Shohei Ohtani has achieved success in the major leagues with his incredible talent and hard work, and is admired by many people.
However, his words before the final match of the 5th WBC tournament, “Let’s stop dreaming,” capture the reality and hard work behind his success.
This comment suggests the importance of understanding his success from a realistic perspective and using it for one’s own growth, rather than simply admiring the United States national team, which has many superstar players.
Behind his success is constant hard work and many sacrifices.
There are many things that other players can learn from his daily training and mental strengthening.
In this article, we’ll explore how you can stop admiring Shohei Ohtani, learn about his success from a realistic perspective, and use it for your own growth.
First, you need to understand that behind Otani’s success lies an extraordinary amount of hard work and dedication.
He spends a lot of time and works tirelessly to develop his talent.
His training is very rigorous and he is always pushing his limits.
His success is also due to the support of those around him and the cooperation of his teammates and coaches.
Next, it’s important to look at the reality of life as a professional baseball player.
In the professional world, daily training is extremely hard and the risk of injury is high.
Otani has also experienced major injuries in the past, and each time he has returned after undergoing rehabilitation.
Knowing this reality shows that his success is not just the result of natural talent, but the result of hard work and persistence.
Additionally, we need to take note of his mental strength.
Otani always plays under high pressure and is placed in an environment where results are demanded.
His mental strength is cultivated by overcoming pressure and maintaining high goals.
As mentioned above, quitting admiring world superstar athletes and Shohei Ohtani does not simply mean a negative thing, but rather a way to reconsider his success from a realistic perspective and utilize it for one’s own growth. It’s a step.
Understanding his efforts and reality will encourage us to continue striving toward our own goals.
目次
- 1 Behind the scenes of Shohei Otani’s success
- 2 The harsh reality of being a professional baseball player
- 3 Mental challenge
- 4 The importance of setting familiar goals
- 5 Concrete actions for self-growth
- 6 The importance of not comparing yourself to others
- 7 Lessons to learn from Shohei Otani
- 8 Steps to turn dreams into action
Behind the scenes of Shohei Otani’s success
Behind Shohei Otani’s success lies constant effort and many sacrifices.
Although his talent was natural, it required extraordinary effort to develop it.
Here, we take a closer look at the hard work and sacrifice behind Otani’s success and the blossoming of his talent.
constant effort and sacrifice
Shohei Otani’s success is fueled by his constant efforts every day.
His practice is very rigorous and his daily training is carried out at high intensity.
He spends time both pitching and batting to hone his skills in both pitching and hitting.
Training Routine : Otani’s training routine is very systematic and includes strength training, technical exercises, and running to improve his endurance. He incorporates weight training to effectively train his muscles, improving both his physical strength as a pitcher and his power as a hitter. Also, don’t miss stretching and recovery sessions to maintain flexibility.
Investment of time and energy : A lot of time and energy is invested in his practice. For example, he spends several hours a day training, and then also does video analysis and mental training. His approach to training is very serious and he does not allow any compromise.
Sacrifice : Success also required many sacrifices. Otani has cut down on his personal time and relaxation time, concentrating on training and competitions. In addition, I strictly control my diet and continue to follow a nutritionally balanced diet. He avoids alcohol and junk food and always strives to stay in top physical condition.
Blossoming of genius talent
Shohei Ohtani’s success is also supported by his genius.
His talent was noticed from an early age and was further refined as he grew up.
Early talent detection : Otani’s talent was evident from an early age. He was familiar with baseball since elementary school and had better physical ability and technique than the children around him. His talent was recognized early on, and as he progressed through middle school and high school, his ability became even clearer.
Proper guidance and environment : Proper guidance and environment also play an important role in the development of Otani’s talent. His parents are both well-versed in sports and provided a supportive environment for his development. Also, at Hanamaki Higashi High School, I learned a lot and grew under the guidance of coach Hiroshi Sasaki. Even after he turned professional, the support systems he had with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters and Los Angeles Angels helped him bring out his talent to the fullest.
A combination of hard work and talent : His success is not only a result of his talent, but also of his efforts to make the most of that talent. His efforts developed his talent, and his current success is the result of his efforts. Otani is constantly learning new techniques and improving to achieve higher levels of performance.
As you can see, behind Shohei Otani’s success lies his constant efforts, many sacrifices, and the blossoming of his genius talent.
There is much we can learn from his success, and with continued hard work and dedication like his, we can all move toward our goals.
The harsh reality of being a professional baseball player
In order to be successful as a professional baseball player, rigorous daily training and measures against the risk of injury are essential.
