I spent 8 years closely working with MLB scouts and conducting interviews with prospective draft picks. Over that time, I had the opportunity to connect with scouts in the NFL, NBA, and MLS. 

 

One of the pieces that teams evaluate is "makeup".  What do scouts look at to determine makeup? Good question.

 

Here are 10 components that me and other scouts focused on to determine a player's makeup...

 

1. Love of the Game 

This is critical because love of the game is our most powerful source of focus; it allows us to embrace the challenges of the game, it fuels our resilience, and keeps us from becoming distracted by the trappings of success. 

 

2. Effort + Energy 

Our effort + energy is infectious and helps to raise the focus level of everyone around us. 

 

 3. Responsibility 

When we take responsibility for our lives and our performance, we understand that our past choices are the reason that we are where we are right now. 

 

 4. Consistent 

We are consistent in attitude and behavior. Everyone knows what they are going to get from us when we walk in the door. We are not up and down based on circumstances. 

 

 5. Game IQ 

We possess a knowledge of the game and how to play it in ways that help our team win games. We watch the game intently, and we never stop learning. 

 

 6. Preparation 

We understand how to work intelligently with a plan to prepare ourselves for tonight’s game as well as for our long-term growth. 

 

 7. Self-Belief

Our self-belief is based on knowing how to compete rather than on recent results. We understand that we can always find a way to compete regardless of the circumstances. 

 

 8. Focus 

We have the ability to attack the right thing at the right time. We can lock into the moment to the point that distractions disappear. 

 

9. Process Focused 

We take pride in and focus on our process, letting the results take care of themselves. We understand that the only way to achieve a result is to execute the process. 

 

10. Team 

All of our decisions are made based on what is best for the team. We understand that nobody wins unless everybody wins.    

 

Which of these areas do you currently dominate? 

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What is one area where you can improve?