Month: March 2025

How to Control Your Mind …

for Fun and Profit

Controlling your mind isn’t about turning off your thoughts or trying to be some emotionless monk on a mountain.
It’s about direction.
It’s about choosing what you allow in, what you give energy to, and what you rehearse day after day—because all of those things quietly shape your beliefs, your behavior, and your outcomes.

When you learn to control your mind, the impact isn’t just personal—it’s strategic. It leads to greater focus, better results, less stress, and more joy. It’s fun. And yes, it can be wildly profitable.

Here’s how it works, one key principle at a time.

1. What You Focus On Increases

Control Your Mind with your focus

Your attention is a spotlight—and whatever you shine it on gets bigger.

If you focus on your limitations, they start to feel like walls.
If you focus on opportunities, they begin to multiply.
If you constantly think about what you don’t want to happen, your brain starts preparing for it as if it’s inevitable.

This isn’t just positive thinking—it’s how your brain is wired.
Your Reticular Activating System (RAS) filters incoming data and prioritizes what aligns with your dominant thoughts. It scans the world looking for reinforcement—proof that your focus is correct.

Think about that. If you’re focused on failure, your brain will notice all the reasons something won’t work. But if you shift your attention to progress, your mind will start looking for ways forward.

That’s why people who expect the best often seem “lucky.” Their focus filters out the noise and locks onto the next step. It’s not magic—it’s mental management.

So if you want to control your mind?
Start by asking: What am I focusing on right now?
Because that’s what you’re growing.

2. You Can Replace the Picture in Your Mind

Let’s go a layer deeper.

Your mind doesn’t think in long paragraphs. It thinks in pictures.

Say the words: “Don’t think of an elephant.”
Instantly, a big gray animal appears in your mind’s eye—because your brain grabs the subject, not the command. “Don’t” gets ignored.
Now say, “Imagine a blue monkey dancing on a basketball court.”
Boom. New picture.

This isn’t just fun—it’s functional.

If the image in your mind is fear, failure, or embarrassment, your body responds as if it’s happening. Your breath changes. Your muscles tighten. Your mood shifts.

But you can change the picture.

And when you do, you shift your state.

This is one of the most powerful tools in mental framing: learning to interrupt the automatic images that don’t serve you and intentionally replace them with ones that do.

Got a big presentation?
Instead of picturing disaster, visualize connection, impact, and calm confidence.

Worried about making a mistake?
Picture yourself learning quickly, adjusting, and winning the next round.

The goal isn’t to “never feel fear.” The goal is to not dwell on it. To move your mind from fear to focus. From problem to possibility.

And it starts by changing the picture.

3. You’ve Got to Know What You Want

You can’t aim at a target you haven’t defined.

Clarity doesn’t just feel good—it directs your mind. If you want your internal GPS (a.k.a. your RAS) to work for you, you have to program the destination.

What do you want to create?
What kind of person do you want to become?
What specific outcomes do you want in your career, your relationships, your health, your finances?

If you don’t decide, the world will decide for you. And that’s a dangerous gamble.

When you know what you want, your brain begins filtering the world differently. You’ll start noticing opportunities that were always there—but previously hidden in plain sight. You’ll begin meeting people who align with your goals, because your energy has shifted and your focus is clear.

Write it down. Speak it aloud. Picture it often.

The clearer the image of what you want, the more your brain goes to work on your behalf—connecting the dots and opening doors you didn’t even know existed.

4. Create the Vision of Your Future Self

This is where belief becomes behavior.

Once you’ve decided what you want, you need to start rehearsing it mentally. Why? Because your brain doesn’t fully distinguish between vividly imagined experiences and real ones.

That’s why elite athletes visualize the perfect performance before they compete. That’s why top performers in business rehearse a pitch before walking into the room.

Your mind becomes familiar with what you repeat.
And familiarity breeds confidence.

So imagine the version of you who has already achieved what you’re after. The confident you. The calm you. The clear and courageous you.

  • How do they handle conflict?
  • What do they do in the morning?
  • How do they speak?
  • How do they recover from setbacks?

The more you mentally rehearse that version, the more your actions start to align with it. You become it—one thought, one decision, one day at a time.

You’re not pretending. You’re training.

