It's the time of year for goal setting and New Years Failures…I mean Resolutions.

In this episode I share some stats to show just how bad most of us are at setting and achieving goals, then introduce a science-supported framework to help you be better at setting and pursuing goals. I also identify three common mistakes that you may be making - even though you think they're helping your progress.

This episode is packed with practical advice to help athletes like you set and achieve your goals effectively - using science-backed principles and concepts.

00:00 Introduction

00:41 Episode Objectives

02:44 Real-Life Examples and Reframing Goals

05:56 We SUCK at Setting and Pursuing Goals

06:32 The Power of Writing Down Goals

09:02 SMART Goals and Beyond

10:54 Step 1: Create One Hyper-SMART Goal

13:58 Step 2: Eliminate Distractions and Negative Influences

16:54 Step 3: Identify Positive Benefits and Emotional Connection

20:30 Step 4: Specify the Actions You'll Take Consistently

23:44 Step 5: Identify and Prepare for Obstacles

27:09 Step 6: Visualize Negative Outcomes

30:23 Step 7: Create an Intermittent Random Reward System

34:40 Recapping the 7 Steps

35:28 3 Common Mistakes in Goal Pursuit

40:39 Wrap Up

This is part two of a two part episode - with more of the Q&A session focused on the challenges athletes (and parents and coaches) face. In this episode, we cover the pain points related to ambition, mindset, mental health and external pressures. I share insights on managing over-practicing, balancing ambition, dealing with slumps, controlling emotions, and fitting into teams. You're gonna get a blend of what could be happening inside the mind and brain, and some neuroscience-based practical strategies to help you navigate these issues.

DISCLAIMER - I'm not a doctor, therapist, licensed counselor, neuroscientist, and am not licensed or qualified to diagnose, treat or otherwise advise on any clinical or related matters. I'm a baseball coach, a father, a former athlete, and a certified brain-based coach. So I can speak to these things at a high level and can share ideas, perspectives and guidance, and I can have individual and group conversations around mental skills and mental performance. But when it comes to anything clinical, medical or mental health-related - please consult with a trained, certified and authorized party.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:35 Disclaimer and Structure

01:52 Ambition: Over-Practicing and Obsession

11:32 Mindset: Handling Slumps and Mistakes

17:58 Mental Health: Managing Emotions and Outbursts

24:40 External Pressures: Fitting into a New Team

30:33 Wrap Up

This is part one of a two part episode - and I'm shaking things up with a Q&A session focused on the challenges athletes (and parents and coaches) face. I'll address common pain points such as how to handle insecurities, and the frustration of having talent but lacking effort. I'll blend a high-level overview of what could be happening inside the mind and brain, and some neuroscience-based practical strategies to help you navigate these issues.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll dive into ambition, mindset, mental health, and external pressures on young athletes.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:09 Q&A Format and Common Pain Points

03:15 Disclaimers, Transparency and Goals for the Episode

06:35 Talent Bucket: Insecurity About Size

16:57 Effort Bucket: Lack of 100% Effort

24:31 Wrap Up and Preview of Part Two

This is part two of a two part episode on the 4th pillar of Next Season Athletes - the MINDSET pillar. Part one covered the first two mindset bricks: Inside Move (agency and gratitude) and Win the Inning. Part two hits the other three: the Rubberband Traits for Mental Toughness, the 4 C's of a Championship Mindset, and The Two Strike Approach for a Growth Mindset.

We're going to cover all the big traits: grit, resilience, perseverance, tenacity, curiosity, competitiveness, courage, confidence and more.

Watch part one first - you don't want to miss this.

00:00 Introduction and Recap Part 1

00:29 Brick 3: The Rubberband Traits

08:03 Brick 4: The Four C's of a Championship Mindset

20:21 Brick 5: The Two Strike Approach

25:42 Wrap Up

This is part one of a two part episode on the 4th pillar of Next Season Athletes - the MINDSET pillar. We'll kick things off with a story and example of the most elite mindset in the history of baseball. I then cover the first two bricks of the pillar: Inside Move and Win the Inning. You'll not only learn about terms and concepts such as agency, gratitude, chunking, choice points, and victor mentality, but also how to apply these tools and the science behind each. Let's get after it!

00:00 Introduction and Recap

00:57 The Greatest Mindset in the History of Baseball

02:36 Understanding Mindset

03:19 Brick 1: Inside Move - Controlling Your Mental Game

19:16 Brick 2: Win the Inning - Chunking and Choice Points

32:57 Wrap Up

If you don't have a target, your effort is being wasted. Do not confuse movement with momentum.

