Boost-Mode Newsletter | Dec. 6, 2024

1. What I’m Reading – “The 3 Alarms: A Simple System to Transform Your Health, Wealth, and Relationships Forever” - Eric Partaker

This book is all about finding balance and clarity in the chaos of daily life. It challenges you to ask: What’s my best self in work, love, and health? For me, it’s a reminder that we perform at our highest level when we define who we want to be and commit to showing up as that person every day.

For baseball players, this concept is a game-changer. Imagine defining the kind of player you want to be—whether it’s a clutch hitter, a lockdown pitcher, or the teammate who lifts everyone up. Then, commit to showing up as that player every single day, on and off the field.

The 3 Alarms approach can be your game plan. Set reminders to act like your best self in key moments: before stepping into the batter’s box, taking the mound, or even during practice drills. But here’s the thing—it starts in the offseason. If you’re not showing up as your best self in winter training, if you’re going half-ass in practice, or cheating reps in the weight room, it doesn’t just affect you—it affects the team.

Every missed rep, every shortcut, chips away at the player you’re building and the standard your team is setting. You can’t just flip a switch when the season starts; the habits you build now are the ones that show up in the game.

So, define your best self, show up with purpose in every rep, and watch how it not only changes your game but sets the tone for your team to rise together. Baseball rewards those who prepare with intention—make sure you're ready to reap the rewards.

2. What I’m Watching – Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas 1990 Fight

Mike Tyson was untouchable… until he wasn’t. Watching his stunning loss to Buster Douglas is a masterclass in preparation, perseverance, and underestimating your opponent. Douglas didn’t just step into the ring that night—he brought heart, belief, and resilience. This fight is a reminder that anyone can rise to the occasion, no matter the odds. And as Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” The lesson? What matters isn’t the punch—it’s how you respond.

This lesson hits home for baseball because the game constantly throws challenges at you—unexpected slumps, crucial errors, or losing to an underdog team. Like Mike Tyson, you might feel untouchable—until the game humbles you. But what separates the greats is how they respond to those moments.

Buster Douglas’s win over Tyson is a perfect example of preparation meeting opportunity. Douglas had every excuse to give up—he was a 42-to-1 underdog, and his mother had passed away just weeks before the fight. But instead of folding, he used those challenges as fuel. He was ready for his shot at the title because he had prepared relentlessly. His belief in himself, even when no one else believed, carried him to one of the greatest upsets in sports history.

In baseball, it’s the same. You might not get many chances to prove yourself, but when your moment comes—whether it’s your first at-bat, a key pitch, or making the roster—you have to be ready. Preparation is everything. And when life throws you a punch, like it did for Buster Douglas, you have a choice: let it knock you down or use it to inspire you to rise higher than ever before.

Baseball is a game of resilience, preparation, and mental toughness. Like Douglas, be ready for your moment and let your challenges fuel your performance—not define your limits. That’s how you win, no matter the odds.

3. What I’m Learning – What to Do When We Fail

Failure in baseball—and especially in winter training—isn’t the end; it’s a checkpoint. As Mike Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” In baseball terms, that punch might be a bad Blast Motion session, a botched drill, or a day when nothing seems to click. What separates the best players is their ability to course correct.

When things go wrong—a rough training session, missing a goal, or feeling unmotivated—what’s your play? Do you let it define your progress, or do you adjust and refocus? Those who define what their best self looks like are better equipped to recognize when they’re off track and make the changes needed to get back in the game.

Visualize this: your best self is a straight line on a chart. Your current self wavers below it—some days trending up, other days dipping down—but over time, you’re always moving closer to that line. Each rep, drill, and decision during winter training narrows the gap between who you are now and who you want to be.

Define your best self, show up as that player every day, and make progress—even when you fail. Because failure isn’t final—it’s an opportunity to adjust, grow, and keep trending upward. That’s how champions are built.

4. What I’m Writing – Winter Training Protocols for Speed and Agility 

Winter training isn’t about punishment—it’s about preparation. Right now, we’re putting in the work on speed and agility—two of the biggest keys to unlocking your full potential as an athlete. This is the time to build the explosiveness, sharpness, and quick reactions that will let you shine when the season starts.

But here’s the deal: you can’t be soft, social, or take reps off—especially not in a short 2-hour session. My job is to drive execution. Your job? Don’t take things personally—get shit done. Time is ticking, and the umpire will soon yell, “Play ball!” When that moment comes, are you going to freeze, scared of the pressure? Or are you going to execute on command because you’ve put in the work?

Pay your dues now, and you’ll be free to play at your peak when the sun comes out. This foundation is what allows your natural ability to take center stage when it matters most. Without it, talent only takes you so far. But with it? You’re unstoppable.

So stay focused, stay hungry, and own every rep. Because when the season starts, it’s too late to wish you had done more. Let’s close the gap between where you are and where you need to be—this is your time to set the tone.