5. Repetition Is Power

Repetition wires the brain.

It’s how habits are formed. It’s how beliefs are reinforced. It’s how fears become phobias—and how champions build confidence.

If you’ve rehearsed a failure story for years, no wonder it feels real. But the exciting truth? You can write a new story. You can use the same power of repetition to build a mindset that lifts you.

Repeat your goals. Repeat your affirmations. Repeat your visualizations.
But also—repeat the actions that move you forward.

Even small wins, repeated often, begin to change your identity. You go from “someone who hopes” to “someone who does.”
You stop waiting for confidence and start building it, brick by brick.

Repetition makes it real.
And what you repeat, you become.

6. Mind Framing Is a Skill You Can Train

You are constantly framing your experiences—consciously or not.

When something goes wrong, do you see it as proof that you’re failing? Or as data for improvement?

When someone criticizes you, do you crumble—or do you see an opportunity to strengthen your resilience?

Framing is the story you tell yourself about what’s happening.
And stories shape reality.

The good news? You can practice new frames. You can train yourself to interpret challenges as fuel, not fire. To see delays as preparation, not punishment. To respond with curiosity instead of judgment.

This is the ultimate skill—because it gives you your power back. No one controls your interpretation but you.

Train your framing like a muscle.
Start small. Catch yourself mid-thought. Pivot. Practice.
Soon, your reflex will shift from “panic” to “possibility.”

And that’s when your mind becomes a true asset—not a liability.

Why Fun and Profit?

Because that’s what happens when the control of your mind becomes your ally instead of your enemy.

Fun comes from flow. From confidence. From knowing you can trust yourself under pressure. From not being derailed by every negative thought that pops up.

Profit—whether financial, emotional, or relational—comes from clarity and execution. You stop wasting energy on overthinking. You make faster decisions. You recover quicker. You show up better. You lead with purpose.

Controlling your mind is not about perfection—it’s about direction.

And when you point your thoughts toward what matters most?

You win more. Smile more. And yes… profit more.

One Last Thought:
It’s time to Reclaim the Wheel

Every day, your mind is being programmed.

By your thoughts.
By your habits.
By the people and media you surround yourself with.

The question is: Who’s doing the programming?

Is it you… or someone else?

If you don’t like the way your life looks, don’t start by changing the outside. Start with the pictures in your head. The stories you tell yourself. The focus you choose. The frame you give to each moment.

Control your mind—and you control your future.
Take the wheel and steer your life.

What’s your next step? How about a free downloadable worksheet with a 7 step process that leads you through changing the way you think and taking control of your mind? Download the PDF created by Coach Wheeler: Mind Control 101 worksheet — A simple, powerful tool to help you reprogram your thoughts and rewire your focus.

Why?

Because your mind is the operating system of your life. You need to control your mind.

And the upgrade?
That starts today.

Personal Mind Control

Let’s talk about Mind Control… specifically who controls your mind.

Because If You Don’t Have Control of your Mind, Someone Else Will

Personal Mind Control ... why you need to take control starting right now.

What if I told you your greatest battlefield isn’t out there in the world… but inside your own head?
What if the most important fight for your future isn’t with the economy, or your job, or even your relationships…
but with the thoughts you allow to set up camp in your mind?

Because here’s the truth:
If you don’t control your mind, someone else will.
And you can be sure—it won’t be in your favor.

How Does It Happen?

It’s subtle. Almost invisible. Like water shaping a stone drop by drop.

One suggestion here. One fear planted there. One “just trying to help” from someone who loves you… but never broke out of their own cage.

And before you know it, you’re living out a script that isn’t yours. A play written by someone else.
Parents. Teachers. Friends. Advertisers. Politicians. Even social media algorithms.

Not all of it is malicious. Most of it isn’t.

In fact, many of the people influencing your thoughts and decisions genuinely believe they’re helping you.
But even the most well-intentioned guidance can become a prison if it’s based on fear, limitation, or outdated beliefs.

Let’s look closer.

Your Parents Loved You …
. . . But They Weren’t Perfect

Nobody walks away from childhood without a few scars.

Even in the best homes—full of love, structure, and support—parents still pass along stories.
Stories that were passed to them, and to their parents before that.