In episode 008, we break down the five bricks of the third pillar of Next Season athletes: Ambition. Each brick is rooted in neuroscience and designed to help you align your effort with your goals, so you can dominate with purpose, drive and identity - on and off the field.

00:00 Introduction to Ambition

01:12 The Create-a-Player Mentality

08:34 Pitch Selection: Defining Your Values and Vision

14:35 Establishing Your Zone

18:01 Never Summit Targets

22:53 Tapping into Your Generative Drive

28:59 Closing Thoughts

Episode 007 is all about EFFORT. I'm breaking down the five key traits that demonstrate elite-level effort, why effort trumps talent, and how you can the five EFFORT bricks to your game. I'll also dive into some neuroscience to explain how playing fear impacts performance, how to regain focus and presence when you get distracted, a simple tool to boost both mental & physical toughness - and much more!

00:00 Introduction to Effort

03:44 The Effort Equation

04:14 Brick 1: The Spark Plug

06:27 How fear impacts performance

11:41 Brick 2: The Top Step Player

14:53 Brick 3: Small Ball

20:42 Brick 4: PIER - Presence/Purpose in Every Rep

24:23 Tool for Regaining Focus: The 10 Minute Rule

25:54 Brick 5: Leather Skin & Iron Will

29:10 Tool for Responding to Pain: The SEA Walk

35:33 Final Thoughts

In episode 006 of the Next Season Podcast, I outline the Four Pillars that define a Next Season athlete: Talent, Effort, Ambition & Mindset.

We discuss how these pillars are crucial for success both on the field and in life, and dive deeper into the first pillar of Talent. We break down the five key elements - or bricks - of the Talent pillar: body, mind IQ, mind EQ, body language and character traits.

Stacking these five bricks and becoming a five-tool player in each pillar will develop you as a well-rounded athlete and human being.

In future episodes, we'll explore the other three pillars in detail.

00:00 Introduction to the Four Pillars

00:47 Pillar 1: Talent

01:56 Pillar 2: Effort

02:21 Pillar 3: Ambition

02:35 Pillar 4: Mindset

03:17 The Importance of Being Well-Rounded

06:34 The Five Bricks (The Five-Tool Player)

08:09 Brick 1: Body

09:09 Brick 2: Mind IQ

10:55 Brick 3: Mind EQ

13:55 Brick 4: Body Language

15:23 Brick 5: Character Traits

17:40 Closing Thoughts

In Episode 005, I dive into the five core values and standards that define Next Season athletes. These principles are designed to elevate your game on and off the field, guiding your actions and decisions as you work towards becoming the best version of yourself.

We’ll cover:

1. Present-Focused, Forward-Looking: Process the past, perform in the present and prepare for the future.
2. Grit and Resilience: Embrace challenges and push through adversity.
3. Raw and Real: Show up authentically with integrity and vulnerability.
4. Play with Soul: Pour your full energy into the game and be your best in the moment.
5. Take to the OARS: Take ownership, accountability, responsibility, and maintain sturdiness even when the winds aren’t in your favor.

I also touch on how these values connect with the four pillars that drive Next Season athletes.

00:00 Introduction to Episode 005

00:19 Understanding Values

01:53 Defining Standards

02:49 Expectations vs. Standards

03:57 Next Season Coaching Values

04:46 Value 1: Present-Focused, Forward-Looking

05:53 Value 2: Grit and Resilience 

06:40 Value 3: Raw & Real

07:32 Value 4: Playing with Soul

08:21 Value 5: Take to the OARS

09:17 Standards and Expectations for Athletes

10:10 The Four Pillars of a Next Season Athlete

10:45 Conclusion and Next Steps

In episode 004, I share the journey of starting this podcast and reflect on my consulting experience with professional and with athletes. We'll explore how key principles can drive success in sports and life using what I call pillars, bricks and traits.

We'll also look ahead a bit to see what's on deck - including fun, authentic and raw conversations with awesome guests.

Stay tuned for more! I'm just getting started!

00:00 Welcome to Episode 004

00:42 Introduction to Consulting Work

01:27 The Pillars, Bricks, and Traits

02:30 Personal Reflections and Experiences

03:23 Working with Young Athletes

05:14 Learning from Mistakes

06:35 Turning Setbacks into Setups

07:51 Conclusion and What's Next