Dodgers' Ohtani Reveals Secret to Crushing Goals

Harvard case study explores how baseball superstar's methodical approach can help anyone achieve ambitious dreams.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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A new Harvard Business School case study examines how Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher and hitter Shohei Ohtani has used a goal-setting technique called the Harada Method to achieve remarkable success, including two World Series championships and four MVP awards. The method, developed by Takashi Harada to turn around underperforming high school teams, breaks down long-term ambitions into yearly and daily goals, with a focus on not just physical and technical skills, but also character and "karma." The case study's author, Frances X. Frei, says the Harada Method can benefit anyone, not just athletes, by providing a structured way to turn big dreams into reality.

Why it matters

Ohtani's story demonstrates that even the most talented athletes require a systematic approach to goal-setting and execution in order to reach the highest levels of success. The Harada Method provides a framework that can be applied by anyone, from students to business leaders, to help them identify and methodically work towards their long-term ambitions.

The details

The Harada Method has Ohtani break down his "multiyear ambition" - in his case, being the top draft pick - into eight key areas of focus for a given year, such as physical conditioning, mental strength, pitching skills, character, and "karma." He then further breaks down each of those eight areas into eight daily habits or behaviors. This structured approach helps Ohtani stay disciplined and make consistent progress towards his long-term goals. The inclusion of "character" and "karma" as key components sets the Harada Method apart, as it recognizes that success requires more than just physical talent and technical skills.

  • Ohtani began using the Harada Method while in high school in Japan.
  • Ohtani has won two World Series championships with the Dodgers, in 2024 and 2025.
  • Ohtani has been named MVP in both the National and American Leagues, a first in MLB history.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

A pitcher and hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers who has dominated baseball over the last eight seasons, winning two World Series titles and four MVP awards.

Takashi Harada

The creator of the Harada Method, a goal-setting technique that has helped turn around underperforming high school sports teams in Japan.

Frances X. Frei

The UPS Foundation Professor of Service Management at Harvard Business School and the author of the case study on Shohei Ohtani and the Harada Method.

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What they’re saying

“What's amazing about the Harada Method is it breaks down your multiyear ambition.”

— Frances X. Frei, UPS Foundation Professor of Service Management, Harvard Business School (Harvard Gazette)

“If karma wasn't included, I don't know that it would have captivated my attention.”

— Frances X. Frei, UPS Foundation Professor of Service Management, Harvard Business School (Harvard Gazette)

What’s next

The Harvard Business School case study on Shohei Ohtani and the Harada Method is expected to be published and made available to the public in the coming months.

The takeaway

The Harada Method's combination of long-term ambition, yearly goals, and daily habits provides a powerful framework that can help anyone, not just elite athletes, systematically work towards their biggest dreams. By incorporating elements like "character" and "karma" alongside physical and technical skills, the method recognizes the multifaceted nature of true success.