your mind to approach each competition with a win-or-learn mindset. You’re also creating a valuable resource for your future self, full of insights and strategies that will help you succeed.

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.

Having a North Star means having a clear, overarching goal that drives you. It ensures that your daily actions align with your ultimate purpose, helping you stay focused and motivated. This alignment fosters personal growth and enables you to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others. A North Star will help you show up more powerfully for yourself and for others.

Previously we explored the concept of a one-word focus and a reset button—two essential mental tools. These tools are designed to quickly shift your attitude, focus, self-talk, and overall mental state. But how do we ensure these tools are always at our disposal, ready to be used effectively? The answer lies in if-then intentions, a concept developed by psychologist Peter Gollwitzer. Implementation intentions are simple yet powerful: if X happens, then I will do Y.

Let’s quickly explore the concept of being anti-fragile—which is all about embracing failure and becoming stronger with every challenge. Quick refresher: when we're antifragile, we're the opposite of fragile. We're unbreakable, and the more we get knocked down, the stronger we become. The first key to cultivating antifragility is accepting that the journey, both on and off the field, is not supposed to be easy.

On your path to greatness, you'll undoubtedly face setbacks and endure hardships. These experiences leave scars, but instead of seeing them as marks of failure, consider them badges of honor. Each scar represents a battle fought and a lesson learned, contributing to your overall strength and wisdom.