Is a Mental Game Formula for Success Necessary?
Summary: A success formula in sports is like a recipe that helps young athletes perform consistently at their best. By reviewing past peak performances, kids can identify the mindset, preparation, and habits that led to success. Focusing on what to do—rather than what to avoid—builds confidence and consistency.
A success formula is like a recipe or set of instructions describing how to successfully and consistently create something.
For example, if your young athlete’s goal is to prepare at an elite level, what do they need to add to the mix that produces high-level preparation?
What habits, mentality, training, nutrition and physical elements contribute to the formula? If their goal is to elevate their game in competitions, what ingredients are necessary to ensure that outcome?
A success formula or recipe outlines the key components, step-by-step directions and possible modifications necessary to meet an athlete’s practice, improvement or competition goals.
Why is a success formula necessary?
Too often, athletes have a list of no-nos–things to avoid–when they’re heading into a competition.
Here are common no-nos on athletes’ lists:
- Football – “Don’t turn the ball over. Don’t throw any interceptions.”
- Basketball – “Don’t make unnecessary fouls. Don’t force my shot.”
- Baseball – “Don’t leave the ball over the middle of the plate.”
- Swimming – “Don’t breathe off the turn.
The problem is that a list of “don’ts” fails to tell kids what they should be doing. Focusing on what to avoid often leads to making those very errors.
To achieve athletic success, post a personal best, or secure a victory, sports kids should focus on their mental and physical preparation, intended play style, mindset and game plan.
How can young athletes create a success formula? Creating this formula requires kids to review past performances and their best competitions and identify what has worked for them.
When kids achieved their best performances, how did they prepare, what was their mindset before the competition, what was their focus, what was their intensity level?
Their success formula is the combination of factors that sparked peak performance. When kids focus on their strengths and success formula, they compete more confidently.
After a slow start to the 2024-25 NHL season, the Philadelphia Flyers tried to find their rhythm and piece together a string of wins.
Following a six-game losing streak, the Flyers won three of four games to steady themselves, including two consecutive games for the first time during the season.
Philadelphia right winger Bobby Brink commented on the team’s need to replicate their successful style of play from a year ago.
“We know what made us successful last year, and it was kind of playing the way we did these last two [games]. I think we’re getting back to it, and it has led to a couple of wins here,” Brink said.
Every athlete has experienced success at some point in their career. Within those successes are details that have contributed to peak performance. By highlighting past positive aspects, habits and attitudes, sports kids can create a formula that will contribute to future success.
After athletes have highlighted the specific ingredients that lead to successful and consistent performances, they should create a phrase that summarizes their success formula.
This phrase should serve as a brief reminder of how sports kids want to compete. A phrase such as “Outwork, out-hustle and overcome” can remind kids to stay aggressive, make hustle plays and never give up
Mental Game Formula for Success
1. Focus on a success formula, not just “don’ts”
Young athletes should create a recipe of actions and habits that lead to success. Concentrating on what to do rather than what to avoid reduces mistakes and boosts confidence in competition.
2. Identify key components from past successes
Review previous strong performances to determine which mindset, preparation, focus, and intensity levels produced the best results. These elements form the foundation of a personal success formula.
3. Include mental and physical preparation
A complete success formula incorporates training routines, nutrition, mental focus, and game plans. Balancing these factors ensures peak performance consistently.
4. Create a guiding phrase
\Summarize the success formula in a short phrase like “Outwork, out-hustle, and overcome.” This acts as a quick reminder for athletes to stay focused on the habits and mindset that produce success.
5. Adjust and personalize the formula
Every athlete’s strengths and needs differ. Modify the success formula based on the sport, past experiences, and individual goals to maximize preparation and performance outcomes.
Related Kids Sports Psychology Articles:
- The Importance of Passion & Purpose for Young Athletes’ Success
- Success Tips for Parents: Kids Who Stop Trying
- Success Stories From Kid’s Sports Psychology Members
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FAQ: Mental Game Formula for Success
Q: What is a success formula for young athletes?
A: A success formula is like a recipe that combines mindset, habits, training, nutrition, and preparation strategies that help athletes consistently perform at their best.
Q: Why is having a mental game formula important in sports?
A: Without a success formula, young athletes may focus too much on mistakes or “don’ts.” A clear formula shifts their attention to positive actions, building confidence and consistent performance.
Q: How can young athletes create their own success formula?
A: They should review past peak performances and identify what worked—such as mental focus, pre-game routines, or training intensity—and combine these into a repeatable process.
Q: What are examples of mistakes athletes make without a success formula?
A: Athletes often focus on what to avoid, like “don’t foul” or “don’t miss the shot.” This mindset increases errors. A success formula emphasizes what to do, such as “follow-through” or “stay aggressive.”
Q: How can a success formula help with confidence in competition?
A: By knowing the specific steps that lead to success, athletes trust their preparation and feel more in control under pressure, reducing anxiety and boosting self-belief.
Q: Can a mental game formula change over time?
A: Yes. As athletes grow and gain new experiences, their success formula can evolve. Reviewing and updating it ensures they continue improving and adapting.
Q: What’s an easy way for athletes to remember their success formula?
A: Creating a short motivational phrase, like “Outwork, out-hustle, and overcome,” serves as a quick reminder of their strengths and approach during competition.
A Mental Game Formula for Success in Sports
Kids Sports Psychology expert Patrick Cohn, Ph.D. has helped athletes for over 35 years to enhance their performance. Dr. Cohn earned a master’s degree in sports psychology from CSUF and a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, specializing in Applied Sports Psychology. Today, he is the president and founder of Peak Performance Sports, LLC in Orlando, Florida.