As we enter the final month of our August through October Assessment Phase, it’s time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and gear up for our Winter Workouts. October marks the end of the fall baseball season for most teams, but for us, it’s a pivotal month where we not only close one chapter but also prepare for the next.
We’ve spent the last two months committing to trying new things, testing our boundaries, and learning what works and what doesn’t.
Now, with October here, we dive into the first week of our TRIAL series—an acronym that will guide us through this final phase of assessment. Over the next five weeks, we’ll explore each letter of the word TRIAL:
T – Test
R – Reflect
I – Implement
A – Adjust
L – Learn
In this first week, we begin with T for Test. Testing is critical in this phase. As hitters, this is your time to push the limits, try new stances, new approaches at the plate, and experiment with techniques that you may not have considered before. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s discovery. This is your chance to get out of your comfort zone and really test your capabilities.
Integrity is our core value for October, and it aligns perfectly with this phase. Integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching, even when the easier route might be more tempting.
In the context of this month, it means being honest with yourself about what’s working and what’s not, even if it means admitting that a favorite technique isn’t as effective as you thought. Are you ready to test yourself and trust the process?
As we progress, we’ll be reflecting on these tests, implementing what works, adjusting where necessary, and learning from every experience. November through January will be our Build Phase, where we take what we’ve learned and start building strength and habits around those findings.
So, let’s get to work. Test your limits this week. Push yourself, and remember: Growth happens when we commit to trying new things, even when it’s uncomfortable. Integrity demands it.
Stay tuned for next week’s blog where we’ll dive into the R for Reflect and continue this journey together.
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.
