Everyone loves to talk about talent. And yes—talent matters. But I’ve seen too many players with all the talent in the world stall out…while others with less “flash” quietly rise to the top.
The difference wasn’t talent. It was mindset.
Here’s how mindset separates the good from the great:
1. Handling Adversity
- Good players: get rattled after a bad shooting night or when they don’t get minutes. Their body language tells the story.
- Great players: adjust, stay composed, and keep impacting the game through defense, hustle, or leadership.
2. Confidence Under Pressure
- Good players: confidence rises and falls with results.
- Great players: confidence comes from preparation. They trust the work, so even on off nights they compete with belief.
3. Work Ethic & Consistency
- Good players: put in work when it feels convenient.
- Great players: show up on the hard days, stacking reps when no one is watching.
4. Response to Coaching
- Good players: hear corrections as criticism.
- Great players: take feedback as fuel and use it to grow.
5. Parent Support
- Good support: cheers when things go well.
- Great support: steady encouragement through slumps, injuries, or roster cuts. Parents who emphasize resilience and effort raise athletes who can thrive long-term.
The Bottom Line
Talent might open the door, but it’s mindset that carries athletes through the grind, setbacks, and pressure. That’s the true separator between good and great.
As a parent, I learned the mental side doesn’t develop by accident. It’s shaped daily—by the habits athletes build and the support parents provide.
That’s why I created The Mental Game Plan: a step-by-step playbook for parents who want to help their athletes…
- Build unshakable confidence
- Respond to setbacks with resilience
- Develop the discipline and mindset that separate good from great
👉 Check it out here: The Mental Game Plan