Learning the art of implementation

Welcome to Week 3 of our TRIAL series. So far, we’ve spent the first two weeks Testing new things and Reflecting on what we’ve learned. Now that we have a clearer understanding of what works and what doesn’t, it’s time to take the next step: I for Implement.

Implementation is where the magic happens. It’s one thing to reflect on what’s working, but the real progress comes when you take those lessons and start actively putting them into practice.

This week, you’re challenged to focus on implementation. That means deliberately working on the techniques and strategies that have proven to be effective from the tests and reflections over the past two weeks.

Remember:

  • Implement what works, and focus on building consistency.
  • Stick to the strategies that are helping you improve, and don’t be afraid to leave behind the ones that aren’t.
  • This isn’t the time to start experimenting again—we’ve done the trial and reflection. Now, it’s time to commit.

Here’s where our core value of Integrity continues to guide us. Integrity means staying committed to doing the right things, even when no one’s watching. As hitters, it’s easy to drift back to old habits or cut corners when implementing new techniques.

But this phase requires discipline. You’ve already done the hard work of testing and reflecting, so now you must trust the process and implement those lessons with focus and honesty.

Think about it this way:

  • If you’ve learned that a certain stance or grip gives you better control, then implement it consistently.
    If you’ve found that being more patient at the plate results in better hits, then stick to it even when it’s tempting to swing early.

This week is all about putting action behind your insights. The Build Phase is right around the corner (November through January), and this is the foundation upon which you will build those habits and strength. Implementation is about setting those foundations, refining your skills, and preparing for that next step.

In next week’s blog, we’ll discuss A for Adjust, where we’ll make any final tweaks to perfect our approach before heading into the winter season. But for now, focus on implementing what you’ve learned with integrity.

Let’s put the work in. Stay consistent, stay disciplined, and start implementing your success.

Remember: Intelligence tops being smart.

For more information, visit L.E.A.D. Center for Youth today.

If you found this inspiring and thought-provoking, or if you have any questions, comments or concerns, add me on Discord and let’s go deeper.

C.J. Stewart has built a reputation as one of the leading professional hitting instructors in the country. He is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization and has also served as an associate scout for the Cincinnati Reds. As founder and CEO of Diamond Directors Player Development, C.J. has more than 22 years of player development experience and has built an impressive list of clients, including some of the top young prospects in baseball today. If your desire is to change your game for the better, C.J. Stewart has a proven system of development and a track record of success that can work for you.