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How do You Stick to the Process?
Summary: Process-focused hitters think about what they can control: seeing the ball, sticking to their approach, and putting a good swing on it. Result-focused hitters think “I need a hit,” which adds pressure and tension. Research shows process goals help performance far more than outcome goals. The Padres are using this mindset in their Wild Card race. Pick one controllable focus for each pitch, and judge yourself by execution.
Bases loaded. Two outs. Late in a close game.
Two hitters step into the box in the same spot. The first thinks, “Look for my pitch and put a good swing on it.” The second thinks, “I have to drive in this run.”
Both hitters want the same result. But as any mental performance coach will tell you, they’re about to have two very different at-bats.
The first hitter is focused on the process. The second is chasing results. And that small difference in thinking can change how you see the ball, how your body feels, and how freely you swing.
You’ve probably heard coaches say “trust the process” a hundred times. But what does that actually look like at the plate? And why does chasing results make it harder to get the results you want?
Let’s break down the difference, look at why result-focused thinking adds tension, and see how the 2026 San Diego Padres are staying in the moment during a tight playoff race. Then you’ll get three tips to use in your next game.
Focusing on the Process vs. Chasing Results
The difference comes down to where you put your attention. A process-focused hitter concentrates on actions he can control, like seeing the ball, recognizing pitches, and sticking with his approach. A result-focused hitter locks onto outcomes, like getting a hit or driving in a run.
Here’s what each mindset sounds like in the batter’s box:
- Process focus: “Look for my pitch, be patient, put a good swing on the ball, and make solid contact.”
- Results focus: “I need to get a hit here,” or “I have to drive in this run.”
A process-focused hitter has a clear, controllable job for each at-bat. He isn’t worried about his batting average. He’s focused on competing one pitch at a time.
Research backs this up. A large review of goal-setting studies found that process goals had a much bigger effect on performance than outcome goals, which barely helped at all. The goals that help most are the ones that point your attention to the task, not the scoreboard.
That’s why learning to focus on what you can control is one of the most important mental skills in baseball.
Why Does Chasing Results Make Hitters Tense?
Chasing results makes hitters tense because thoughts like “I can’t strike out” or “I have to come through for the team” raise the pressure on every pitch. That pressure creates muscle tension and overthinking. Your timing and mechanics can break down, and you end up trying to force a result instead of reacting to the pitch.
Think about how many things you can’t control at the plate. You can crush a line drive right at the shortstop. You can get jammed and bloop a single. The box score doesn’t always match the quality of your swing.
When your focus is on the result, every pitch starts to feel like a must-win moment. Your grip tightens. Your swing gets long. You chase a pitch you’d normally take.
Here’s the key point: the goal isn’t to stop caring about results. Every player wants to win and get hits. The goal is to keep possible results from taking control of the at-bat.
When you focus on the controllable pieces, such as your approach, decisions, timing, and swing, you see the ball more clearly. You react to the pitch instead of forcing the outcome. Your physical skills can work freely, even in big moments.
How the Padres Are Playing One Game at a Time
The 2026 San Diego Padres are a great example of a process approach. With 16 games left, the Padres held a half-game lead over Arizona for the National League’s final Wild Card spot.
That’s the kind of situation that can make players tight. Every game feels huge. It would be easy to start scoreboard-watching and thinking about the playoffs.
Instead, outfielder Jackson Merrill is keeping it simple. In that series, he went 7-for-12 after going hitless in four straight games. What stood out? He felt like he’d been taking good at-bats the whole time, even when the hits weren’t falling.
MERRILL: “I’m just sticking with the process, not trying to chase results. Just chasing wins and doing it with my friends, so that’s fun.”
Pitcher Kyle Hart shared a similar mindset. He knows the stakes, but his focus stays on being ready for the next pitch:
HART: “We have to win, and we know that. So, I think everybody’s ready as soon as we go through the gates of the bullpen before the game. We’re ready, every pitch.”
Both players understand the importance of winning. But they’re not letting the playoff race pull their focus out of the present. For more on this, check out how to build a playoff mindset.
How Does a Mental Performance Coach Help Hitters Stay in the Process?
A mental performance coach helps hitters build an at-bat routine with one controllable focus for each pitch. Then the coach teaches players to judge their at-bats by execution instead of the box score. This keeps pressure low and confidence steady, even during slumps.
Research on performing under pressure shows that tools like pre-performance routines, imagery, and self-talk help athletes cope with pressure. A routine gives your mind a job, so it doesn’t wander to “what if I strike out?”
A good at-bat routine might include a deep breath outside the box, a quick look at the pitcher, and one focus cue such as “see it early.”
We see this shift all the time with young athletes. One parent told us that after a session, their son had his best game of the season. He didn’t score, but he was happy because “his focus was on shooting and not scoring (finally).” That’s the process mindset in action, and it works the same way in the batter’s box.
3 Sports Psychology Tips for Staying Focused on the Process
Use these three tips in your next game.
1. Focus on the Current Pitch
Instead of thinking about getting a hit, driving in a run, or avoiding a strikeout, pick one controllable goal for each pitch. That could be seeing the ball, recognizing the pitch, or trusting your approach. One pitch, one job.
2. Swing Freely and Trust Your Preparation
Trying to force a result creates tension and makes you do too much. You’ve done the work in practice. Commit to your approach, see the ball clearly, and let your mechanics and timing work on their own.
3. Measure Yourself by Execution, Not Outcomes
A quality at-bat doesn’t always produce a hit. After each at-bat, ask yourself: Did I make good decisions? Did I stick with my approach? Did I compete the way I wanted? If the answer is yes, that’s a good at-bat, no matter what the scoreboard says.
Conclusion
Baseball will always be measured by results. But you don’t have full control over those results.
Here’s what to remember:
- Put your attention on what you can control: preparation, approach, decisions, and execution.
- Play one pitch at a time, just like the Padres in the Wild Card race.
- Judge your at-bats by quality, not by hits.
If you’re pressing at the plate, stuck in a slump, or tightening up in big moments, you don’t have to fix it alone. Our Mental Edge for Baseball and Softball program is a great place to start. For one-on-one help, book a free session with a mental performance coach.
Trust the process, and let the results take care of themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “trust the process” mean in baseball?
Trusting the process means focusing on the actions you control, like your preparation, approach, and swing, instead of the outcome. You believe that doing those things well will lead to good results over time. Research shows process goals help performance much more than outcome goals.
How do I stop pressing at the plate?
Pressing happens when you try too hard to get a result. Pick one simple focus for each pitch, like “see it early,” and let go of thoughts about hits or RBIs. Trust your preparation and let your swing work naturally.
What is a quality at-bat?
A quality at-bat is one where you made good decisions, stuck with your approach, and competed hard, no matter the result. A hard-hit out can be a quality at-bat. A lucky bloop single might not be.
Should baseball players ignore their batting average?
You don’t need to ignore it, but don’t check it during games. Your average is a result, and it can swing a lot over a short stretch. Focus on the quality of your at-bats day to day, and the numbers usually follow.
How can a sport psychologist help a hitter in a slump?
A sport psychologist or mental performance coach helps you shift your focus from results back to the process. You’ll build an at-bat routine, learn to manage pressure, and judge yourself by execution. That helps you stay confident while you work your way out of the slump.