Behind the glamorous games lies unimaginable effort and sacrifice.
Here, we take a closer look at the harsh realities that professional baseball players face.
hard training every day
The daily lives of professional baseball players are filled with rigorous training.
Their day often starts early in the morning and lasts until late at night.
The content of the training is wide-ranging and is designed to improve physical strength, technique, and mental health.
Physical training : Physical training is an essential element for professional baseball players. It includes a variety of exercises such as strength training, running to increase endurance, and stretching to maintain flexibility. These trainings are necessary to keep athletes’ bodies in top condition and perform at a high level throughout the season.
Technical practice : Technical practice is also very important. Pitchers practice pitching almost every day, checking their form, improving their ball speed, and improving their ball control. Batterers practice repeatedly to improve their swing accuracy and batting power. Also, fielding practice and base running practice are essential. These exercises are necessary to improve the overall strength of the athlete.
Mental training : In the professional world, mental health is also very important. Athletes perform mental training to overcome the pressure during matches. Meditation, imagery training, psychological counseling, etc. are incorporated, and emphasis is placed on maintaining mental health.
The reality of injury risk and rehabilitation
Injuries are an unavoidable reality for professional baseball players.
Intense training and competitive play always carries the risk of injury.
Injuries threaten the life of an athlete, so countermeasures and rehabilitation are extremely important.
Risk of Injury : Professional baseball players are at risk of injury to various body parts, including shoulders, elbows, knees, and lower back. Pitchers are particularly susceptible to stress on their shoulders and elbows, and injuries to these areas are common. Batters and defenders can also get injured due to heavy play or sliding. Proper warm-up, cool-down, and training management are important to reduce the risk of injury.
Reality of Rehabilitation : When injured, athletes aim to return through rehabilitation. However, rehabilitation is not easy. Long-term rehabilitation involves not only physical pain but also emotional pain. There is also a risk of recurrence during the rehabilitation process, which requires careful management. The athletes continue to make steady efforts while receiving support from a professional rehabilitation team.
Challenges after returning : After returning from injury, athletes must overcome many challenges in order to perform at their best again. Previous injuries may have an effect on you, and you will continue to play while fighting the risk of reinjury.
While the life of a professional baseball player is glamorous, there is also the reality of rigorous training and the risk of injury.
It is because of their hard work and dedication that we are able to see such great play.
By understanding the reality behind professional baseball players, you will be able to appreciate their greatness even more deeply.
Mental challenge
For professional baseball players, mental challenges are just as important as physical training.
In particular, top athletes like Shohei Otani are constantly required to perform at a high level and struggle with pressure on a daily basis.
Here we take a closer look at the importance of fighting pressure and always aiming high.
fight against pressure
Shohei Otani has always had high expectations due to his outstanding talent and track record.
Playing in a situation where his every move is watched and results are expected, comes with immeasurable pressure.
His mental fortitude to cope with pressure is an essential element in his success.
Media Attention and Fan Expectations : Otani is a player who receives very high media attention and fan expectations. A large number of spectators and media watch his play every game, and in order to live up to their expectations, he must be mentally strong. He remains calm in an extreme environment where mistakes are met with criticism and successes are praised.
Bouncing back from failure : Failure is inevitable in sports, and Otani is no exception. He has experienced various setbacks, including mistakes in important games and withdrawals due to injuries. However, he always maintains a positive attitude and has the ability to use failure as fuel for his next success. This mental strength supports him as a top-notch player.
Mental training : Otani is also actively engaged in mental training. Through meditation, imagery training, psychological counseling, etc., I maintain my mental health and increase my tolerance to pressure. This allows you to maintain concentration during the match and perform at your best.
The importance of always having high goals
One of Shohei Otani’s secrets to success is to always have high goals and spare no effort to reach them.
Never satisfied with the goals he has achieved, he continues to set even higher goals.
How to set goals : Otani understands the importance of setting specific, measurable goals. For example, we set a specific number of pitches, number of strikeouts, batting average, number of home runs, etc. as goals for the season, and we create a plan to achieve them. This allows you to have a clear purpose for your daily training.
Accumulating small successes : In order to achieve big goals, it is important to accumulate small successes. Otani values each play in daily practice and games, and understands that the accumulation of those efforts will lead to great results. This approach increases his motivation and allows for continued growth.
Challenges and learning : Otani is always looking for new challenges. He continues to learn new techniques and tactics to push his own limits and reach greater heights. His attitude of learning from his mistakes and applying them to the next stage is what supports his growth.
Mental strength and always having high goals are the keys to Shohei Ohtani’s success.
