Ownership. It is a word we touch on often at Major League University. Ownership can mean a multitude of things. When you take ownership as an athlete it is often being accountable for your performance, taking responsibility for your actions, and taking ownership of improving your skills and achieving your goals. It can pay dividends in developing a trusted relationship with both your coaches and teammates. So what are some ways you can take ownership as an athlete?
- Identify and set clear goals: Figure out specific, measurable goals that you want to achieve. It can be your ability to make contact at the plate, improving your speed and endurance, getting better jumps on the base paths, or executing your pitches. Write down your specific goals and track them over time. This will help you take ownership of the actions you take to achieve them.
- Learn from your mistakes: Mistakes will happen. No matter how good you are at this game, the chances you’ll make a mistake are high. It is okay to make mistakes. We are human, but own them. Accept that they are a natural part of the learning process and utilize them as an opportunity to grow both on and off the field. Take time to analyze your performance, identify areas you need to improve, and make a plan to address them.
- Seek out feedback: When trying to learn from your mistakes or failure, seek feedback and guidance from your coaches and teammates. It is always okay to ask for help. We want to have the answer to everything, but often we don’t. Others are around you to help you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to those closest to you.
- Stay positive: Maintaining a positive attitude during setbacks and challenges can be difficult, but the more that you are able to do that, the easier it will be to take ownership of those challenges. Focus on positive self talk, celebrate your successes, and use those setbacks as a motivation tool to work harder toward your goals.
- Be a team player: Part of being a team player is taking ownership of times where you put yourself before the team. Remember that baseball is a team effort. Your success is linked to the success of your team. Even when you are struggling, support and encourage your teammates. You all are working to achieve the team goals. When you are out of your struggles, someone else on your team might now be struggling. Make sure to pick them up then too.
- Embrace the process: Know that success in baseball is a long-term process. It requires patience, persistence, dedication, and knowing that failure is inevitable in this game. Stay focused on your journey, own that journey, and never stop finding ways to improve and grow as an athlete.
When you take ownership of your performance, actions, and your journey to self-improvement, you can develop the resilience and teamwork skills needed to succeed on and off the field. Never stop finding opportunities to learn and grow to help your team.
