Welcome to the final week of our TRIAL series. Over the last four weeks, we have rolled through the process of Testing, Reflecting, Implementing and Adjusting. Now, it’s time to wrap up this phase by focusing on the final letter in TRIAL: L for Learn.
This week is all about taking stock of what you’ve gained through this journey. Learning isn’t just something that happens in the moment; it is a process of collecting knowledge and using it to inform your future actions.
As we wrap up the Assessment Phase and prepare to enter the Build Phase, let’s focus on what we’ve learned—about ourselves, our skills and our growth as hitters.
Here’s what I want you to focus on:
- What have you learned about your strengths and weaknesses?
- What are the key takeaways from your testing, reflection and adjustments?
- How will you apply these lessons as we enter the Build Phase in November?
Learning is not just about recognizing what works and what doesn’t; it is about internalizing those lessons so that they shape your habits and decisions moving forward. In the “Build Phase” (November through January), we’ll focus on turning these lessons into consistent habits and building the strength we need to grow.
But before we look ahead, take this week to absorb everything you’ve learned. This final step is crucial because it allows you to solidify your understanding of what you need to do to improve. Learning from this process will help you be more effective in your training, more disciplined in your execution and more confident in your abilities.
As always, Integrity continues to be our core value. True learning requires integrity—it is about honestly accepting both your strengths and areas for improvement and using that knowledge to get better. Don’t shy away from what didn’t work. Embrace it as part of the learning process.
Here are a few key questions to ask yourself as you focus on learning this week:
- What is the most important lesson you’ve learned about yourself during this phase?
- How will you carry that lesson into the Build Phase?
- Are there any lingering habits or approaches that need to be reconsidered based on what you’ve learned?
As we move into the next phase of training, you’ll use these lessons to build habits and strength. What you’ve learned over the last three months will be the foundation for your progress going forward.
Next week, we’ll start preparing for the Build Phase, but for now, take this final week to reflect on what you’ve learned and be proud of how far you’ve come.
Remember, learning never stops—it is a lifelong process, especially in baseball.
Let’s continue to work with integrity and grow stronger every day.
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.