We can all learn from him how to deal with pressure and set goals, which we can apply in our daily lives and work.
The importance of setting familiar goals
One thing we can learn from Shohei Ohtani’s success is the importance of setting realistic goals and accumulating small successes.
Even if you are not a top athlete like him, setting familiar goals in your daily life and work is very effective for growth and achieving a sense of accomplishment.
Here we take a closer look at how to set realistic goals and the importance of building on small wins.
How to set realistic goals
Setting realistic goals is the first step to creating an achievable plan.
It is important to have big goals like Otani, but in order to achieve them, it is essential to set specific and realistic goals.
Setting SMART goals : SMART goals are an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Setting goals that meet these elements is effective.
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Specific : Goals must be specific. It is important to be clear about what you want to achieve, rather than vague goals.
- For example: instead of “get healthy,” say “I jog for 30 minutes three times a week.”
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Measurable : Goals must be measurable. Set quantitative metrics so you can track your progress.
- For example: Instead of “lose weight,” set a specific number like “lose 5 kg in 3 months.”
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Achievable : Goals must be realistic and achievable. Goals that are too high can lead to setbacks.
- Example: “Loose 10 kg in 1 month” is unreasonable, so set a realistic goal of “Loose 5 kg in 3 months.”
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Relevant : Your goals should be relevant to your life and career. Set goals that are meaningful to you.
- For example: Make it relevant to your values and long-term goals, such as staying healthy or improving your job skills.
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Have a deadline : It’s important to have a clear deadline for your goals. Having a deadline allows you to work systematically.
- Example: Set a deadline to “lose 5 kg within 3 months.”
The importance of accumulating small successes
In order to achieve big goals, it is important to accumulate small successes.
Small wins can boost your confidence and keep you motivated.
Step-by-step approach : To achieve a big goal, it’s helpful to break it down into smaller steps. By completing each step, you will feel like you are steadily approaching your goal.
- Specific steps : For example, if you set a goal to lose 5 kg in 3 months, aim to lose 500 g in a week. This allows you to check your progress each week as you work.
Recording and evaluating your successes : It’s also important to record and reflect on your small successes. Recording your successes is an important tool for realizing your efforts and achievements.
- How to record : For example, use a diary or an app to record your daily exercise and weight changes. This gives you a sense of accomplishment and motivates you to move on to your next goal.
Improved self-esteem : Accumulating small successes will improve your self-esteem. When your self-esteem increases, you believe in your abilities and are motivated to take on new challenges.
- Positive Feedback : It’s also important to give yourself positive feedback. For example, it is effective to praise yourself and set rewards when you achieve your goals.
In this way, setting realistic goals and accumulating small wins is extremely important to achieving long-term goals.
Like Shohei Otani, by setting big goals and making daily efforts, we too can achieve personal growth and success.
Concrete actions for self-growth
In order to achieve self-growth, it is essential to review your daily routine and emphasize self-development and learning.
These concrete actions will maximize an individual’s abilities and serve as the foundation for sustained efforts toward achieving goals.
Here, we’ll explain in detail how to overhaul your daily routine and the importance of self-development and learning.
Review your daily routine
Reviewing your daily routine is the first step towards self-growth.
Creating an efficient and effective routine will help you make better use of your time and achieve continued growth.
Time management review : Effective time management is a key element for personal growth. First, review your current routine and think about ways to cut down on wasted time. For example, you can reduce the time you spend on smartphones and social media and use that time for learning and training.
- Time Tracking : It’s helpful to record and analyze how you spend your time. Use a time tracking app to record your daily activities and understand which activities are wasting your time.
Build a healthy lifestyle : A healthy lifestyle provides the energy and focus you need for personal growth. Regular sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise will improve your daily performance.
- Regular sleep : Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day will help regulate your body clock and ensure you get quality sleep, which will give you the energy you need during the day.
- Balanced diet : Eating a nutritionally balanced diet optimizes body and brain function. In particular, actively consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which are known to be good for brain health.
- Regular exercise : Regular exercise helps reduce stress and improve concentration. Incorporate exercises that suit you into your daily routine, such as jogging, yoga, and strength training.
The importance of self-development and learning
Self-development and learning are the foundation for personal growth.
By acquiring new knowledge and skills, you can improve your abilities and get closer to achieving your goals.
Continuous learning habits : Continuous learning is very important for personal growth. By developing the habit of acquiring new knowledge in daily life, you can broaden your horizons and improve your problem-solving abilities.
- Reading : Reading is one of the easiest ways to gain knowledge. Deepen your knowledge by reading books in your field of interest, such as self-help books, specialized books, and business books.
