From walk-on to the NFL, Don Thomas's journey is a masterclass in mental toughness, resilience, and relentless work ethic. He didn’t play football in middle or high school, but after his baseball career ended, he walked on to the University of Connecticut football team—eventually earning a scholarship, a starting spot, and All-Big East honors. He went on to be drafted by the Miami Dolphins, endured the struggles of a 1-15 season, and later played for the Lions and Patriots, even competing for a Super Bowl alongside Tom Brady.

In this episode, Don shares how his walk-on mentality—earning his spot, preparing relentlessly, and outworking the competition—shaped his career. He talks about the critical role mental toughness played in his journey, the impact of Bill Belichick’s culture, and how he’s now passing those lessons on as a coach and a father.

If you’re looking for a powerful story of perseverance, grit, and what it takes to succeed at the highest level, this episode is for you.

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy

At just 24, Jackson Lantz carries the coaching wisdom of someone twice his age. A former multi-sport athlete at Hamilton Southeastern High School and a Division I football player at Ball State, Jackson quickly transitioned from athlete to coach—spending valuable time as a strength coach at Indiana University and also working with other elite programs like the University of Utah and the New York Giants.

In this episode of Coaching Minds, Jackson shares the habits and principles that set great coaches apart. His ability to communicate effectively, stay meticulously organized, and prepare relentlessly made him a standout among coaching staffs. He dives into the importance of having your own work done, walking into meetings with solutions instead of problems, and setting a high standard for both yourself and those around you.

Jackson’s insights go beyond the weight room—this is a masterclass in how young coaches can earn respect, make an impact, and position themselves for success at the highest levels. If you want to be an elite coach, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can start using today.

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy

Eddie's journey from the basketball court to the world of financial services and broadcasting offers a compelling narrative of resilience and adaptation. Formerly with the Indiana Pacers, Eddie shares how basketball provided solace following the loss of his father and became a driving passion that shaped his early life. Through candid reflections on high school and college experiences, listeners gain insights into the mental challenges he overcame, such as adjusting to new environments and maintaining performance under pressure. Eddie's story highlights the crucial role of self-confidence built through dedication and repetition, offering valuable lessons on mental strength in sports.

Athletic careers often obscure the emotional struggles beneath the surface, and Eddie's experiences shed light on this rarely discussed aspect. He opens up about the pressure to appear strong, especially when siblings look to you for guidance, and the disappointment of not being drafted despite high expectations. His narrative underscores the importance of mental health awareness and the resilience needed to overcome setbacks. Eddie's journey is a powerful reminder that challenges and failures are part of the growth process, integral to achieving long-term goals.

We also explore Eddie's professional basketball career, marked by highs and turbulent events like the "Malice at the Palace." His reflections on that infamous night provide a firsthand account of its impact on personal and team dynamics. Beyond basketball, Eddie's pursuit of an MBA brings lessons that continue to influence his life and career. His dedication to giving back is evident through initiatives like his basketball camp, aimed at helping young people navigate their own challenges. For anyone facing life's ups and downs, Eddie offers sage advice: build a supportive network and collaborate to share wisdom and experiences.

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy

Coach Miracle asked if I could do a video for the players this week so that they could come back to it through out the week if needed as Westfield prepares to play in the 6A State Championship on Friday. We go through a quick review of the Focus Cycle, weekly planner, and two tools that Russell Wilson used while preparing to win a Super Bowl from the book It Takes What It Takes: https://amzn.to/3OsDRt2

Good luck to the Shamrocks this week!

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy

High school volleyball coach Lucy Grenda reached out to me with a simple text after I completed a team session with the high school team she helps coach, "Sometimes when I use my self talk in those anxious moments, I feel like it doesn't work to calm me down because I 'know all the tricks' I tell my students to do."

Discover her journey through mental training techniques both on and off the court, as she uncovers the power of wearable technology in understanding and managing stress in real-time.

In our conversation, we explore a treasure trove of practical strategies for taming stress and anxiety. From the calming rituals of reading the Bible and prayer to the grounding practice of journaling through a nightly "brain dump," listeners will gain actionable insights. We dive into the power of breathwork and the liberating concept of giving oneself "permission to forget," especially crucial in high-pressure environments like teaching. Emphasizing the role of purpose and the importance of professional counseling, this episode is a holistic guide to mental wellness.

