Far too often we find ourselves overly concerned with the outcome of our situation rather than focusing our thoughts and energy on the core foundation of life. In my young life, I have had the opportunity to be surrounded by many great individuals from around the world and bond over the game of baseball. It quickly became clear that many of us had the same goal; becoming the best baseball player we could be. We found ourselves frequently asking ourselves; “what’s the dividing factor?” or “How can I separate myself from the pack?”
I have been all over the country and played with great college players and professionals; two things have always stood out to me. It’s not because they were more naturally gifted, it’s not because they had all the money in the world to afford private training, and it’s not because the coaches liked them more than others. Each player I knew was able to separate themselves from others and always mastered what I like to call the pyramid.
We all know what a pyramid is, and we can all visualize the fantastic structure of a pyramid. But what I am referring to is what a pyramid represents. To me, a pyramid is about creating a strong foundation, a base we can build upon until our goal or goals can be reached.
Let’s break down a pyramid and better understand what I am talking about.
Faith & Morals
A person needs to have some sort of faith or moral standard that they live by. Whether it’s a religion you believe in or not, each player needs to understand who they are as a person and what it is they believe. Your beliefs can change throughout your life. However, being strong in whatever it Is you believe in is the principle and basis of your life.
This will lead you to the next building block of your pyramid.
Relationships
Relationships are such a key part of the foundation of a child, teen, and even adult. This means building strong relationships with your parents, teachers, friends, and coaches. Building strong relationships is so important for players' social and developmental skills development. By knowing all your relationships are in order, you will be able to have a clear mind to focus on things that matter to be able to reach those goals.
Once you achieve your goal(s), you are able to navigate to the next level of your pyramid.
School & Time Management
A player who struggles in the classroom or doesn’t prioritize their schoolwork is someone who will eventually cause more stress for themselves. Time management is one of the most important things a person can learn early on that will only help improve their quality of life. By having strong time management skills, you can prioritize working for your end goal, whatever that may be.
From here you can leap into the final layer of your pyramid.
The End Goal
Whether that is baseball, becoming a lawyer, becoming a doctor, or traveling the world is what we all work for. This is the point in life we are all looking to achieve and obtain. The end goal is never impossible, and to some degree, we all use this pyramid analogy whether we know it or not. This system is designed to help people understand that when everything in life is in the correct spot that end goal seems so much easier to achieve.
The most successful and the best baseball players I have played with in my life have always talked about this foundational way of living in one way or another.
Ben Bills
Director, Operations
The Farm BPI & Minutemen Baseball
Originally printed November 19, 2022
