It’s April and we are in the last month of the Empowerment Phase. Here’s the phased approach to development that sets me apart. Having a tried and true methodology protects my clients from an unprofessional version of me.
In the Empowerment Phase, we have to remain committed to doing stuff that is tough because this is where we develop skills. And it is skills that pay the bills.
After the Empowerment Phase, it is time to maintain the skills that have been developed.
The Application Phase doesn’t mean you should take it easy or take a break; it means you need to maintain.
In 2020, the pandemic afforded me time to focus on my physical health. I had lots of time to take long walks and also became an avid runner. I started my physical health journey weighing 270 pounds. By the end of 2020, I was down to 230. While I am happy to say I am maintaining my program, it is hard to do because I really like to eat, especially red velvet cake.
The Empowerment Phase is a very convicting phase. It took commitment and discipline for me to lose the weight. I needed those same newly developed mental muscles to help me maintain the weight loss.
I define commitment as making and keeping a promise first for yourself—something that can benefit others. Discipline to me means doing what needs to be done even when you don’t want to do it.
Really competitive baseball players know the sun shines bright and hot in the summer. And if you’re really good or want to be really good, the spotlight will really shine on you.
The summer is not the time to figure out how to perform—that should have started in August.
Here’s a good skill build drill for you to do for 3,000-6,000 reps through the Application Phase.
For more information, visit L.E.A.D. Center for Youth today. Also, check out our Digital Magazine.
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.
