I don't think we have time...
How a simple shift in approach, can remove major barriers to teamwork
🧠 Quote
“You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it.”
— Charles Buxton
🔍 My Observation
When I talk with coaches about integrating mental performance into their program, the most common response isn’t skepticism — it’s a scheduling wall.
“This sounds great… but we just don’t have time for extra things right now.”
I hear it all the time. And I get it. Practice periods are packed. Film time is limited. Players are already stretched.
But that’s the misconception.
Most people assume mental training means adding more — not applying a mental lens to what they’re already doing. That framing costs consultants opportunities. Mental skills don’t need a standalone session. Often, they need just 90 seconds — delivered with intention in moments that already exist.
The real issue isn’t time. It’s clarity about how time is used.
💡 An Actionable Idea
Find ways to embed psychology into the existing flow.
Here’s some football examples:
1. End of Practice → Use a 90-second reflection
Having coaches utilize reflective strategies in position group or unit after practices:
“What went well in our periods today?”
“How was your focus, pre-snap during team periods?”
These questions lock in learning and build accountability — especially after install-heavy days or scrimmage periods. In football they already meet in position groups to reflect on practice, this simply helps focus the reflection.
2. Mental Reps → Watch your key, not your position
During film or walk-throughs, have coaches remind players that they need to be replicating game reps, so they need they need to watch their “key” when they aren’t in, instead of their teammate:
“Instead of just watching where you went, watch your key. Can you anticipate based on that first step or formation shift?”
This helps linebackers read guards, safeties track route stems, and quarterbacks recognize coverage rotations — all without needing another rep on the field.
3. Drill Work → Attach an instructional cue to each rep
Use short verbal anchors that direct attention and tighten execution:
“Strike.” (O-line)
“Plant.” (DBs)
“Eyes.” (QB/WR reads)
“Wrap.” (Tackling)
When players mentally repeat these during reps, you build automaticity — not just physical output - increasing precision.
These types of integrations show more clarity inside the ones coaches already run. Which in turn open up more opportunities.
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE MENTAL PERFORMANCE INSTITUTE
Looking for more focused support?
Tailored learning paths. Monthly lessons + coaching support options + library of curated resources. All designed around your goals and begins with an assessment to build the path.
TAKE THE SURVEY AND GET A FREE CONSULT
Thanks!
Russ