Intro to GettingIntoTheZone

 

 

 

Welcome Athletes:

 

My name is Elliot Hagburg. I would first like to thank you for visiting my site. Your interest is greatly appreciated. Secondly, I would like to give you a little background about myself and tell you some of MY story. I am a recent graduate of Hofstra University, where I thankfully had the opportunity of receiving a degree in Business Management, while playing Division I baseball. As a student athlete I spent my first collegiate season at NJIT before transferring to Hofstra, where I would play the next three seasons. I spent most of my time behind the plate and played some outfield during my Senior year. It was an honor and a privilege to compete at such a high level. At Hofstra I had an opportunity to travel around the country to compete against nationally ranked teams like Florida State and play in front of thousands of people. The biggest thrill of my college career was experiencing the chilling atmosphere at Dick Howser Stadium, and witnessing 8,000 FSU fans doing the “Tomahawk Chop” up-close and personal. There really was nothing like playing against teams of that caliber. Baseball was an avenue for me to experience these moments while receiving a high quality education. My college degree was the main focus of course, but baseball was the icing on the cake. I always dreamed of playing professionally, and that dream still exists today. The flame is not out yet, and I am still chasing that dream to one day play/coach for a professional organization. I have always said that baseball was my first love, but I also enjoy other sports as well. I am fascinated by professional athletes and have the utmost respect for those who are role models for young kids. I also am a movie freak, love to eat, travel, learn, and have fun. Besides baseball, I also enjoy strength training, MMA, football, basketball, tennis, horseshoes, golf, reading, and, my new favorite, writing. My motto is, “if it’s not fun, either make it fun, or try something else.”

This site, and book, was created in order to help guide young athletes. It is important they have an outlet to constantly learn and improve their game. By practicing and training the mental part of their game, their physical performance will go through the roof. Gaining a mental edge is something which we can all benefit from. Not just with sports, but with work, relationships, and overall well-being. Life is not about the destination, but about learning to enjoy the journey. My own personal journey was/is filled with joy, laughter, pain, suffering, relief, anxiety and every other emotion known to man. I am sure that those who read this have had some, if not all, of the same emotions in their life, and I would just like to say that, you are not alone! Without all of those painful moments that seem to ruin everything we have going, we would never be the people we are today, nor would we be as wise as we are today.

 

I personally believe that every experience is meant to teach you something. Since nothing happens for no reason, and there are no coincidences, these minor details which appear more important than they really are, ultimately lead us to exactly what we want in this World. For instance, I would never be typing this blog if it weren’t for all of the failure, heartache, fear, confusion, and every other feeling that we all try and avoid. It is these, what seem to be, negative emotions that made me who I am today. The door swings the other way as well; I wouldn’t be who I am today without all the love, excitement, success, gratitude, and peace that I have experienced. Past experiences shape us into who we become depending on how we react to them. All of these emotions are a part of life and, for better or worse; we will experience them all at some point. How we choose to respond to these experiences is entirely up to us. There is always a choice, and we always have the power to change our current situation, we just need to find a way.

 

Okay, so what does all of this have to do with athletics? Well, it has everything to do with athletics. I always say that baseball will teach a person everything they need to know about life. Not just baseball, but any sport. The successes, the failures, the hard work, and the results relate to everyday life in more ways than I can personally get my head around. What do we need to be successful? Firstly, I think to succeed in competition, as well as life, we must have confidence. When we are confident we are strong, and when we are strong we are confident. This is why athletes work as hard as they do. They need to prove to themselves that they have what it takes in order to set foot on the playing field with their head screwed on correctly. Secondly, we succeed more often than not when we are enjoying ourselves. Fun, excitement, and enthusiasm are the other main ingredients in the recipe for success.

 

Now, let’s get back to my story for a minute. I am so thankful for all of the “B S” I was forced to deal with throughout my athletic career. Without all of the misfortune, doubt, tears, and sweat, none of this would have been possible. I always said I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, but now I have somewhat of a clue. Let me be clear that I am not a doctor, I don’t have a PHD, and I sometimes need a calculator for simple arithmetic. I am no genius, nor do I have all the answers, but I do have a passion for sports that won’t quit and the ability to help athletes keep their fires burning. Thanks to all of the psychotic coaches, the hardships of becoming an adult, and my experiences playing baseball, I can honestly say that I am a better person because of all that. Athletes only get one crack at making a difference during their careers. Once it’s over, I feel it is their duty to guide younger athletes along their own path. This site is designed to aid players, coaches, parents, managers, employees, and even those people who have no idea what they want. The overall goal is to sharpen our minds for the game of life. For that truly is the ultimate journey which we only get one shot at. Live, Love, Breathe, and make your story one for the record books!

Always remember:

There are no boundaries

Anything is possible

Suffering is a choice

And you CAN have, do, or be anything you choose

 

Thanks again for visiting! Feel free to tune in daily for Tips of the Week, updates, comments, photos and video. Feedback is, as always, greatly appreciated. This blog is meant for us to help each other so participate as much as you would like! I would also like to send a big thanks to my Mom, Dad, and Sister for all of their help and support. You helped mold me into the man I am today and for that I am truly thankful.

 

Play hard, have fun,and think happy thoughts!

 

-Elliot-