  • “People like us don’t do things like that.”
  • “Money is hard to come by.”
  • “It’s better to play it safe.”
  • “You should be grateful and not want too much.”

Sound familiar?

These kinds of beliefs often masquerade as “wisdom.” And they might have made sense… decades ago, in a different time, in a different place, with different resources and different options.

But the world has changed. And if you never challenge those beliefs, they’ll quietly direct your life from the shadows.

You’ll pull back when you should push forward.
You’ll say “I can’t” when you really mean “I’ve never tried.”
You’ll pass up opportunity… because your mind has been trained to avoid risk.

And here’s the dangerous part: you’ll think those thoughts are yours. But they’re not.

They’re inherited.

The Media Is Selling You a Mindset

Now let’s talk about the elephant in the room—media.

Not just “the news,” but advertising, entertainment, social platforms… all of it.

These systems are designed to capture attention, stir emotion, and influence behavior. That’s not conspiracy. That’s business.

If the media can make you feel fearful, angry, or like you’re not enough—
they can sell you something to fix it.
A product. A lifestyle. A political candidate. A belief system.

Ever notice how the news rarely ends with solutions?
It’s not because there aren’t any.
It’s because outrage gets more clicks than calm.

Fear holds attention better than hope.
Division is easier to sell than unity.

And guess what? Every time you scroll… every time you tune in… you’re training your mind.

Not just what to think, but how to think.

You’ve Been Trained—But You Can Retrain

Think about it. Most people spend more time programming their playlists than they do programming their thoughts.

We guard our passwords but let anything into our brain.
We say we want success but surround ourselves with messages that scream scarcity, danger, and division.
We’re hypnotized by repetition.
Entertained by fear.
And slowly… we forget we ever had the power to choose our thoughts in the first place.

But you do.

The ability to think independently—deliberately—is not some rare superpower.
It’s your birthright.
It’s just been neglected.

And now… it’s time to wake it up.

Why It Matters

You were not born to be a pawn in someone else’s plan.

You were not created to echo recycled fears.

And you certainly weren’t put here to live a secondhand life, following a map you didn’t draw.

You were born with the raw material to shape your own reality.

But that starts with the mind.

Control it—and you unlock everything else.

One Final Thought: Who’s In Charge?

Let me leave you with a question.

When your alarm goes off tomorrow morning…
When you look in the mirror…
When you choose what to focus on, what to believe, what to chase—

Who’s in charge?

Is it the scared voice from childhood?
The commercial you saw last night?
The political slogan drilled into your head?

Or is it you?

Take your mind back.
Guard it like your life depends on it.

Because it does.

And once you learn to control your mind…
You’ll find you can shape your habits, your relationships, your outcomes—
your entire life.

That’s power.
And it’s yours for the taking.

Coming soon: This article was about Mind Control and WHY it is important. The upcoming follow-up article, being released on Monday, will give you the step-by-step process to take control of your mind. The title: “How to Control Your Mind for Fun and Profit.“

Because taking control isn’t just survival—it’s strategy.
And it just might be the smartest, most profitable move you ever make.

How to become an Elite Warrior

Your Path to Unstoppable Grit and Success

What does it mean to think like an elite warrior?

Elite Warrior Mindset

It’s not just about strength, skill, or talent. It’s about mindset—the unshakable discipline, mental toughness, and relentless drive that allow you to rise above adversity. It’s about controlling emotions, adapting under pressure, and refusing to accept mediocrity.

The good news? You can develop this mindset.

No one is born with an elite warrior mentality. It is built—through action, discipline, and daily choices. If you are ready to forge mental toughness and unstoppable willpower, this guide will show you how to train each of the 10 Core Tenets of the Elite Warrior Mindset (that you probably learned about from a previous article on this blog).

1. Build Unshakable Discipline:
Train Consistency Over Motivation

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”
— Jim Rohn

Discipline is what separates those who dream from those who achieve. It’s the ability to execute, day in and day out, regardless of circumstances. Warriors don’t wait until they “feel like it” — they just do it.

How to build it:

  • Create daily non-negotiables. Build habits that you follow no matter what—wake up at the same time, train every day, complete your priorities before anything else. Make it who you are, not something you “try to do.”
  • Eliminate decision fatigue. Have a set morning routine, eat the same breakfast, wear similar clothes. The fewer trivial decisions you make, the more energy you save for important tasks.
  • Hold yourself accountable. Set up consequences for breaking discipline—a cold shower, extra reps, a loss of privilege. If there’s no consequence for skipping, your discipline will crumble.

