How to quickly recover from mistakes
Mistakes are inevitable. Letting them snowball is optional. The key is to know they’re part of baseball (and life) and ALL players (and people) make them. What truly sets champions apart is their ability to prevent one mistake from turning into a disastrous snowball effect. Today, we're delving into the art of halting mistakes in their tracks and regaining control of your performance.
Accept (embrace) the Moment: When you inevitably make a mistake, it's natural to feel frustrated or even embarrassed. However, dwelling on the error and wishing it didn’t happen only distracts you from the present moment. Instead of fixating on what went wrong, first accept what happened, then refocus on what's happening right now. A great way to do that is by always asking yourself “What’s Important Now” (W.I.N.). Being fully present minimizes the chances of compounding errors.
Positive Self-Talk: Your inner dialogue plays a significant role in your performance. If you make a mistake and immediately talk down to yourself, you're more likely to lose focus and make additional errors. Practice being intentional with positive self-talk. Remind yourself that mistakes are part of the game and opportunities for growth. Use phrases like "Hit it to me", “Obstacles Make Me Stronger”, "I've got the next one”, etc.
Reset with Routines: Have set routines that help you mentally reset. Even if it’s something quick like taking a deep meaningful ‘Big League Breath’, adjusting your batting gloves, or doing the motion of flushing a toilet to ‘flush away the mistake’, these actions signal to your brain that it's time to move on. Find what works for you, and use it consistently to release negativity and get back to the present-moment.
Visualize Success: Visualization isn't just for pre-game preparation; it can also be a powerful tool for recovery. After a mistake, take a moment to close your eyes and quickly visualize yourself executing the next play, pitch or at-bat flawlessly. This mental rehearsal can restore your confidence and help you regain your stride.
Focus on the Process: When mistakes happen, it's easy to become fixated on the outcome. Redirect your focus to the process (everything in your control that leads you to the results you're after). This shift in focus helps prevent the mistake from dominating your thoughts and impacting your performance. Speaking of what’s in your control…
Control the Controllables: Understand that you can't change the past, but you can influence the future. Concentrate on what you can control, such as your response, focus, attitude, and effort. By taking charge of these elements, you regain a sense of agency (confidence) and reduce the likelihood of compounding errors.
Team Support: Your teammates are there to support you, both in success and after a mistake. Don't isolate yourself; lean on your team for encouragement. Their positive energy can help lift you up and redirect your focus back to the game. Think external (team) rather than internal (yourself).
Learn and Adapt: Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and adapt. Analyze what went wrong, identify the cause, and make mental notes on how to avoid a similar situation in the future. Mistakes are valuable learning experiences IF you approach them with the right mindset.
Remember, in baseball and in life, mistakes are an unavoidable part of the journey. Think of them as ‘miss-takes’. What truly matters is how you respond to them. With a Major League Mindset, you will have the tools ready at hand to prevent mistakes from snowballing. Stay focused, stay positive, and keep pushing forward, one day and one play at a time.
