Welcome to Week 4 of our TRIAL series. We’ve spent the past few weeks Testing, Reflecting and Implementing what works. Now, as we enter the final stretch of the Assessment Phase, it’s time to make necessary adjustments—A for Adjust.
Adjustment is a crucial part of growth. Even the best plans and strategies will need some fine-tuning along the way. This week is all about recognizing where minor tweaks can lead to major improvements. Think of it like this: you’ve tested, reflected and implemented, but now you need to ask yourself, “Where can I adjust to become even more effective?”
Here are some key points to consider as you make adjustments this week:
- Analyze the small details – Sometimes, the smallest changes can make the biggest difference. Whether it’s adjusting your timing, refining your footwork, or making slight changes in your grip, now is the time to pay attention to the fine details.
- Be open to feedback – Seek input from your coaches, teammates, and even yourself. Integrity plays a big role here, as being honest with yourself about where adjustments are needed is key to your success.
- Stay flexible – Adjustments may not feel comfortable at first, but staying flexible and trusting the process will lead to greater results in the long run.
As always, Integrity remains our guiding principle this month. Making adjustments isn’t just about fixing mistakes—it’s about having the honesty and humility to admit that improvement is always possible. Integrity demands that we adjust even when it’s difficult, even when we’ve grown attached to old habits.
For example:
- If you’ve found that you’re getting better results with a new swing technique, but it still feels a bit awkward, don’t revert back to your old ways just because it’s easier. Instead, adjust and make the new approach your own.
- If your reflection last week showed that you’re still struggling with timing or patience at the plate, focus on adjusting your mindset or pre-pitch routine to improve those areas.
This week is your opportunity to take everything you’ve learned and fine-tune it before we transition into the Build Phase (November through January). Adjustments are the finishing touches that turn good into great.
Next week, we’ll close out this phase with L for Learn, reflecting on everything we’ve gained over the past two months and preparing to build habits and strength based on what we know works.
So, take this week to make those final adjustments with integrity. You’ve put in the work—now it’s time to refine it for 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.
