A start of a season doesn't define a season. A season is the accumulation of all of a team's games ... and a team's games are the accumulation of its mindset, approach, and preparation.
Mindset, approach, and preparation -- these make up what mental game teachers refer to as "the process" of the game. Most players, coaches, fans in the game are focused on getting the results they want. But the irony is that to give yourself the best chance for the results you want on the field, you have to focus on the process rather than the results.
So, the results of 2010 will be a by-product of our process. We'll get back to honing this on Monday at practice.
Adjustments need to be made. Some are obvious. We have an approach that we've discussed at the plate, on the mound, in the field, and on the bases. Our approach works when we employ it. When we don't, then we tend to drift.
We also encourage routines on and off the field. When things don't go as we would like, we teach our players to employ the "A, B, C's". I wonder how many of us were using these against TWCA.
A player without a consistent approach really can't make meaningful adjustments. He is riding a a wave of chance and feelings. Baseball can be cruel enough without setting adrift on its seas without a rudder or sail.
Always remember that in one of the greatest seasons at the plate ever Ted Williams was "mired in failure" 60% of the time.
A consistent mindset and routine is absolutely essential to thrive in this game. We continue to grow through the peaks and valleys of emotional plays and games when we stay focused on a winning process. We prepare -- that is, we work on our approach in practice.
Those without a plan (we are all here from time to time) don't merely make adjustments. We can't. Instead, we often remake ourselves in an emotional response to events. Sometimes we get lucky and it works for a while.
At the other end of the spectrum, with an undue focus on results we think all is well because we won a particular game, got a hit, made play, etc. But ultimately, without a consistent underlying process trouble is right over the horizon.
Indeed, without a consistent approach, over the long haul the game catches up to us (usually sooner, rather than later) and we are right back on the stormy seas again.
The very good news is that we have a solid approach to the game that we are teaching -- at the plate, on the mound, in the field, and on the bases. All we need to do is either a) get back to it; or b) make adjustments within it.
Stay focused on the process and let the results of the game come to you.
See you on the field,
Coach Rut
