What Exactly Does “Trusting the Process” Mean?
“Trust the process” is a phrase repeated countless times by athletes and sports teams over the last decade. The problem is that saying the words and believing in what you are saying are two different things.
Many athletes haphazardly use the phrase when winning, but don’t buy into the “trust the process” philosophy during slumps and losing streaks.
In baseball, “trust the process” means having confidence in the long-term plan, training, strategy, or playing style—even when immediate results aren’t visible.
Often, when baseball players don’t see immediate results, they respond negatively to their circumstances, such as:
- Allowing Frustration to Flourish – Many players slowly freak out over their lack of production. They begin to question their ability, mechanics, or training.
- Overthinking and Overanalyzing – Many players fall prey to thinking too much during games, interfering with their ability to focus and produce.
- Changing Too Much or Too Soon – Instead of sticking to mechanical adjustments that have been recently implemented, some players either overhaul or continually tinker with mechanics. They never allow enough time for the adjustment to develop fully.
- Attempting to Force Results – Some players tend to press or try too hard when they lose confidence. Trying to force production results in tension, distraction, and a loss of rhythm and timing.
- Increasing Fear and Pressure – When players lose trust in the process, they feel increased pressure to perform for fear they will lose playing time or the trust of their teammates.
The key to trusting and committing to the process is understanding what it exactly means and how to accomplish it. Trusting the process is believing that the right habits and effort will eventually lead to success, even if the payoff isn’t immediate.
In order to trust the process, you must commit and focus on consistent work, preparation, and development. It is crucial to persist when you are not experiencing present success or are in a slump.
For example, players sometimes abandon their plan before it takes hold. If you’re working on new swing mechanics, you must continue to work and trust that the work will eventually pay off.
It’s a matter of focusing on long-term development over immediate gratification.
The Colorado Rockies started the 2025 MLB season with a 4-25 record, including a 1-16 stretch.
The Rockies are a young team that is committed to trusting the process. Colorado manager Bud Black stated the players have been motivated and continue to put in the work despite not seeing immediate results.
BLACK: “The guys are hanging in there. It’s tough. Guys are frustrated, for sure … but the work ethic is fine. Those guys are proud. They’re hanging in there. We’ve got a lot of young guys who are wanting to prove they belong. Guys are coming to fight. We’re just not getting the results overall from all 26 guys.”
“Trusting the process” isn’t just a meaningless phrase. Trusting the process is a mindset. The mindset embodies patience, consistency, and the belief that the plan will pay off in the long run.
The key is committing to the mental and physical work, especially when tempted to give in.
Resist the urge to make constant changes and give your adjustments time to take hold. Most of the time, staying the course is the answer.
Related Sports Psychology Articles
- How Ballplayers Develop Trust
- Improve Your Hitting By Improving Your Trust
- Are Your Trying too Hard at the Plate When Hitting?
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