Volleyball legend Gabby Reece reveals a fundamental principle that transformed her career: the crucial difference between worry and care.

Worry is paralyzing and unproductive. It's that anxious tug about things you can't control—outcomes, opinions, "what ifs." It drains your energy and pulls you away from the present.

Care, on the other hand, is all about action, internal drive, and principles. It's channeling your energy into what you can control: your preparation, effort, attitude, and integrity. Gabby asks herself: "What is within my sphere of influence, and how can I bring my best to that?"

This distinction is a game-changer for any athlete or leader:

• Worry about performance? Shift to caring about consistent effort and skill refinement.

• Worry about criticism? Shift to caring about your internal standards and values.

• Worry about outcomes? Shift to caring about execution and maximum effort.

  
  

Choosing care over worry reclaims your mental energy, ignites your purpose, and frees you to perform with passion, not fear.