WINNERS ARE MADE IN PRACTICE. Everyone says, “You have to practice like you play,” but very few know what that really means, and even fewer do it. Practicing like you play is quality practice, and it takes mental toughness to practice with that kind of intensity and desire.

Watching Greg Maddox and Roger Clemens practice their pitching between starts, you can see their intensity and concentration. When they throw a bad pitch, they do not have the attitude, “It’s okay; it’s only practice.” Instead, Maddox and Clemens both respond like they do in a game; they get upset. When the do not execute a pitch the way they want to in a game, they adjust, refocus, and get it right. This is also exactly how they behave when they practice.

In practice, you should push yourself to do it right, again and again. You put pressure on your-self to be consistent, because that is what it takes to be great. You cannot hit one or two balls hard out of 10 swings and call yourself successful.

Great players are able to repeat their mechanics and approach consistently, day-in and day-out. You do not make the Hall of Fame in any sport by having one great year. You are a Hall-of-Famer by performing at a high level for many years. Consistency starts with good practice habits.

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