
Stop Thinking in Absolute Terms
Baseball is a hard enough game but sometimes baseball players can make the game even more complicated.
One such way baseball players complicate the game is when they think in absolutes. Absolute thinking are generalizations you make about your ability to perform in certain circumstances.
Examples of absolute thinking for baseball players are as follows:
- “I never play well in cold weather.”
- “I always lose when I pitch against that team.”
- “Every time, when the pressure is on, I choke.”
As you see, absolute thinking is filled with terms such as; “always,” “never” or “every.” These terms usually doom baseball players to fail because some players tend to accept absolute thoughts as facts.
For example. The absolute thought, “I never get a hit off this pitcher” is often taken as, “I will never hit this pitcher no matter what the surrounding circumstances are.”
More specifically, this absolute thought can be translated to, “I have never hit this pitcher in the past… I won’t today… and never will in future games.”
The problem with absolute thinking is that this type of thinking affects confidence, focus, confidence, resiliency and performance.
Absolute thinking often turns into a self-fulfilling prophecy… I CAN’T equals I WON’T!
Henry Ford had it right when he said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”
Even major league players can get bogged down by absolute statements.
Noah Syndergaard, starting pitcher for the New York Mets, made an interesting comment after an outing where he was pulled out of the game after the sixth inning.
Syndergaard was cruising through four shutout innings. In the fourth inning, Syndergaard faced four batters with successful results that included a ground-out, fly out, walk and strikeout.
Nonetheless, something was bothering Syndergaard after the inning as he proceeded to the dugout and angrily threw his hat on the bench.
Syndergaard didn’t fare so well in the fifth inning, becoming slightly erratic, giving up two runs on three consecutive base hits, including two doubles. That slight shift in thinking gave the Royals a 2-1 lead and, eventually, the victory.
Syndergaard hinted that the humidity was bothering him, as it usually does, which affects his grip on the ball.
SYNDERGAARD: “I had to battle the elements out there. I don’t know what it is about humidity, but we do not get along. Yeah, I was sweating like a greased pig back there. I don’t know what it is, but I’m pretty good at sweating.”
Syndergaard may not be expressing absolute thinking in classical terms but there is a bit of underlying absolute thinking in his statement. The idea of “I never pitch well in humid weather” might have crossed his mind in past performances as well.
The takeaway is that you must recognize this type of thinking, especially if you have the tendency to think in absolute terms, or your generalizations may just lead to a performance rut.
Apply Functional Thinking, Not Absolute Thinking
When you recognize an absolute thought–must, need to, always, every time–re-word it so that it leaves room for improvement and performing functionally.
For example, if you start thinking “I always strike out with the bases loaded” change that thought to “Here’s a new opportunity at the plate.. I am prepared for this challenge.. Focus on making good contact.”
As a ball player, you have to be able to adjust to harsh conditions at time and fight through the game instead of giving in to past generalizations.
Get The Mental Edge For Baseball and Softball Players!
Do you (or your athletes) lack full confidence in your skills when you step on the field as if your game disappears at game time?
Do you lose composure easily after you make your first error of time game?
Do you feel embarrassed after striking out and carry this with you for longer than one inning?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, check out The Mental Edge For Baseball And Softball Players!
Boost your (or your athletes mental) toughness! Learn 8 mental toughness lessons to help ball players improve confidence, focus and composure.
Download your copy TODAY and start boosting your mental toughness!
What are baseball mental game customers saying?
“Dr. Cohn, I’ve been tearing it up lately!!! Every single thing you taught me works perfectly in every situation I’ve been in. I’ve been so into every game and focusing on the process and not the outcomes and everything falls right into place . In the playoffs I’m 5-7 with 2 run home runs and 5 RBIs. I feel great at the plate and focusing is a breeze now. I just wanted to thank you for everything and keep you posted with how everything was going.”
~Jalen Phillips, College Baseball Player
“With your help, I have been able to deal with stress and pressure of the game of baseball more efficiently. I have learned to help me keep my focus and disregard negative thoughts and energies. This process focus will keep me from getting my head in the way of my performance, from working against myself. Thanks for your help. I look forward to speaking with you again.”
~Keith Donnell, college baseball player
“Thank you very much for taking the time to speak with our team. It was greatly appreciated and really helped a lot. I found myself implementing your teachings in our first practice right after you left. I really enjoyed the way you implemented already known ideas, but gave us a different way of viewing it. Thank you.”
~Amber Prosser, Clark College Softball
Boost Your Self-Confidence And Focus With Expert Mental Game Coaching!
Master mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn can help you overcome your mental game issues with personal coaching.
You can work with Dr. Patrick Cohn himself in Orlando, Florida or via Skype, FaceTime, or telephone. Call us toll free at 888-742-7225 or contact us for more information about the different coaching programs we offer!
What are our mental coaching students saying?
“As a college softball coach I experience great pleasure in helping youth league coaches develop their young players. As reversal of that process, I, as the student, look to experts like yourself to give me the “mechanics” of sports psychology so that I may better impart my knowledge to the players and coaches. Your contribution spreads like wildfire and helps hundreds of youngsters as well as us “oldies.” Thanks for your contribution–it means a lot.”
~Tom Moore, College Softball Coach
“A quick note to let you know how effective your programs worked for my son who is 17 and plays varsity baseball in VA. In late 2009, I ordered the Relaxed Athlete program for my son because I saw he was pressing too hard at the plate and had disappointing results for the 2009 season. Thanks to your programs, my son now has a completely new approach to the game of baseball (and school) and it’s more fun for him now. He made all-district player at his position and hit .443 this season. A complete 180 degree turn around from last year.”
~Mark M., sports parent
“Dr. Cohn has put together a program that has enabled myself and our players to approach the mental game in a systematic way that is easy to use and apply. Our awareness level has greatly increased.”
~Marty Hunter, Head Baseball Coach George Fox University
Disclaimer
*Testimonials found on this site are examples of what we have done for other clients, and what some of our clients have said about us. However, we cannot guarantee the results in any case. Your results may vary and every situation is different. No compensation was provided for these testimonials.
Leave a Reply