As life's pace quickens, we reveal the art of balance through rest and mindfulness practices. Discussing the struggle of carving out Sabbath moments or mere quiet minutes amid chaos, we highlight how habit stacking small routines can yield significant changes. With personal anecdotes and stress-tracking success stories, we encourage listeners to prioritize self-care and mental health, offering a strategic blueprint for enhancing both life and athletic performance. Tap into the episode for insights that could redefine your approach to balancing life's demands.

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy

Join youth baseball stars Caleb and Noah as they take center stage, sharing how they leverage the Focus Cycle framework to conquer performance anxiety and excel in the Little League World Series. In this episode, we dive deep into the essential skills of Focus, Self-Talk, and Body Control—key components that empower young athletes to manage their emotions and perform at their best, even under pressure.

Through Caleb and Noah's experiences, you'll discover practical strategies for shifting focus away from distractions, using positive self-talk to reinforce confidence, and controlling physical responses to maintain composure during critical moments. We break down how athletes can consciously create the emotions they need to succeed, harnessing the power of intention and presence to stay in the moment.

This episode is a valuable resource for coaches, too, showcasing how the Focus Cycle can be adapted for athletes of all ages. Whether you’re working with budding players or seasoned competitors, these insights will help you guide your athletes toward mental resilience, providing them with the tools to transform nerves into peak performance. Coaches will also gain actionable techniques for embedding these practices into training, creating a supportive environment where young athletes can thrive both on and off the field.

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy

Have your athletes ever come to you saying, “I tried the breathing, but it didn’t work”? In this episode of Coaching Minds, we tackle exactly that—what to do when athletes struggle with using breathing techniques during competition. We’ll break down why diaphragmatic breathing sometimes feels ineffective and provide practical solutions to help athletes stay calm under pressure.

From refining breathing exercises to understanding how to use them in high-stress moments, we share real-life examples and proven strategies to make these techniques work. Whether it's adjusting timing or mindset, we’ll teach you how to guide athletes through the common challenges of breathing and focus control. Plus, we'll explore additional strategies like muscle relaxation and mental resets to enhance their overall performance.

If you're looking for ways to help athletes unlock the full potential of their breathing techniques, this episode is for you!

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy

What if your Go-To Statement doesn't work? What if positive self-talk feels fake, forced, or you just don't believe it? In this episode, we tackle the tough questions athletes face when self-talk strategies seem to fall flat. We dive deep into how to convince the part of your brain wired to fix problems that, yes, you have earned the right to be confident in competition.

You’ll learn practical ways to shift your mindset when self-doubt creeps in, helping you push past those mental roadblocks. It’s not just about repeating feel-good phrases—it’s about backing your self-talk with evidence, preparation, and real effort. We explore how to make your Go-To Statements authentic, so they resonate with you in high-pressure situations, and how to use self-talk to genuinely build confidence, not just cover up anxiety.

Join us as we provide solutions that will help you stay mentally strong and focused, even when doubt tries to take over.

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the Focus Cycle, exploring what to do when athletes struggle to implement this powerful tool during competition. Coaches, you’ve laid the groundwork, but now it’s time to troubleshoot. Whether your athletes are forgetting to use the Focus Cycle, not taking it seriously, feeling overwhelmed with thoughts, or trying but just not succeeding, we’ve got you covered. We’ll break down the most common challenges and provide practical strategies to help athletes regain control of their mind and body in high-pressure situations. If you're looking to fine-tune your mental performance training and equip your athletes to handle the heat of competition, this episode is a must-listen!

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy

Back in 2014, my head coach, Jake Gilbert, walked into a quarterback meeting where we were doing some mental training. He looked at what we were doing and said, “We have to do this for the entire team.” I remember thinking, I don’t know how to train 130 guys all at once! Little did I know, that conversation would change everything—leading to a book, a podcast, and even a complete shift in my career.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the Focus Cycle, which has become the foundation of everything we do with athletes. This is not just a generic approach. It’s a systematic framework that helps you stay aware of what’s happening in high-pressure moments and gives you practical tools to take back control of your mind and body.

If you’ve ever been curious about what mental performance training is all about, or if you’re a coach looking for a better way to train your athletes mentally, this episode is for you. 

GET THE WORKSHEET: mentaltrainingplan.com/focuscycle

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy