By Jonathan Misura

More Than Physical

When most people think of sports, they picture the physical side—running, throwing, lifting, training. And yeah, all that matters. But what often gets overlooked is what’s happening between the ears. I’ve learned over the years that being mentally tough and focused is just as important, if not more, than being physically strong.

As a college baseball player, I’ve seen firsthand how mindset can be the difference between a good performance and a bad one. You can have the best swing, the fastest pitch, or the most natural talent, but if your head’s not in the right place, you’ll struggle. The mental game is real—and if you want to succeed, you’ve got to train it just like your body.

Staying Focused in the Chaos

College athletics comes with a lot of distractions. You’ve got schoolwork, social life, practices, games, and sometimes pressure from coaches, family, and even yourself. There are times when your mind is all over the place, and staying focused can feel like an uphill battle.

For me, building focus started with creating routines. Before every game, I go through the same warm-up and mental checklist. It’s simple stuff—stretch, listen to music, visualize my first at-bat. Doing this helps me lock in and mentally prepare for what’s coming. It tells my brain: “It’s go time.”

In practice, I try to be fully present. That means putting my phone away, blocking out distractions, and focusing on each rep. It’s not always easy, especially on tough days, but building focus is like building muscle—you have to keep working it.

Handling the Highs and Lows

Sports can be a rollercoaster. One day you’re the hero, the next you’re in a slump. I’ve had games where I crushed it—hit bombs, made great plays—and others where I struck out every time and made errors. It’s part of the game. But how you bounce back from the lows is what really defines you.

I’ve learned not to get too high or too low. If I strike out, I let myself feel it for a second, then move on. If I have a big game, I enjoy it, but I stay humble and focused on what’s next. That balance helps me stay grounded and consistent.

One trick I use is journaling. After games, I write down what went well and what I need to work on. It helps me process things, keep perspective, and move forward with a clear mind.

Building Mental Toughness

Resilience doesn’t come overnight. It’s built through challenges, mistakes, and how you respond to them. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that failure isn’t the end—it’s part of growth. I’ve failed a lot, and honestly, that’s how I’ve gotten better.

Mental toughness means showing up when you don’t feel like it. It’s staying focused when your body is tired or when the scoreboard isn’t in your favor. It’s trusting your training, even when things aren’t going your way.

For me, prayer and faith help a lot. When I feel overwhelmed, I take a moment to breathe, pray, and remind myself why I started playing baseball in the first place. That deeper purpose helps me push through the tough times.

Supporting Each Other

One thing I’ve come to value deeply is the mental support of teammates. We all go through our own battles—injuries, slumps, academic stress—and sometimes a quick word of encouragement or a joke in the dugout can make all the difference.

As teammates, we hold each other accountable, but we also pick each other up. That culture of support and positivity makes a big impact, especially when someone’s confidence is low or they’re going through a rough patch.

Tips for Young Athletes

If you’re a younger athlete trying to build your mental game, here’s some advice that’s helped me:

1. Control what you can. You can’t control the weather, the umpire, or the other team—but you can control your effort, your attitude, and your preparation.

2. Learn from failure. Mistakes don’t define you. Use them as lessons. Ask, “What can I do better next time?” instead of beating yourself up.

3. Create a routine. Pre-game routines help your brain switch into game mode. It could be a warm-up, a playlist, or a few minutes of visualization—whatever gets you focused.

4. Take care of your mental health. Talk to someone if you’re struggling. Whether it’s a coach, teammate, or counselor, it’s okay to ask for support.

5. Enjoy the game. Don’t forget why you started. Stay passionate and have fun. A clear, focused mind performs better when you’re not overthinking.

Final Thoughts

The mental game is something I’m always working on. I’m not perfect, and I still have days where I doubt myself or lose focus. But every day is a chance to get better—not just as a baseball player, but as a person.

Sports have taught me how to deal with pressure, how to be resilient, and how to stay mentally tough in the face of adversity. And those lessons go far beyond the field—they apply to school, relationships, and life in general.

So if you’re an athlete reading this, remember: train your mind like you train your body. Focus, resilience, and a strong mindset will take you farther than talent alone ever could.