2. Develop Mental Toughness Under Pressure: Thrive in the Storm

“If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs… yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it.” — Rudyard Kipling

Pressure is a privilege—it means you’re in the arena. The difference between the weak and the elite is that warriors remain calm when others panic.

How to build it:

  • Train in adversity. Push yourself through brutal workouts, fast for a day, take cold showers—seek controlled hardship so that when real adversity strikes, you’ve already conquered worse.
  • Simulate pressure situations. Practice your craft in high-stakes scenarios—shoot free throws when you’re out of breath, speak in front of a crowd, put deadlines on projects. Train like it’s game day.
  • Master your self-talk. Pressure is mental. Instead of saying, “I can’t handle this,” say, “I was made for this.” Reframe stress as energy that fuels peak performance.

3. Take Extreme Ownership:
Accept Full Responsibility for Everything

“The moment you take responsibility for everything in your life is the moment you can change anything in your life.” — Hal Elrod

Excuses are the language of mediocrity. Ownership gives you power. Warriors don’t blame teammates, circumstances, or luck—they focus on what they can control and fix it.

How to build it:

  • Eliminate blame from your vocabulary. If something goes wrong, own it. Ask: What could I have done differently? Weak people blame others—warriors seek solutions.
  • Lead yourself first. If you can’t lead yourself with discipline, no one will follow you. Take charge of your habits, training, and mindset.
  • Make accountability public. Tell others about your goals. The more eyes on you, the less likely you are to make excuses.

4. Cultivate Resilience & Adaptability:
Bounce Back Stronger

“Do not pray for an easy life; pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.” — Bruce Lee

Failure isn’t final—it’s feedback. Elite warriors see setbacks as fuel for their next victory.

How to build it:

  • Adopt the ‘Next Play’ mentality. Whether you fail a test, lose a game, or get rejected, move on immediately. Ask: What’s next? The past is irrelevant—your next action is what counts.
  • Expect adversity. Don’t be surprised when things go wrong—be ready. See struggles as part of the process, not a sign to quit.
  • Stay solution-focused. Instead of dwelling on problems, ask: What’s the best move I can make right now? Adapt and execute.

5. Develop a Relentless Work Ethic:
Outwork Everyone

“Success isn’t owned, it’s leased. And rent is due every day.”
— J.J. Watt

How to build it:

  • Prioritize effort over talent. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. Warriors focus on consistent effort rather than short bursts of motivation.
  • Schedule your grind. Block off dedicated time every day for skill development, conditioning, or self-improvement. Treat it like an unbreakable appointment.
  • Measure progress aggressively. Track your workouts, study hours, reps, and results. Set clear, measurable targets and beat them.

6. Train Situational Awareness & Strategic Thinking: Stay Three Steps Ahead

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” — Sun Tzu

How to build it:

  • Study your environment. Know the game better than anyone. Review film, analyze competition, study trends—train your mind to recognize patterns.
  • Think long-term. Short-term gratification kills long-term success. Warriors think in years, not minutes.
  • Adapt quickly. If your plan fails, pivot immediately. Never freeze when things don’t go as expected.

7. Harness Calculated Aggression:
Know When to Strike

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” — Chinese Proverb

How to build it:

  • Train explosive decision-making. Speed matters. Simulate situations where you must react fast under pressure.
  • Strike at the right moment. Over-aggression burns energy. Learn when to wait and when to go all in.
  • Act boldly, even when uncertain. Warriors don’t hesitate. They trust their preparation and make decisive moves.

8. Master Emotional Control & Stoicism:
Stay Unshaken

“A wise man will be master of his mind, a fool will be its slave.”
— Publilius Syrus

Elite warriors don’t let emotions dictate actions—they stay calm under fire.

How to build it:

  • Pause before reacting. Before you respond, take a deep breath. Learn to act with logic, not emotion.
  • Expose yourself to discomfort. When you control your response to stress, you control your mind.
  • Focus only on what you can control. If it’s out of your hands, let it go.

