How the Best Reset
No athlete is perfect. No athlete is immune. Not even the pros, the hall-of-famers, or the G.O.A.T.S.
Mistakes happen. Confidence dips. Focus slips.
So what separates the best from the rest? The best know how to reset and they do it quickly, intentionally, and effectively.
Here are three reset moments every athlete needs to master:
In the Moment (After a Mistake)
Reset Time: Just a few seconds
Whether it’s a turnover, missed shot, or mental error, the best know that a full analysis is best done during training, not competition. They shift quickly back into competition mode.
Try this:
Combine a physical action with an anchor phrase (a short cue to get you focused on the most important thing)
Physical actions – deep breath, clap your hands, squeeze your fists, stretch your legs
Anchor phrase – next play, be smooth, move your feet
Why it works:
Competition is the time for small adjustments, not deep analysis. This quick reset keeps you mentally in the game and playing freely.
Between Games
Reset Time: A few hours or a day
The best athletes know the value in resetting their mindset after every game before stepping into the next competition. No matter if their performance was fantastic or terrible, a reset ensures their mindset is clear and each performance starts on the right track.
Try This:
Reflect using the W.I.N. method:
What went Well?
What needs Improvement?
What to focus on Next?
Reconnect with your WHOLE self
You are more than an athlete. Fill up another part of who you are:
Spend time with friends and family
Engage in a hobby
Connect to your faith or spirituality
Recover:
Reboot your body with quality sleep (if possible)
Refuel and stretch
Why it works:
Every competition ends. Building this reset into your standard performance protocols ensures that each performance gets a fresh start.
Between Seasons
Reset Time: A few weeks
Long seasons take a toll on you in more ways than one. The best athletes use the off-season to recover both physically and mentally. Resets between seasons puts them in the best position to have a long, successful athletic career.
Try This:
Take a full break from sport-specific training.
Give your body a chance to fully recover.
Try cross-training
Use different muscle groups and make your brain think in new ways (bonus points if it’s fun to you)
Try something new
Explore new hobbies, travel, or take on something outside of your comfort zone
This engages your mind and body in new way and expands your knowledge of yourself and the world around you
Why it works:
It’s easy to think that you will get ahead by continuing to “put in the work” throughout the off-season. The best know that this reset IS “the work” during the off-season. It protects your long-term performance and your love for the game.
Resetting isn’t quitting. It’s choosing to come back clearer, sharper, and stronger.
The best are the best because they consistently reset: during games, between games, and between seasons.
Need help creating resets that actually work for you?