What Is Your “Why”?
Have you ever questioned when you might get your big opportunity to play?
Does this sound familiar… You work hard in practice, day after day. You put in extra time in the batting cages. You spend time and money on a private coach to refine your mechanics, yet you never see action in games.
It is frustrating to put in the work and not see the reward, especially when you feel you work harder than some of the starters.
From our Softball and Baseball survey, we received the following question:
“When I made my high school team, the coach led me to believe I would be a starter. In my first two years, I’ve started only a few games. I am slowly losing my motivation. What can I do to keep fighting for a starting role?”
Understandably, working hard and not seeing immediate results can be frustrating. The following two points will help lessen your frustration. First, you do not control certain aspects, such as your coaches’ decisions.
Trying to control the uncontrollables leads to frustration. You can maintain a high level of motivation when you focus on what you can control: your effort and attitude.
Secondly, success requires continuous hard work over time. Be patient, keep working, and focus on the process of improvement. This strategy will help fuel your motivation.
An example of enduring motivation and persistence is 33-year-old third baseman, Drew Maggi.
Maggi played in the minor leagues for 13 years, waiting for his major league call-up. Early in the 2023 MLB season, Maggi was called up by the Pittsburgh Pirates. At the time, the Pirates were leading the NL Central and were on the MLB’s longest win streak.
Maggi commented on how his mentality helped him overcome many obstacles along his journey.
MAGGI: “I know that 13 years is really hard. There were a lot of ups and downs, a lot of different people, injuries, a lot of stuff happens. You never know when your days are numbered. So, being here, it feels right… If my name is called, I’m ready to go. I’ve been waiting 13 years to see that first pitch. I’ll be ready.”
Maggi’s persistence paid off. Three days after making his major league debut, Maggi got his first two major league hits.
MAGGI: “It’s crazy to think that in a week you can kind of change … because obviously I never gave up, and I believed always that I could do this. But now that it’s happened it’s solidified that belief.”
Keep in mind that frustration is the enemy of success. Without a mentally tough mindset, you may quit just before you reap the rewards of your efforts.
Persistence, motivation, and a fighting mentality are the critical elements that keep you pushing forward toward your athletic goals.
Knowing your “WHY” is powerful. Remind yourself frequently of the reason for your hard work and sacrifices. Keep it in the forefront of your mind every time you step onto the field.
A relentless mindset starts with understanding your why, which helps you persevere when times get tough.
Related Sports Psychology Articles
- What is the Best Source of Motivation?
- How to Have a Playoff Mindset
- How Persistence and Patience Can Turn Around a Baseball Season
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If you have trouble taking your practice game to competition and under perform in games, your mental game might be the culprit! Baseball and softball players contact me everyday wanting to know why they become scared, anxious, afraid to make mistakes, and lack trust in their skills during games…
You might have a ton of physical talent and perform great in practice, but if you can’t get the job done when it counts, something is missing and the problem is an inferior mental game–not talent or motivation.
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