Boost-Mode Newsletter | January 3, 2025

1. What I’m Reading – Atomic Habits by James Clear

As we kick off the new year, I’m revisiting one of my all-time favorites, Atomic Habits. The key lesson? Small, consistent habits compound into remarkable results. Clear reminds us that success isn’t about setting lofty goals—it’s about building systems that help you improve 1% every day. Habits are the building blocks of long-term success. You don’t rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems. That’s the mindset I’m applying this year—for myself, the players, and our team.

2. What I’m Watching – 🎥 What I’m Watching – The Six Triple Eight

This powerful film highlights the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during WWII. It’s a story of women who overcame racism, adversity, and impossible odds to complete a monumental task: sorting a two-year backlog of mail in just 90 days. The leadership, grit, and unity of these women are inspiring. For me, it’s a reminder that even in the face of immense challenges, the right mindset and teamwork can accomplish the extraordinary.

3. 🧠 What I’m Learning – Feeding the Soul

Disclaimer:

I am NOT trying to insult anyone or their beliefs, nor is this necessarily what I believe—it’s simply how I’m interpreting my reading.* This year, I’ve committed to reading or listening to the Bible daily. Growing up as the son of a pastor, I’ve learned the importance of spiritual nourishment. As I reflect on Genesis, I’m reminded that beginnings are significant. The first chapter of the Bible emphasizes origins and choices—God’s, man’s, and even the devil’s. My interpretation? Evil exists not because of God, but because of the free will He gave us. God will not force obedience or love; the choices are ours to make. For me, this is less about religion and more about taking responsibility for the paths we choose and the systems we build. As the new year begins, this reflection feels timely. It’s a reminder to take ownership of our beginnings and the choices that will shape the rest of the year.

4. ✍️ What I’m Writing – Systems for Success

After losing in the semifinals last year, I’m reverse-engineering that loss to create systems for every aspect of our game—systems that allow us to focus on the process, not the scoreboard. This year, we’re implementing concepts like: 1 Antifragility – Thriving under pressure and learning from adversity. 2 Changing Your Story – Reframing challenges as opportunities. 3 Mental Performance Mastery – Building the mental toughness needed to compete at the highest level. 4 Effective Velocity by Perry Husband – Optimizing our approach off the mound. 5 Seeing with the Mind’s Eye – Visualizing success before it happens. 6 The Pack Offense and Conservative Defensive Strategy – Ensuring our playstyle reflects precision and discipline.

This isn’t just about winning; it’s about building a team culture that’s process-driven, resilient, and focused on continual improvement.

This week’s theme? Systems, resilience, and new beginnings. The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect, take responsibility, and lay the foundation for remarkable growth. Small, consistent actions create monumental change. Let’s focus on what we can control and take ownership of our growth, both on and off the field. 🚀⚾ #AtomicHabits #Resilience #Leadership #NewBeginnings #PlayerDevelopment #BaseballMindset