Handling pressure, embracing setbacks, and leading with patience
Hey, team, happy Sunday!
This week, we’re diving into how to perform under pressure, turn setbacks into comebacks, and lead with patience instead of frustration. Let’s get to it.
Table of Contents
For Athletes: Perform Your Best When It Matters Most
3 Ways to Handle Pressure Like a Pro
Pressure isn’t a threat, it’s an opportunity. The best competitors don’t run from big moments—they step into them.
Breathe and reset. A deep breath between plays or before a free throw helps your mind stay clear and your body stay relaxed.
Prepare for pressure in practice. Simulate high-pressure situations so game-day intensity feels normal.
2 Quotes to Strengthen Your Mental Game
Novak Djokovic: "Pressure is a privilege. Without pressure, there is no professional sport."
Simone Biles: "I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all."
1 Question to Reflect On
How do you talk to yourself in pressure moments—like a critic or like a champion?
For Parents: Teaching Resilience After a Tough Loss
3 Ways to Help Your Athlete Bounce Back
After a tough game, listen first. Don’t jump in with advice. Sometimes, they just need to vent.
Remind them that failure isn’t permanent. The best athletes have all lost, missed, and fallen short before they succeeded.
Help them focus on what they can control—effort, attitude, and preparation for the next challenge.
2 Quotes to Keep in Mind
Michael Phelps: "You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get."
Derek Jeter: "There may be people who have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do."
1 Question to Reflect On
When your athlete faces failure, do you react in a way that helps them grow or makes them fear mistakes?
For Coaches: Lead with Patience, Not Frustration
3 Ways to Stay Composed as a Leader
Your athletes feed off your energy. If you’re frustrated, they’ll feel it. If you stay steady, they’ll follow your lead.
Correct, don’t criticize. Every mistake is a chance to teach, not tear down.
Patience builds trust. The best athletes take time to develop—stay committed to the long game.
2 Quotes to Inspire Your Leadership
Pete Carroll: "Each person holds so much power within themselves. Sometimes they just need a little encouragement."
Pat Riley: "Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better."
1 Question to Reflect On
Are you coaching in a way that helps your athletes feel confident in tough moments?
Want to help your circle improve? Share this newsletter.
Until next week, keep building your mindset.
David Lovell
Mental Performance Coach | Creator of the F.O.C.U.S. System
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