Why Your Athlete Needs to Fall in Love With the Process—Not Just the Goal

When we think about what makes an athlete successful, it’s tempting to look at their stats.

The number of goals scored.
The teams they made.
The trophies on the shelf.

But if you’ve ever watched your athlete spiral after a tough loss—or shut down after missing a milestone—you’ve seen the darker side of outcome obsession.

They start tying their self-worth to the scoreboard.
They feel like one mistake means they’ve failed.
And slowly, the joy starts to drain out of the game they once loved.

This is what I call the “goal trap.”
And it’s one of the biggest mindset challenges I help athletes overcome.

Don’t get me wrong—goals are important. They provide direction and motivation.
But when everything is about achieving the outcome, athletes begin to lose sight of the process that leads there. And when progress stalls or setbacks hit (as they always do), confidence crumbles.

So what’s the alternative?

Shift the focus from outcome to process.

The most resilient athletes I work with aren’t just chasing results.
They find joy in showing up.
They take pride in small improvements.
They measure success by how they respond to challenges—not just by whether they win.

That mindset is a game-changer—not just in sports, but in life.

Because here’s the truth: outcomes are unpredictable. But the process is where an athlete has real control.

If your athlete is putting too much pressure on themselves to be perfect, or if they’re discouraged after a recent setback, now is the time to reframe the conversation.

Ask them:

• What’s one thing you learned today?
  

• What part of practice felt fun or exciting?
  

• What’s one thing you’re proud of—no matter the result?
  
  

These are the kinds of questions that help athletes anchor in the moment, build resilience, and stay motivated for the long haul.

And if you’re looking for more support—tools to help your athlete shift their mindset and fall back in love with their sport—I’d love to connect. Mental training doesn’t have to be complicated. But it does have to be intentional.

Let’s build a foundation that lasts far beyond the next game.