Lessons from the bump: What's your walk up song?

For baseball fans and players, the walk-up song is iconic. It's that deeply personal music choice that pumps you up, sharpens your focus, and readies you for the game or moment ahead. Whether you're stepping up to bat or striding onto the mound, that personal song can transform your mental state in seconds.

As a former pitcher, I too had my favorites. ? Given I was a child of the 80s and a H.S./College student in the 90s— there are many songs from that era that stand out.? From the long intro of AC/DC’s "Thunderstruck", to the driving beats of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman”, to the raw energy of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit," these tracks didn't just echo through the stadium; they echoed through my psyche, preparing me for the competition about to begin.

Why does this matter to you? ??

The concept of a walk-up song isn't just for baseball players. It can be a powerful tool in both your professional and personal life. Here’s how:

1. The Power of Routine:? We all know routines can ground us and improve performance. A walk-up song acts as a mental trigger, reinforcing confidence and focus. Imagine you're about to deliver a crucial presentation or pitch a big client. Listening to your personal anthem beforehand can prime you for peak performance.
2. Anchoring the Present Moment:? Beyond focus, a walk-up song helps anchor you in the present. It’s a cue to shed distractions and fully engage with the task at hand. Consider the intense concentration of athletes, such as this last weekend when observing Scotty Scheffler at the Masters—this level of focus is what you're aiming for, which can be achieved by tuning into a song that centers you.
3. Expression and Team Building:? Your walk-up song can say a lot about you. It’s a fun way to express personality and build connections within a team. Try this: as part of your next team meeting, introduce the walk-up song concept.? Ask everyone to pick a song that represents them and to be prepared to share it at the next meeting.? In the next meeting, kick things off by playing each person’s song as they walk into the room.? Don’t share songs in advance with anyone on the team…….....the surprise and build up factor in the moment is what makes this exercise fun. ? This is a great icebreaker that will not only energize the team, but also deepen your understanding of one another.

In conclusion, a well chosen song that is personal to you and listened to at the right moment in time can make all the difference in your day to day mindset, mood, and performance. ? Choose a track that resonates, inspires, and brings out your best self. Whether it's steering a meeting or tackling a challenging project, let your “walk-up song” lead the way by becoming part of your routine, anchoring you in the present moment, and allowing you to express yourself through your music. ? Why not give it a try and make it part of your routine?? It just may be that one small thing that can help improve your performance.??

So, what’s your walk-up song? ????