Justin Lord

Minor League Pitching Coach, Washington Nationals

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

I’m fortunate to have spent the past 23 years in professional baseball. In 2011, I went back to school and earned my Masters Degree in Sport Psychology. I will be sharing mental aspects of the game, tools, and techniques that I have learned over the years. If you have topics that you would like to hear more about, please message me with your ideas. I look forward to interacting with you in the days ahead! Thanks for following along!

Justin Lord

#SportPsych
#MindGame
#PerformancePsychology
#MindTraining
#AthleteMindset
#MentalSkills
#WinningMind
#PsychForAthletes
#SportsMind
#MindfulSport

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

@DentonLord1 @GatorsBB So proud of you, and how hard you have worked to earn this!!! Congratulations!

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

I came across this recently and thought I’d pass it along. 
We are a week into the Minor League season, and a couple of months into the College & High School seasons. And believe it or not, it’s easier to fall into destructive thought patterns than you might think. 

Minor Leaguers: Maybe you didn’t break camp with the team you hoped or thought you deserved to make. 

Amateur players: Maybe you aren’t getting the playing time you think you should be getting. 

Be proactive in managing your thoughts. 

#SportPsych #PeakPerformance #MentalTraining #AthleteMindset #SportsMind #PerformancePsych #MindfulAthlete #Grit #Leadbyexample

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

Lance, I really appreciate it! I’m glad y’all find the videos helpful. Failure isn’t an “end point”, but rather a growth point. I’m going to attach a link to an article that I think will help you navigate these types of challenges and ways of thinking.
I wish I had developed this type of mindset mentioned in this article many years ago.

https://t.co/L66rxrIui6

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

Learning to build confidence following a rough performance requires effort, but can be accomplished through effective evaluation. Here are a couple ways to do so.

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

Building Confidence

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

Coaches, take time to get to know your players. Encourage them to get to know their teammates.
What motivates them?
What do they do for fun?
Did they play other sports when they were younger?
What’s their favorite off-season hobby?
Building trust takes time.

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

Just started this book. I’m not too far into it and already discovered several good points on leadership, developing a trusting and productive culture, and overcoming odds through determination and creativity!!

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

ATHLETES and COACHES

When making adjustments, remember:

ATHLETES - Your performance will be INCONSISTENT until the new adjustment becomes a natural movement that you can perform without thinking about it.
BE PATIENT!

COACHES - Know that your athletes will be INCONSISTENT, and maintain realistic expectations.
Motivate, encourage, correct, and keep the end goal in mind.
BE PATIENT!

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

ATHLETES and COACHES

The off-season is the optimal time to make adjustments to your technique, especially ones that are more complex.
The more complex the change is, the longer it will take for it to become a natural movement that you no longer have to think about.
BE PATIENT!

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

Patience and Perseverance during change.

#SportPsychology
#BaseballMindset
#AthletePerformance
#MentalGame
#BaseballPsychology
#SportsMindset
#PeakPerformance
#MindfulAthlete
#BaseballFocus

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

Goal Setting Process

Step 1 - Define Your Goal
Step 2 - Know Where You Are Right Now
Step 3 - What Areas To Develop?
Step 4 - Make A Plan For Progress
Step 5 - Set Short-Term Goals
Step 6 - All-in Commitment
Step 7 - Continually Monitor Progress

#Goals
#GoalSetting

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

Goal Setting:

Step 5 - Set Short-Term Goals
Step 6 - Fully Commit
Step 7 - Continually Monitor Progress

Thanks to Ben Brewster and @TreadAthletics for the opportunity to present to your staff!!

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

Goal Setting:

Step 4: Make a Plan For Progress
- Details matter

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

Goal Setting:

Step 3:
What Areas Do I Need To Develop?

- Attention to multiple areas make the goal more attainable.

#SportPsych
#MindGame
#PerformancePsychology
#MindTraining
#AthleteMindset
#MentalSkills
#WinningMind
#PsychForAthletes
#SportsMind
#MindfulSport
#GoalSetting

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

@MarciLord1 You got that right!!

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

Step 1 - Define Your Goal
- Set a high goal
- Create a vivid image

Step 2 - Know Where You Are Right Now
- Gut check
- Be an honest self-evaluator

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

Be fearless and set HIGH goals for yourself. Even if you don’t achieve them, setting high goals will push you out of your comfort zone and test your limits and determination. You may even find you achieve something greater than you would have if you hadn’t set that high of a goal to start with.

#GoalSetting
#AchieveYourDreams
#SuccessGoals
#FuturePlans
#GoalGetter
#AmbitionDriven
#DreamBig
#PlanExecuteSucceed
#GoalCrusher
#FocusedMindset

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

Setting goals is extremely important for athletes and performers. But, equally as important, is the PROCESS in place to achieve the goal!
Spring Training is 3 months away, if you haven’t set goals for the 2024 season, now is the time to do it. Even if you’re in high school or college you can still experience significant gains between now and the start of your season. Put some thought towards the goals you desire, as I will be discussing an effective goal setting process over the next few posts.

#GoalSetting #AchieveYourDreams #SuccessMindset #GoalGetter #DreamBig #MakeItHappen #GoalCrusher #Ambition #FutureSuccess #MotivationMonday #GoalDigger #StriveForGreatness

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

“It’s not big, it’s just…full”
- Clark Griswold

With the off-season and Christmas season in full swing, remember:
How you choose to view or frame a scenario during a performance, may very well be the key to you remaining clear-minded in a potentially threatening situation, leading to an optimal decision.

#SportPsychology
#BaseballMindset
#AthletePerformance
#MentalGame
#MindOverBody
#BaseballPsychology
#SportsMindset
#PeakPerformance
#MindfulAthlete
#BaseballFocus

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

@rminor12 Thanks, brother!! Learned a lot during our time in the dugout together! Wish we could wear the same jersey just one more season.

[Justin Lord @Eight_Inch_Gap]

I’m fortunate to have spent the past 23 years in professional baseball. In 2011, I went back to school and earned my Masters Degree in Sport Psychology. I will be sharing mental aspects of the game, tools, and techniques that I have learned over the years. If you have topics that you would like to hear more about, please message me with your ideas. I look forward to interacting with you in the days ahead! Thanks for following along!

Justin Lord

#SportPsych
#MindGame
#PerformancePsychology
#MindTraining
#AthleteMindset
#MentalSkills
#WinningMind
#PsychForAthletes
#SportsMind
#MindfulSport