- Online courses : Learn new skills and knowledge with online courses and webinars. Platforms include Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning.
Use feedback : Feedback from others is also important for personal growth. Accepting feedback and finding areas for improvement will help you grow more effectively.
- Coach or Mentor : Find a coach or mentor you trust and be open to their advice and feedback. Ask for feedback regularly and use it to improve yourself.
Re-evaluate and adjust your goals : It’s also important to regularly re-evaluate your goals and adjust them as needed. Make sure your goals are realistic and achievable and plan towards them.
- Review and Adjust : Review your goals and measure your progress monthly or quarterly. Celebrate the goals you achieved, and analyze the reasons for the goals you didn’t achieve and reflect them in your next plan.
In this way, reviewing your daily routine and emphasizing self-development and learning is essential for self-growth.
By learning from successful people like Shohei Otani and connecting it to your own growth, you will be able to live a more fulfilling life.
The importance of not comparing yourself to others
It is very important not to compare yourself to others when aiming for your own growth and success.
The stress and self-doubt caused by comparison can reduce motivation and prevent you from achieving your long-term goals.
Read more about the importance of going at your own pace and how to improve your self-esteem.
go at your own pace
Moving at your own pace without comparing yourself to others is essential to sustainable growth and a sense of well-being.
Each individual has their own strengths and weaknesses and develops at a different pace. By focusing on your own progress, you can live a more fulfilling life.
Respect individual paths : Comparing yourself to others is pointless and harmful. Because everyone else’s background, experience, abilities, and goals are all different. The most useful way to evaluate your own growth is to compare your past self to your current self. This makes it easier to see real progress and increases self-esteem.
Maintaining your pace : Going at your own pace is also important for maintaining a balanced life. If you try to force yourself to fit in with others, you risk accumulating stress, fatigue, and ultimately burnout. By going at your own pace, you can move towards your goals while living a healthy lifestyle.
Setting goals for yourself : It’s important to set clear goals for yourself in order to avoid comparing yourself to others and move at your own pace. When your goals are clear, you can follow your own path without depending on the successes or failures of others. This will help you stay motivated.
How to increase self-esteem
Self-esteem is the foundation for recognizing one’s worth and having confidence.
High self-esteem increases your desire to take on challenges and gives you the power to respond positively to difficult situations.
Below are some specific ways to increase your self-esteem.
Positive self-talk : It is important to speak positive words to yourself in your daily life. For example, when you make a mistake, instead of denying it and saying, “I’m no good,” try to think positively, “I can do better next time.” Positive self-talk has the effect of increasing self-esteem.
Record your accomplishments : Recording your accomplishments and successes can improve your self-esteem. It’s important to use a diary or an app to record small wins and progress, and to take time to reflect on them. This allows you to see your growth and increase your confidence.
Have an attitude of gratitude : Having an attitude of gratitude in your daily life is another way to increase your self-esteem. Being grateful for the good things and people around you can help you stay positive. Gratitude not only increases your self-esteem, but also reduces stress and improves your overall sense of well-being.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle : A healthy lifestyle is the foundation for good self-esteem. Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and regular exercise can help you maintain good mental and physical health and improve your self-esteem. By living a healthy lifestyle, your self-esteem will naturally increase and you will be able to spend your days with a positive mindset.
By understanding the importance of not comparing yourself to others, moving at your own pace, and practicing ways to improve your self-esteem, you can pursue sustainable growth and happiness.
Learning from successful people like Shohei Otani and connecting it to your own growth will be the key to living a more fulfilling life.
Lessons to learn from Shohei Otani
Shohei Otani captivates baseball fans around the world with his outstanding talent and hard work.
Behind his success is constant effort, persistence, and finding and honing his strengths.
These lessons are very useful in our daily lives and careers as well.
Here, we take a closer look at the lessons we can learn from Shohei Ohtani.
The power of effort and persistence
Shohei Ohtani’s success is due to his relentless efforts and persistence.
Throughout his career, he has shown how important continuous effort is.
Daily training : Otani is very stoic in his daily training. He does strength training and technique exercises every day, constantly striving to improve his own performance. This accumulation of daily efforts is the foundation of his overwhelming performance.
Goal Setting and Achievement : Otani always sets high goals and strives to achieve them. His goals are specific and realistic, and he creates and implements plans to achieve them. This process of setting and achieving goals is something we should learn from.
