Boost-Mode Newsletter | January 10, 2025

📖 What I’m Reading – Atomic Habits by James Clear

As I kick off week 1 of my 75-Hard Challenge, I’ve been reading Atomic Habits again, and it’s the perfect book to start the new year. One of the most impactful lessons so far is how your habits shape your identity—and vice versa. Clear explains that habits aren’t just about achieving goals; they’re about becoming the person who can achieve them. It’s not about reading a book—it’s about becoming a reader. Not about running a marathon—it’s about becoming a runner. Every small action you take is a vote for the person you want to become.

As we gear up for the upcoming baseball season, this is everything. Want to become a disciplined player? Show up for every winter workout. Want to lead your team? Be intentional about your actions every day. Success isn’t just about one big moment—it’s about showing up consistently and building an identity rooted in excellence.

💡 Takeaway: Decide who you want to be, then prove it to yourself with small wins. Your habits don’t just change what you do—they change who you are.

🎥 What I’m Watching – Aaron Rodgers: Enigma

Aaron Rodgers is one of the greatest quarterbacks ever—four-time MVP, Super Bowl champion—but what makes him truly fascinating is his complexity. He’s a genius on the field, yet his off-field persona sparks just as much controversy as it does intrigue. The Netflix documentary Enigma dives into his unique mindset, exploring how his ego and genius fuel his success but sometimes create friction in other areas of life. For athletes, this is a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough. Navigating relationships, building trust, and staying grounded are just as critical to your long-term success as your performance on the field.

💡 Takeaway: Confidence is key, but self-awareness is the ultimate game-changer.

🧠 What I’m Learning – The Story of the Rainbow Covenant - Genesis 9:12-17

This week, during my daily Bible study, I reflected on Genesis 9:12-17, where God places a rainbow 🌈 in the sky as a sign of His promise to Noah to never again destroy the earth by flood. What I love about this story is how it turns something as simple as a rainbow into a profound symbol of hope, reassurance, and renewal. For me, every rainbow is a reminder to breathe, take stock, and trust the process—even when life feels overwhelming.

💡 Takeaway: Just like the rainbow after the storm, there’s always light and hope waiting on the other side of hard times. Stay patient, stay faithful, and keep moving forward.

✍️ What I’m Writing – Fundamentals for My Next Vlog

As we prepare for the season, my upcoming vlog focuses on the power of fundamentals. I’m drawing on stories like:

• Tim Duncan’s triple-doubles: Proof that mastery of the basics can create extraordinary results.

• Kobe Bryant’s relentless work ethic: A reminder that the grind is non-negotiable for greatness.

• Cal Ripken Jr.’s streak of consecutive games: A testament to discipline and showing up no matter what.

Check out one my favorite motivational speakers, Eric Thomas talk about Tim Duncan at 4:08 in this YouTube clip:

Fundamentals aren’t flashy, but they’re what set the foundation for excellence. This season, we’re doubling down on them—because success is built one rep, one drill, and one habit at a time.

💡 This Week’s Theme: Fundamentals and preparation. Whether it’s reading a book, taking daily actions, or mastering the basics, small, intentional steps lead to big results. Let’s commit to the habits that build us into the players, leaders, and people we want to be. 🚀⚾ #AtomicHabits #BaseballMindset #Leadership #Fundamentals #PlayerDevelopment #75HardChallenge