In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Sheldon Martin to discuss the importance of planning in achieving success, reducing stress, and ultimately winning the hour. As a doctor of behavioral health, Dr. Martin offers valuable insights into how planning can benefit our mental health, improve performance, and help athletes, coaches, and parents manage their time effectively.

We explore the concept of planning within our win the hour framework—where each hour of the day is strategically used to reach your goals. Dr. Martin emphasizes the need for balance in planning: while planning is essential, it’s crucial to avoid getting paralyzed by the need for perfection. He introduces us to three key strategies that will help athletes (and anyone looking to improve) create better, healthier plans that promote growth, reduce stress, and foster success.

Key Discussion Points:

• The importance of planning to win the hour, and how to manage your discretionary time effectively.
• The benefits of planning for what you can control in your daily life, and avoiding the stress of the unknown.
• Micro-planning: Practicing for potential situations to build confidence and preparedness in the face of challenges.
• How reflecting on past plans and adjusting for future growth can reduce anxiety and improve performance.
• The concept of functional freezing and how to avoid over-planning, which can prevent action and progress.

This episode will give you practical tools to stay focused, plan effectively, and maintain the motivation needed to achieve your goals—whether in sports, academics, or personal development.

Especially for Athletes:

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Credits:

Hosted by Shad Martin & Dustin Smith
Produced by IMAGINATE STUDIO

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Support the show: https://especiallyforathletes.com/podcast/

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