Next Play Mentality
It’s been a while since I’ve had the chance to sit down and write, and so much has happened since my last article. I’ve visited incredible places, enjoyed quality time with family, and watched as Lost in Living (LiL) has thrived. We’re now helping more people than ever conquer their mindset and map out the next chapter of their journey with newfound motivation, drive, and positivity.
As LiL has evolved, I’ve noticed it naturally steering in a direction I hadn’t initially anticipated. Lately, I’ve been coaching clients more in sports settings—whether that’s guiding them through fitness journeys or supporting them on the basketball court. It’s not that I don’t work with clients outside of sports, but this new avenue has been a pleasant surprise as I grow and evolve as a coach. It’s incredibly rewarding to see what people can achieve in the gym, on a wave, or on the court when they have the right mindset.
Today, I want to delve into Personal and Professional Mindset and Performance Coaching in Sports—essentially, life coaching within the world of sports. Just like any other type of Mindset Coaching, it all begins with mindfulness—being conscious of our beliefs, words, and thoughts because they shape our reality. In sports, these beliefs can greatly influence performance. For example, if a basketball player believes they can’t shoot well, that conviction can negatively impact their confidence and decision-making. This belief might cause them to avoid taking shots or hesitate during crucial moments, creating a cycle that reinforces the very belief they’re struggling with.
However, this belief isn’t set in stone. Shooting, like any skill, can be improved with practice and the right mindset. Shifting from "I can’t shoot well" to "I can become a better shooter" opens the door to growth and improvement, both mentally and physically. This is why I advocate for the “Next Play Mentality.” I’ve even started an online series to explore what this mentality means to me and what it represents to others from different walks of life. To me, the “Next Play Mentality” is about learning from every setback, every missed shot, and every turnover—whether in sports or in life. It’s about picking yourself up, applying those lessons, and never giving up. Though the concept is universal, it’s fascinating to hear everyone’s unique take on it, so check out the series on my Instagram @lostinlivinglifecoaching.
The “Next Play Mentality” extends far beyond sports; it’s a mindset for all areas of life. When things don’t go as planned, it’s okay. The key is to ask yourself: What did you learn? What can you do to improve? How can you avoid repeating the mistake? Take those insights, and get right back at it, equipped with more knowledge and better tools. Each time you do, you greatly increase your chances of success.
To help you incorporate the “Next Play Mentality” into your own life, here are five actionable steps:
Reflect, Don’t Dwell: After any setback, take a moment to reflect. Identify what went wrong and why, but don’t linger. Acknowledge the lesson, and move forward.
Reset Quickly: Develop the habit of mentally resetting after a mistake. Take a deep breath, clear your mind, and refocus. The quicker you reset, the sooner you get back into your optimal zone.
Set Short-Term Goals: Break down your bigger objectives into smaller, manageable steps. This keeps you focused on immediate actions rather than being overwhelmed by the bigger picture.
Embrace Resilience: View challenges as opportunities to build resilience. Each time you overcome a difficult situation, you strengthen your ability to handle future challenges.
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: Focus on the progress you’re making, not on being perfect. Celebrate your small victories, and use them as motivation to keep moving forward.
As you continue on your journey, whether you’re chasing a goal on the court, in the gym, or anywhere else, remember: setbacks aren’t the end—they’re opportunities to learn, grow, and come back stronger. Embrace the lessons, adjust your mindset, and tackle the next play with everything you’ve got. Success isn’t just about the outcome; it’s about the resilience and determination you bring to every moment.
Keep pushing, stay mindful, and always focus on the next play. Your best game—both in sports and in life—is yet to come. Finish strong, and never give up.
