SUMMER IS A TOUGH TIME TO STAY THE COURSE. FRIENDS ARE OFF HAVING FUN FAMILY VACATIONS AND YOU ARE OFF TO ANOTHER BALL FIELD. IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A FUN SUMMER AND BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE IN SOFTBALL? THE ANSWER IS, YES.
Summer is here, school is out, and schedules are changing. We all know staying on track this time of the year can be tough. The key to any type of success is preparation and consistency. The real question is: ‘how’?
With all of the travel and constantly changing spaces that happen for me in the summer, I need to establish consistency and force myself to stick to it daily. I find that I achieve more when I take time to set out what I want for myself before I get started. Here are the steps I go through before each and every summer to make sure I’m staying on track. I hope they help you as much as they help me!
- Set your goals: Take the time to sit down and write out 3-5 goals you want to achieve this summer. It can be anything you want it to be. For Example; read 3 books, make your bed every morning, hit the ball harder in games, or have a more confident mindset. Be specific. Make it realistic. Make it what you want for you.
- Establish a routine that matches your goals: This is important. This is the how, the action step. Write out how you are going to achieve the goals you set. Example; do one thing a day that will help you hit the ball harder (15min of power focused drills), do one thing a day that will help your confidence (do the things you say you’re going to do for the day). What are little things you can do consistently everyday that will add up at the end of summer to achieve your goals? This is how you build your routine, create a habit, and to reach your goals. Starting this process at a young age will help you build great habits for the rest of your life. Life is easier when you wake up with a purpose for the day.
- Missed days: Missed days happen! Don’t let it throw you off completely. The beauty of a little a lot, is if you miss a day, it is okay! Just pick back up the next day. Keep in mind your softball schedule. Take those days into consideration and prepare ahead of time with how you are going to stick with your routine. If you can’t get it all in, no sweat, do what you can! Always remember; little by little, a little becomes a lot.
- Have fun: Make it fun. Make your action steps something you look forward to each day. Make sure you are able to accomplish it. Build your confidence and trust with yourself by doing the things you say you are going to do.
Test this out and evaluate at the end of summer how it went.
Did you achieve your goals?
Did you have a more productive summer?
Did you enjoy yourself more?
No matter your goals, I hope these steps help you stay on track. Wishing you the best of luck on your summer journey and please don’t hesitate to reach out to me on social to let me know how it went for you (@Chiddy3).
