How many times have you heard, “The truth hurts”?

It does hurt…

But it also helps. 

Case in point: San Diego Padres catcher, Austin Nola. 

Austin was dealt the hard truth not too long ago, but instead of balling up in a corner, he decided to ball out…in a completely different position. 

On today’s episode of the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show, I sit down with Austin and unpack one of the greatest stories of perseverance in sports.

Austin was seeing the writing on the wall with his professional baseball career, but he decided to pick up the eraser and make a major shift. Next thing you know, he was coming up clutch in the 2022 MLB Playoffs.

In this latest episode, Austin and I talk about what he… 

• Credits for being able to come up clutch in the 2022 MLB Playoffs
• Did after getting feedback that he wasn’t good enough to live out his dream to be a MLB Shortstop
• Does to perfect his craft as a husband, father, and athlete while constantly being on the road 

…and so much more.

If you want to learn from one the best when it comes to overcoming failure and adversity, then lock in to today’s episode.

[00:01 – 07:55] Introducing Austin to the show

• Austin’s most embarrassing moment
• Austin’s background, story, and professional journey

[07:56 – 17:16] What Austin credits for being able to come up clutch in the 2022 MLB Playoffs

• Context: 2022 Playoffs, he’s up with the bases loaded
• Austin’s mindset: “I’m gonna get a hit right here”
• Austin saw the situation, recognized it, and knew that he prepared for it every single day. When he got to the situation, he just stuck with his plan
• When Austin got to two strikes, he reminded himself that he’s been there before, he knew he prepared for it, and believed he could get that hit
• He practiced being down in the count with two strikes and forced himself to like being in this tough situation
• Practice for clutch moments, so when you get in them, you’re not surprised. 
• Austin was able to believe in himself in that moment because of how much he prepared being in that moment

[17:17 – 34:48] What Austin’s mindset was after getting feedback that he wasn’t good enough to live out his dream to be a MLB Shortstop

• He told himself there might be another way to get what I want (i.e. catching)
• Key mindset he adopted: if I just learn something every day that I have no clue about, that’s going to take me much farther than achieving a certain outcome (i.e. play in the Big Leagues)
• Austin wasn’t quitting. He was just shifting course.
  • Take the EMOTION out of it and come to understand the FACTS
  • Seek out someone you trust to give you the honest TRUTH
• The key behind Austin’s mindset to “learning something every day”: CLARITY of self. Austin wanted to become something greater than a baseball player (he had a long-term perspective)
  • Where this came from: faith, reading a lot, and being around great people
  • Make simple decisions daily – that will help you have more joy on your journey

[34:49 – 47:17] What Austin does to perfect his craft as a husband, father, and athlete while constantly being on the road

• Be present – put the Lord first
  • Helpful skill that Austin learned to stay present: stop the flow of what you want to say / do and then listen and repeat back what they said and sit with it 
• Clarifying my values DAILY – I start there and let the rest just happen
  • Reading the Bible
  • Pray
• Keep things simple: complication is the devil.

[47:18 – 53:37] Wrapping Up

• Austin’s BIG domino
• How to connect with Austin

KEY QUOTES

“One hard truth can change your life. Be willing to receive it.” – Austin Nola

“It’s not about the outcome. It’s about the process.” – Austin Nola

“Make simple decisions daily.” – Austin Nola

“Complication is the devil.” – Austin Nola

“Don’t get caught up in achieving something so great that you forget about the people who are making your greatness possible.” – Austin Nola

CONNECT WITH AUSTIN

• Instagram: @austin.nola

CONNECT WITH J.R.

• Facebook: @jamesJRreid
• Instagram: @jamesjrreid
• LinkedIn: in/jamesjrreid/
• Twitter: @jamesJRreid
• Website: jamesreid.com
• Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only)

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