9. Develop Unshakable Confidence:
Believe in Yourself

“He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.” — Confucius

How to build it:

  • Back confidence with preparation. You earn confidence by doing the work—train harder than anyone, and your belief in yourself will be unshakable.
  • Destroy negative self-talk. Change “I hope I can” to “I will.” Speak with conviction.
  • Visualize winning daily. If you can see it in your mind, you’ll make it happen in real life.

10. The Will to Win:
Refuse to Accept Mediocrity

“You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them.” — Michael Jordan

How to build it:

  • Refuse average effort. Do everything at the highest level—no half-measures.
  • Surround yourself with winners. The company you keep determines your mindset.
  • Cut out negativity. Make winning your standard.
    Winners don’t participate—they dominate.

Are You Ready to Train Like an Elite Warrior?

Developing an Elite Warrior Mindset isn’t easy—but it’s worth it.

If you want to become an Elite Warrior, you have a choice…
Every day, you have a choice: live like everyone else or rise like a warrior.

Which will you choose?

It starts today. Train discipline. Train resilience. Train to win.

Become an Elite Warrior!

Core Tenets of the Elite Warrior Mindset

Your Blueprint for Mental Toughness and Unstoppable Performance

The Elite Warrior Mindset isn’t about talent, genetics, or luck. It’s about who you become when the pressure is on. It’s about choosing discipline over comfort, ownership over excuses, and relentless execution over hesitation. Whether in sports, business, or personal life, this mindset separates champions from the average.

Greatness isn’t reserved for a select few. It’s built—one decision, one action, and one relentless pursuit at a time. If you’re tired of mediocrity, if you want to push beyond limits, if you refuse to accept anything less than your best—this mindset is for you.

Let’s break down the 10 Core Tenets of the Elite Warrior Mindset, the principles that define those who dominate in their fields.

1. Unshakable Discipline:
Do What Needs to Be Done, No Matter What

“We don’t rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.” – Archilochus

Motivation is fleeting. It comes and goes like the wind. But discipline? That’s what makes warriors unstoppable.

Jocko Willink, former Navy SEAL and leadership expert, often says: “Discipline equals freedom.” The more disciplined you are, the more control you have over your destiny. Warriors wake up before the sun, train when they don’t feel like it, and execute even when exhausted. They don’t negotiate with their emotions—they follow their mission.

Kobe Bryant’s 4 a.m. workouts? Michael Phelps training 365 days a year? That’s the power of discipline. They weren’t motivated every day—they were committed.

2. Mental Toughness Under Pressure: Perform When It Counts

“Pressure is a privilege.” – Billie Jean King

Life is a constant test. When the game is on the line, when the business deal is slipping away, when you’re gasping for air in the last mile of a race—do you fold or do you rise?

Elite warriors thrive under pressure because they’ve trained their minds for battle. Look at Michael Jordan’s legendary ability to deliver in clutch moments. He didn’t crumble under the weight of expectation—he embraced it. Pressure reveals character.

If you can learn to stay calm, focused, and sharp when stakes are high, you’ll outperform 99% of people in any field.

3. Extreme Ownership:
No Excuses, No Blame—Only Results

“Leaders must own everything in their world. There is no one else to blame.” – Jocko Willink

Warriors don’t blame circumstances, luck, or others. They own everything.

David Goggins didn’t complain about his rough childhood or failures—he turned them into fuel. When something goes wrong, elite warriors don’t point fingers.

They ask:
“What could I have done better?”

“How do I fix this?”

“What’s the next move?”

Ownership gives you control. Control gives you power. Excuses make you weak. Choose wisely.

4. Resilience & Adaptability:
Get Knocked Down, Get Back Up Stronger

“It’s not the strongest or the most intelligent who survive, but those who can best adapt to change.” – Charles Darwin

Everyone falls. Not everyone rises.

Tom Brady was drafted 199th. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school team. Elon Musk was laughed at for trying to launch rockets.

What separates winners from everyone else? They come back stronger.

Life will test you. You will fail. But resilience means using failure as feedback, adapting, and improving. It means refusing to stay down. It means knowing that every setback is just another setup for a comeback. Imagine the story you will be able to tell about your comeback!

