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Next Play Mentality

It’s been a while since I’ve had the chance to sit down and write. So much has happened since my last article. I’ve visited some incredible places, enjoyed quality time with family, and watched as Lost in Living (LIL) has thrived. LIL is now helping more people than ever before to first conquer their mindset, and then 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. These days, I find myself coaching clients more in a sports context or guiding them on their fitness journeys or on the basketball court. That’s not to say I don’t coach people outside the realm of sports, but it’s been a pleasant surprise to see this new avenue develop as I grow and evolve as a coach. It’s also incredibly rewarding to witness what people can achieve on the court, in the gym, on a wave, and in other arenas when they have the right mindset!


Today, I want to delve into the concept of Personal and Professional Mindset and Performance Coaching in Sports—essentially, Life Coaching within the realm of sports.


Just like Mindset Coaching in any other context, it all begins with mindfulness—being conscious and present. Our beliefs, words, and thoughts shape our reality. To bring this concept back to basketball, a belief refers to a player’s conviction or acceptance that a particular skill or aspect of their game is true (or not). These beliefs can significantly influence a player’s performance on the court.


For example, if a player believes they can't shoot well, this conviction can negatively impact their confidence, decision-making, and overall performance. This belief might lead them to avoid taking shots, hesitate during critical moments, or focus excessively on their perceived weakness. This, in turn, reinforces the belief, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.


However, it’s important to understand that this belief is not inherently true. Shooting ability, like any other skill, can be developed and improved through practice and dedication. The mind plays a crucial role in this process. By shifting the belief from "I can't shoot well" to "I can become a better shooter," the player opens themselves up to growth and improvement while training.


This is why I advocate for the “Next Play Mentality.” I’ve even started a series online to explain not only what “Next Play Mentality” means to me but also what it signifies to people from various walks of life around the world. To me, the “Next Play Mentality” is about learning from every setback, every missed shot, and every turnover—both on and off the court. It's about getting back in the game, applying those lessons, and never giving up. Although the consensus is similar, it's fascinating to hear everyone's unique take on it, so be sure to check out the series on my Instagram @lostinlivinglifecoaching.


The “Next Play Mentality” is a concept that transcends sports; it applies to all aspects of life. When things don’t go exactly according to plan, it’s okay. The key questions to ask yourself are: What did you learn? What do you need to do to improve? What changes can you make to avoid repeating that mistake? Take that information, and get right back at it, armed with more knowledge and tools than before. Each time you do, you greatly increase your chances of winning or succeeding.


As I continue to coach and work with individuals across various fields, I am constantly reminded that success—whether in sports or life—starts in the mind. The “Next Play Mentality” isn't just a strategy for winning games; it's a way of approaching every challenge life throws at us. By focusing on what we can learn, how we can grow, and taking action with renewed confidence, we equip ourselves to handle whatever comes next.


To help you integrate the “Next Play Mentality” into your life, here are five actionable steps you can take:


1. Reflect, Don’t Dwell: After any setback or mistake, take a moment to reflect on what happened. Identify what went wrong and why, but don’t linger on it. Acknowledge the lesson, then move forward.


2. Reset Quickly: Develop the habit of mentally resetting after a mistake. Take a deep breath, clear your mind, and refocus on the present moment. The quicker you reset, the sooner you can get back into your optimal performance zone.


3. Set Short-Term Goals: Break down your bigger objectives into smaller, manageable goals. This keeps you focused on the immediate next step rather than being overwhelmed by the bigger picture.


4. Embrace Resilience: Train yourself to view challenges as opportunities to build resilience. Each time you face a difficult situation, remind yourself that overcoming it will make you stronger and better prepared for future challenges.


5. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: Focus on the progress you’re making rather than striving for perfection. Celebrate your small victories along the way, and use them as fuel to keep pushing forward.


As you move forward in your journey, whether you're striving for a goal on the court, in the gym, or in any other area of your life, remember this: setbacks are not the end, but rather opportunities to recalibrate and come back stronger. Embrace the lessons, adjust your mindset, and tackle the next play with everything you've got. Success is not just about the outcome; it's about the resilience and determination you bring to every moment.


Keep pushing forward, stay mindful, and always keep your eyes on the next play. Your best game—both in sports and in life—is yet to come. Finish strong, and never give up.




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