Perseverance and mental fortitude : There were many challenges in his career, but his perseverance and mental fortitude were important in overcoming them. Especially in order to recover from injury and overcome the pressure of a match, you need a strong mentality. He has achieved his success by not giving up even in difficult situations and by continuing his efforts.
Find and hone your strengths
Shohei Ohtani has achieved success by finding his strengths and making the most of them.
His style of play is unique, with both pitching and hitting.
Self-analysis and discovery of strengths : Otani discovered his strengths early on and has been looking for ways to utilize them. He has extremely high abilities as both a pitcher and a batter, and has continued training to make the most of both. Self-analysis and finding your strengths are important steps in any field.
Pursuing specialization : He undertakes specialized training to further develop his strengths. For example, he practices with a pitching coach to improve his skills as a pitcher and works with a batting coach to improve his skills as a hitter. Pursuing specialization is essential to excelling in your individual field.
Adaptability and Flexibility : Otani is flexible enough to constantly incorporate new techniques and tactics while still playing to his strengths. He has the ability to create strategies depending on the opponent team for each match and change his playing style depending on the situation. Adaptability and flexibility are extremely important in today’s rapidly changing society.
What we can learn from Shohei Otani’s success can be applied to our lives and work as well.
By practicing the power of effort, persistence, and finding and honing our strengths, we too will be able to achieve our goals and continue to grow.
The key to success is to emulate his attitude and make daily efforts.
Steps to turn dreams into action
In order to turn your aspirations into real action, like Shohei Otani, it is important to set clear goals, plan, and develop the ability to execute and persist.
By following these steps, you can turn your aspirations into tangible results.
Here, we will explain in detail how to set clear goals and plan, as well as how to develop the ability to execute and persist.
Clear goal setting and planning
Setting goals is the first step to turning your aspirations into action.
By setting specific and realistic goals and making a plan to achieve them, you will be able to see a path towards achieving them.
Setting SMART goals : The key to goal setting is to use SMART principles. This refers to five elements: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
- Specific : Make your goals clear and set specifics. For example, instead of “getting healthy,” set a specific goal like “jog for 30 minutes three times a week.”
- Measurable : Make progress towards your goals measurable. For example, set a measurable goal, such as “lose 5 kg in 3 months.”
- Achievable : Set achievable goals that take into account your realistic abilities and resources. Since “lose 10 kg in one month” is impossible, set a realistic goal such as “lose 5 kg in three months.”
- Relevant : It’s important that your goals are related to your long-term goals and values. Set goals that are meaningful to you, such as staying healthy or improving your work skills.
- Have a deadline : Set clear deadlines for your goals. This will help you stay organized and stay motivated.
How to make a plan : Once you have set your goals, make a concrete plan to achieve them. A plan is for clarifying the steps to achieve your goals and managing your progress.
- Break down steps : To achieve your big goal, break it down into smaller steps. This makes it easier to see your progress and helps you stay motivated.
- Set a schedule : Set a schedule for completing each step. For example, set a weekly goal and plan specific actions to achieve it.
- Monitor your progress : Check your progress regularly and adjust your plan as needed. Stay motivated by tracking your progress towards achieving your goals and celebrating your successes.
How to develop executive ability and persistence
Once you have set your goals and made a plan, you need the strength and persistence to keep going.
Here are some ways to cultivate these powers.
Make it a habit : It is important to make the actions you take to achieve your goals a habit. By making it a habit, the behavior becomes automatic, making it easier to continue.
- Start with small steps : Instead of trying to make big changes all at once, it helps to start with small steps. For example, start with 5 minutes of exercise each day and gradually increase the time.
- Do it at a fixed time : Doing something at a fixed time makes it easier to form a habit. For example, make it part of your daily routine, such as exercising at a set time every morning.
Stay motivated : To stay motivated, it’s important to visualize your progress toward achieving your goals and encourage yourself.
- Track your progress : Track your progress towards achieving your goals and confirm your accomplishments. This increases your self-efficacy and helps you stay motivated.
- Positive Feedback : Increase your motivation by giving yourself positive feedback. For example, it is effective to praise yourself or set small rewards when you achieve a goal.
Build a support system : It can be difficult to move toward your goals alone. By getting support from those around you, you can increase your ability to continue.
- Support from friends and family : Having the support of friends and family who share your goals and encourage you will help you stay motivated.
- Use coaches and mentors : You can learn effective ways to reach your goals by receiving advice from coaches and mentors with specialized knowledge and experience.
In this way, setting clear goals, planning, and developing the ability to execute and persist are important steps to turning your aspirations into actual actions.
Like Shohei Otani, by making daily efforts, you will be able to achieve your goals and continue to grow.