How to Raise a Major League Decision Maker

In this week’s episode of Living in the Zone, we had the privilege of speaking with Amanda Eder, the mother of Jake Eder, a top pitching prospect for the Chicago White Sox. Amanda’s unwavering support and dedication to her son’s development both as an athlete and as a person is truly remarkable. Her journey offers a unique perspective on what it means to be ‘in the Zone’ as a parent and how the S.C.O.R.E.® System has been a critical part of Jake’s rise to success.

In today’s blog, we’ll dive deeper into Amanda’s role, the importance of parental support, and how the S.C.O.R.E.® System, with its foundation in Self-discipline, Concentration, Optimism, Relaxation, and Enjoyment, has helped Jake excel on and off the field.

The Heart of Support: Amanda’s Journey

Amanda Eder’s story is one that resonates with parents everywhere who want the best for their children, not just in sports but in life. Her journey as a mother started long before Jake became a standout baseball prospect. She recognized early on that for Jake to succeed, he needed more than just talent—he needed the right mindset, structure, and emotional foundation to thrive under pressure.

As Amanda shared on the podcast, one of the biggest challenges was helping Jake balance his dreams of playing baseball at a professional level with the demands of being a young man navigating life. That’s where the S.C.O.R.E.® System, introduced to her by Jake’s coach, became pivotal. It helped them shape a mindset that wasn’t just about success on the field, but about building the mental and emotional fortitude that could carry Jake through any challenge.

Applying the S.C.O.R.E.® System to Parenting

The S.C.O.R.E.® System, created by Jim Fannin, has long been a guide for peak performance in sports, business, and life. It’s built on five core principles that are universal to success: Self-discipline, Concentration, Optimism, Relaxation, and Enjoyment. While it’s often applied to individual performance, Amanda demonstrated how it can be equally transformative in a parenting role.

Amanda explained how Self-discipline was the first principle she instilled in Jake. “I had to teach him the importance of daily routines—not just in his baseball training, but in his approach to life,” she said. From waking up with intention to setting daily goals, Amanda emphasized that Jake had to understand the value of discipline in every aspect of his life. Whether it was sticking to a diet, following through on academic commitments, or handling personal challenges, self-discipline laid the groundwork for his success.

Concentration was another critical aspect. “The distractions were everywhere,” Amanda said. “But Jake learned early on to block out the noise.” By teaching Jake to focus on what mattered, Amanda helped him stay present, not just on the field but in the classroom and with his relationships. This kind of concentration is at the heart of the S.C.O.R.E.® System and key to getting into the Zone.

Amanda’s Optimism played a significant role in Jake’s development. “There were tough days,” she admitted. “Injuries, failures, and moments of doubt could have easily derailed him, but I made sure to keep hope alive. That’s what optimism does.” Through consistent encouragement, Amanda helped Jake see challenges as opportunities to grow, a lesson every parent can apply to their child’s life.

Relaxation was equally important. “Jake needed to learn how to relax under pressure, to trust his training,” Amanda noted. She utilized techniques like breathing exercises and mindfulness, which Jake has used before games and during high-pressure moments. One of the tools she introduced was Fannin’s “Breathe Like A Baby™,” which focuses on deep, rhythmic breathing to calm the mind and body in under 90 seconds. This tool gave Jake a competitive edge, helping him relax and recover between high-stakes moments on the mound.

Finally, Amanda emphasized Enjoyment. “Baseball is just a game,” she often reminded Jake, especially on days when the pressure mounted. By teaching him to enjoy the process—the ups and downs, the training, the victories, and even the setbacks—Jake was able to stay connected to the love of the game. “If you can’t enjoy it, then why do it?” Amanda said. This is a powerful lesson for parents and athletes alike.

Building Jake’s Mindset: Tools for Success

Jake Eder’s rise through the ranks of professional baseball hasn’t been solely because of his physical abilities. His success is a testament to the power of mental performance. Amanda, along with his coaches, helped him develop a strong mental toolkit, rooted in the S.C.O.R.E.® System.

One of the key tools Jake regularly uses is the 90-Second Mental Movie, a visualization technique where he mentally plays out successful outcomes before stepping on the field. As Amanda explained, “Jake learned to see himself throwing the perfect pitch, to feel the confidence of getting the strikeout before it even happened.” This technique is simple yet powerful, allowing Jake to enter a calm, focused state of mind—the Zone—where his best performances happen.

Another favorite of Jake’s is the Light Switch™ tool. Amanda shared how Jake uses this tool to turn off distractions. Before a game, he’ll visualize flipping a switch in his mind, instantly turning off any anxiety, self-doubt, or distractions. This allows him to concentrate fully on the task at hand, a vital skill in high-pressure situations.

In the Zone as a Parent: The Bigger Picture

What does it mean to be ‘in the Zone’ as a parent? For Amanda, it’s about being fully present, setting the right example, and trusting the process. She emphasized that supporting Jake wasn’t about pushing him toward her idea of success but helping him define what success meant to him. “I had to step back at times and let Jake fail, let him figure things out on his own,” she said. “That’s part of being in the Zone as a parent—knowing when to support and when to let go.”

Amanda also reflected on the importance of maintaining balance as a parent. “It’s easy to lose yourself in your child’s dreams, but I had to stay in my own Zone,” she explained. This is where the principles of relaxation and enjoyment were crucial. Amanda used the same S.C.O.R.E.® principles she taught Jake to maintain her own sense of calm and fulfillment.

The Takeaway: A Universal Blueprint for Success

Amanda Eder’s story is a powerful reminder that success, whether in sports or life, is not just about talent but about the mental framework that supports it. The S.C.O.R.E.® System gave Jake the tools he needed to excel, but it also provided Amanda with a roadmap for being the best parent she could be.

As parents, mentors, or coaches, we all have the opportunity to guide those we care about toward their own Zone. Whether your child is an aspiring athlete or navigating the challenges of life, the principles of Self-discipline, Concentration, Optimism, Relaxation, and Enjoyment can be the foundation for their success.

In Amanda’s words, “It’s about giving them the tools, the mindset, and the belief that they can handle anything life throws at them. That’s how you get them in the Zone.”

Catch the full episode of Living in the Zone to hear more of Amanda’s inspiring journey and discover how the S.C.O.R.E.® System can help you and your family reach new heights.

Conclusion: Applying the S.C.O.R.E.® System to Your Own Life

Bob Davis’s approach to photography is a masterclass in applying the S.C.O.R.E.® Success System to achieve peak performance. By balancing Self-discipline, Concentration, Optimism, Relaxation, and Enjoyment, Bob has crafted a career defined by excellence and creativity. His story is a powerful reminder that the principles of the S.C.O.R.E.® system can be applied not only to photography but to any area of life where peak performance is the goal.

As you listen to this week’s episode of Living in the Zone, take note of how Bob’s journey can inspire you to apply these principles in your own work, whether you’re behind the camera, in the boardroom, or on the field. By living in the Zone, you too can unlock your full potential and achieve greatness in whatever you pursue.