Thread by @BrandonGuyer

#TBT - 9/20/16. First @mlb walk-off hit. Below are 3 tips any ballplayer can use to get their mind right in big at-bats 🧵 cont…

1. ALWAYS BE READY: You never know when your number will be called. Do your part and stay locked in throughout the game, know what situations you may be called on, and be mentally prepared/ready with a rock solid plan of attack.

2. TWO-STRIKE APPROACH: Personally I liked to spread out, choke up on the bat, and think hard line drive the opposite way with 2k’s. This helped to stay short, keep it simple, stay on top of the ball, see the ball better, and let the ball travel as deep as possible. Have one!

3. BRING IT ON MENTALITY: Did my heart start to beat a little faster when I got to the on deck circle? You better believe it. In those moments I said 3 very important words to myself “Bring It On”.

Another important thing I always did was look at the nerves and increased heart rate as a positive. Start looking at that high arousal state as it’s the body priming you to perform. It doesn’t mean somethings wrong, it means somethings RIGHT.

It’s truly amazing (and scientifically proven) how thinking of nerves as excitement and saying those 3 words will shift you from a “threat” response (tight/anxious) to a “challenge” response (free/loose/confident).

Will these 3 tips ensure you success? Of course not. But it will ensure you’re doing your part to put yourself in the best possible position to succeed.

Anything any of you ballplayers out there do to get your mind right before big at bats?!? Let me know!