By Jill E. Wolforth –
As the holidays approach, we’re often caught in a whirlwind of events, family gatherings, and festive obligations. While these moments are special, they can also disrupt our routines and pull our focus away from our goals. At the Texas Baseball Ranch®, we’ve seen how this time of year can either become a springboard for future success or a time when progress stalls.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to succeeding during this season (and actually at any time) is having clarity and being deliberate. However, even knowing this, I’ve found it a bit challenging this holiday season. On multiple occasions since Thanksgiving, I’ve caught myself being a bit distracted. As a result, I’ve had to remind myself, “Plan your work and work your plan”.
So, whether you’re a pitcher looking to maintain the momentum of your fall training, a parent supporting your athlete, or a coach planning for the upcoming season, the principles remain the same. Here are three suggestions to stay on track and make the most of this holiday season.
1. Set Clear Priorities
The holidays are full of opportunities to connect, celebrate, and recharge. But they can also lead to overcommitment. Before you dive headfirst into the festivities, take a moment to define who and/or what matters most to you and determine how to commit time to those things.
For athletes, this could mean carving out 30 minutes a day for mobility work or throwing drills. For parents, it may mean scheduling downtime amidst the chaos to reflect and recharge. Whatever it is, write it down and make it a priority.
2. Embrace the Power of Small Wins
Here at the Ranch we often talk about the importance of consistency. It very much applies during the holidays. With so many distractions, it’s easy to fall into an all-or-nothing mindset. Instead, focus on small, achievable wins that keep you moving forward.
For example, if you can’t fit in a full workout, commit to a short session of arm care. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take five minutes to relax, breath deeply and refocus. These small efforts add up over time and help you stay connected to your bigger goals.
3. Reflect and Reset
The end of the year is a natural time for reflection. Take a moment to review the past 12 months. Start by celebrating your progress. Sometimes we’re so busy looking at what’s next we don’t really soak in the good stuff. Next, acknowledge your challenges and then identify areas for improvement. This process not only helps you gain clarity but also sets the stage for an impactful new year.
The holiday season is a time of joy, gratitude, and renewal. This year, I encourage you to embrace the season with purpose and clarity. Set your priorities, celebrate your small wins, and use this time to reflect and reset. When you do, you’ll not only enjoy the holidays but also position yourself for a strong start to the new year.
From our family at the Texas Baseball Ranch® to yours, we wish you a joyful and purposeful holiday season!
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Important TBR Updates
- Three dates remain for our Winter Elite Pitchers Bootcamps. Get your spot now for one of the upcoming dates! Please CLICK HERE to learn more and secure your spot.
Dates include:
Dec. 28-30 (SOLD OUT – please call to be placed on waitlist)
Jan. 18-20 (MLK weekend)
Feb. 15-17 (President’s Day weekend)
- 2024 Summer Program and Elite Pitchers Bootcamps information will be released right after the first of the year. Please watch your email! Have you been considering attending one of our 3-Day Elite Pitchers Bootcamp but are still on the fence? To help, we have a detailed mailing package entitled “What Makes This Boot Camp Different”. If you’d like to receive this package and start making plans for the winter, email Jill@TexasBaseballRanch.com and request a copy.
- ATTENTION Ranch Alumni: Our Alumni camp is SOLD OUT but you can still get on the cancellation list. Simply call the office (936) 588-6762 and ask to be placed on the list.
- TBR Night Classes. If you’re a local athlete and looking to make an impact for your team this Spring, this is your edge. For more information, call (936) 588-6762 or email AnnaDugger@TexasBaseballRanch.
com. Space is limited!
- NEW VIDEO on our YouTube Channel: “Best Training Tools at the Baseball Ranch”. Watch it at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37xstJGBDds and share your opinion in the comments.