5. Relentless Work Ethic:
Outwork Everyone Around You

“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
– Tim Notke, high school coach

There’s one thing you can control: your effort.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is famous for his insane work ethic. He wakes up at 4 a.m. every day, trains like a madman, and outworks everyone in Hollywood.

Relentless warriors don’t just work hard—they work smart, they work consistently, and they never stop improving. They don’t need a boss to push them—they push themselves.

Success isn’t given. It’s earned in the dark, when no one is watching… the unseen hours.

6. Situational Awareness & Strategic Thinking: Always Be Three Steps Ahead

“Every battle is won before it is ever fought.”
– Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Greatness isn’t about brute force. It’s about strategy.

Chess Grandmasters think ten moves ahead. Navy SEALs plan every operation with extreme precision. Elite athletes anticipate the opponent’s next move before it happens.

Winners don’t just react—they predict. They analyze, strategize, and execute with precision.

If you can see opportunities and threats before others do, you’ll always be ahead.

7. Calculated Aggression:
Push Hard, But Be Smart

“Be ferocious, but be calculated.” – David Goggins

Aggression isn’t recklessness. It’s about knowing when to attack, when to wait, and when to strike with full force.

Connor McGregor doesn’t throw wild punches—he picks his shots. Elite entrepreneurs don’t chase every opportunity—they execute with precision.

The best warriors don’t burn themselves out by going 100% all the time. They save energy, wait for the right moment, and then strike with overwhelming force.

8. Emotional Control & Stoicism:
Master Your Reactions

“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius

Emotions cloud judgment. If you can’t control them, they will control you.

Tim Duncan was called “The Big Fundamental” because he never showed emotion on the court. He played with calm precision, never letting his feelings dictate his actions.

Greatness requires thinking, not reacting. Warriors train their minds to remain steady in chaos.

9. Self-Belief & Confidence:
Know You Can Handle Anything

“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”
– Henry Ford

Confidence isn’t arrogance. It’s knowing that you have what it takes.

Serena Williams believed she was a champion long before she won a title. Elon Musk believed he could build rockets even when experts laughed at him.

Confidence comes from doing the work, proving yourself to yourself, and stepping up in big moments.

If you don’t believe in yourself, who will?

10. The Will to Win:
Refuse to Accept Mediocrity

“Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is.”
– Vince Lombardi

The elite don’t just compete—they dominate.

Michael Jordan wanted to win at everything—practice, games, even ping pong. He refused to lose.

Winners don’t settle for “good enough”. They want to be the best.

If you want to achieve greatness, you must demand it from yourself every single day.

Final Thoughts:
Are You Ready to Build the Warrior Mindset?

The Elite Warrior Mindset is a choice. It’s not about genetics. It’s not about talent. It’s about how you think, how you act, and how you execute.

In the next article, we’ll break down exactly how to develop this mindset from scratch. But for now, ask yourself:

  • Where am I making excuses?
    Especially in the areas of my life that are really important to me?
  • Where can I be tougher?
    How am I letting myself “off the hook”?
  • What would happen if I fully committed to this mindset?
    What could I accomplish?

Warriors aren’t born. They are built.

Are you ready to build your Elite Warrior Mindset? Check out the next article which talks about HOW to become an Elite Warrior.

Build a Champion’s Self-Image: Mental Management in Action

If you’ve ever watched a high-level competitor dominate their sport, you might think they were simply born for it. The truth, however, is that their confidence and success don’t come from sheer talent alone. They’ve trained their mind just as rigorously as their body. This is the essence of Mental Management, a system developed by Olympic gold medalist Lanny Bassham, which emphasizes the critical role of Self-Image in high performance.

Mental Management by Lanny Bassham

In our previous discussion on Mental Management, we explored how our performance is shaped by three components: the Conscious Mind, the Subconscious Mind, and the Self-Image. While many athletes focus on training their skills (Subconscious) and game-day decision-making (Conscious), few understand how their Self-Image acts as a governor on their performance.

A strong Self-Image means you see yourself as a champion. It means your mind is conditioned to perform at the highest level, without self-doubt or hesitation. It’s the difference between someone who steps onto the court thinking, I belong here versus someone who thinks, I hope I don’t mess this up.

What Weakens Your Self-Image?

