Letting Go of the Outcome
Hey, team, happy Sunday!
You play your best when you stop trying to control the result and start committing to the process.
For Athletes: Competing Free, Not Tight
3 Ways to Let Go of the Outcome
Commit to the next action. Outcomes live in the future; execution lives right now.
Define success before the game. Effort, focus, and response to adversity are wins you can always control.
Release after each play. One breath, one cue word, one reset — then move on.
2 Quotes to Remember
“Tight minds chase results. Free minds execute.”
“You don’t control the outcome — you influence it through your actions.”
1 Question to Reflect On
What process cue helps me stay locked in when the result feels heavy?
For Parents: Reducing Outcome Pressure
3 Ways to Help Athletes Focus on the Process
Change the questions you ask. “How did you compete?” matters more than “Did you win?”
Normalize uncertainty. Outcomes fluctuate — effort and attitude shouldn’t.
Reinforce trust. Remind them the work is done; now it’s time to play.
2 Quotes to Anchor You
“When adults fixate on results, kids tighten up.”
“Process-focused support builds confident competitors.”
1 Question to Reflect On
Do my words help my athlete play freely — or play carefully?
For Coaches: Teaching Process Over Results
3 Ways to Coach Letting Go of Outcomes
Score the controllables. Track hustle, communication, and execution — not just points.
Language matters. Replace “We have to win” with “We have to execute.”
Debrief the process first. Talk habits and decisions before talking results.
2 Quotes to Coach With
John Wooden: “Focus on the process, not the prize.”
“Teams that obsess over outcomes rarely perform to their ability.”
1 Question to Reflect On
How am I reinforcing process thinking when the stakes are highest?
When you let go of the outcome, you gain control of what actually matters.
That’s where freedom lives — and performance follows.
With you in the process,
David Lovell
Founder of the F.O.C.U.S. System | Mental Performance Coach
P.S. Want weekly mental toughness tips in your feed? Follow along at: https://www.instagram.com/dlovell88/