#33: Act As If


Dr. Wayne Dyer is a world-renowned motivator and personal growth expert. His books on self-empowerment, balance in life and finding purpose have inspired millions to become the person that they dream to be. Recently, I was taught one of the specific methods he teaches people to use and applied it to the life of a baseball player. Called “Act As If,” the concept is to become who you want to be… by acting like that person one decision at a time. Practice by practice, inning by inning, players can grow towards their idols by acting as if they already are them. Interesting?!

What type of athlete do you want to be? What’s your vision of the perfect baseball player? What defines tip-top physical shape? What type of a competitor do you dream of becoming?

Whatever that looks like, get a clear image in your head. See the perfect athlete, see the physical specimen. Then, when faced with a decision, "ACT AS IF” you already were that person. What would that person do right now? How long would they run? How many ground balls would they take? Chances are good that the answers to these questions become pretty easy if you dream of becoming the leadoff hitter and starting shortstop for the New York Yankees. Let’s examine how acting as if you are that starting shortstop can affect the decision making process.

Practice-to-practice, this mindset can help to establish a champion work ethic. If you envision yourself as the next Derek Jeter, there isn’t a doubt as to whether you should stay for extra batting practice. If you knew that there were 10-12 middle infielders in the farm system, all fighting to take your job, you would take extra batting practice until your hands bled. Likewise, if you knew your contract had a six figure bonus tied into an all-star appearance, you might be motivated to keep your average up!

Game-to-game, acting as if can keep you calm and collected. When coach gives you the squeeze sign, doubt naturally begins to creep into your mind. Envisioning the type of competitor you want to be, and knowing Derek Jeter lives for pressure situations, you breathe deeply to calm your nerves and get the job done. Acting as if you are him, you’ve won 4 World Series Titles and this situation is nothing more than a chance to execute. You get the job done.

Moment-to-moment, this practice continuously pushes you to become exactly what you want to be. When hit by a wild pitch, it’s easy to get angry and want to disrespect the opposing pitcher. But, by acting as if you are your role model, you bite your lip and jog to first base – head held high with confidence and poise. When a teammate is down on himself after a strikeout, you ask your self, “What would Derek Jeter do?” Then, you do it. Approach your teammate, pat him on the back and encourage him to cheer for the next batter to pick him up. When the waitress at lunch asks you if you’d like french fries or fresh fruit, a fitness-buff with endorsement contracts knows the answer is fresh fruit (we can all relate to the process our mind goes through on that one).

When you are acting as if you are a world-class athlete and world champion baseball player, the decisions are easy. Taking one situation at a time, you can mold your habits into those of a champion. And it’s a practice that parents, coaches and athletes alike can use to become the person they want to be. Moment to moment, act as if, and sooner than you think you won’t be acting anymore.