Before we dive into strengthening our Self-Image, we need to recognize what might be weakening it:

Negative Self-Talk – Every time you tell yourself, I’m not good at this, you reinforce that belief.

Accepting External Doubts – Other people’s opinions only shape your reality if you let them. A coach, teammate, or even a friend might unintentionally plant seeds of doubt.

Past Failures Without Learning – Failure is a powerful teacher, but if you interpret it as proof that you’re incapable, you’re harming your Self-Image.

Comparison with Others – Looking at competitors and feeling inferior reinforces a weaker Self-Image. Champions focus on their own growth.

Lack of Preparation – When you know you haven’t done the work, your mind won’t trust you when it’s time to perform.

Reprogram Your Self-Image for Winning

Your Self-Image is always being shaped. The key is making sure it’s being shaped in a way that strengthens, not weakens, your performance. Here’s how:

  1. Identify & Challenge Negative Inputs

Start paying attention to the thoughts that enter your mind throughout the day. When a negative one appears (I can’t hit this shot under pressure), challenge it: Who says? Where’s the proof? Then replace it with a positive counterstatement: I’ve practiced this shot a thousand times. I thrive under pressure.

  1. Use Affirmations That Align with Your Identity

Affirmations aren’t about tricking yourself; they are about reinforcing what’s true or what you are becoming. Instead of saying I want to be a great shooter, say I am a great shooter. If you repeat it enough—and back it up with practice—your mind will accept it.

Pro Tip: Say affirmations in the present tense and with emotion to make them stick.

  1. Surround Yourself with Champions

The people around you influence your Self-Image. If you spend time with negative thinkers or people who doubt you, their energy seeps into your mindset. Seek out teammates, coaches, and mentors who reinforce your belief in yourself.

  1. Mental Rehearsal: Visualize Success

Elite performers use visualization to see themselves executing perfectly before they even step into competition. Spend a few minutes daily vividly imagining yourself succeeding. Feel the emotions, hear the sounds, and see every detail.

Example: A basketball player should visualize sinking free throws in pressure situations, hearing the swish of the net, and feeling the calm confidence after each shot.

  1. Keep a Success Journal

Every day, write down three things you did well. This rewires your brain to focus on strengths rather than failures. Over time, this accumulation of successes builds a strong Self-Image.

  1. Raise Your Standards in Training

Your Self-Image is directly tied to what you do consistently. If you train at an elite level, your mind will begin to accept that you are an elite performer. Sloppy habits in practice create doubts in competition.

Example: If you are a shooter, make sure every rep in practice has game-like intensity. The higher standard will become your new normal.

  1. Embrace Pressure and Reframe It

Many athletes crumble under pressure because they see it as a threat. Champions view it as an opportunity. Reframe pressure as proof that I am playing at a high level. When you train your mind to associate pressure with excitement instead of fear, your Self-Image will grow stronger.

  1. Learn from Failure but Don’t Let It Define You

Failure is part of the process, but it’s only damaging if you interpret it as I’m not good enough. Instead, extract the lesson and move forward.

Example: If you miss a game-winning shot, review what you could improve, but remind yourself: I am a clutch player who learns from every experience.

What Happens When Your Self-Image Grows?

  • When you strengthen your Self-Image, a few things will happen:
  • You’ll perform consistently at a higher level because your mental “comfort zone” will be that of a champion.
  • You’ll bounce back from mistakes faster because your identity isn’t shaken by a bad play.
  • You’ll have unshakable confidence that makes you stand out as a leader.
  • You’ll handle pressure effortlessly, seeing big moments as opportunities, not threats.
  • You’ll naturally attract better performance because your Subconscious Mind will push you to live up to your Self-Image.

Final Thought:
Make Mental Training Part of Your Routine

Lanny Bassham realized that the mental game isn’t just for game day—it’s an everyday practice. Just as you wouldn’t skip training your body, you can’t neglect training your mind.

Action Steps:

  • Start each day with positive affirmations.
  • Visualize success before every practice and competition.
  • Journal your wins every night.
  • Eliminate negative inputs (both self-talk and external sources).
  • Raise your training standards to match the Self-Image you want to have.

If you commit to training your mind daily, your Self-Image will evolve into that of a champion. And when you truly believe you are a champion, winning becomes the natural outcome.