Put in the Reps: How to Remove Doubt and Build a Winning Mindset
If you’re serious about success—on the court, in your career, or in life—you’ve got to watch this video from Chris Paul. In it, he delivers simple yet powerful advice that resonates far beyond basketball:
- “Reps remove doubt.”
- “Keep stacking days.”
- “Everything you want is on the other side of hard.”
For those of you reading this and striving to achieve greatness, this isn’t just basketball advice; this is life advice. As a coach, I’ve seen firsthand the difference these ideas make—not just in the game but in how players (and people) approach challenges, obstacles, and opportunities.
Let’s break these ideas down and see how you can apply them to develop your own winning mindset.
Reps Remove Doubt
When I hear Chris Paul say, “Reps remove doubt,” it immediately takes me back to the practice court. I’ve seen so many players struggle with self-confidence in high-pressure situations. The truth is, doubt creeps in when you’re not prepared. And the only way to prepare? Reps.
Think about this: Have you ever hesitated in a game—second-guessed your shot, overthought a pass, or doubted your ability to defend? That hesitation comes from uncertainty. Uncertainty comes from a lack of preparation. Repetition is the antidote.
Why Reps Matter
Repetition builds muscle memory. It makes your actions automatic. When you’ve taken 1,000 shots in practice, shooting in a game isn’t a question—it’s second nature. The same goes for anything in life. Whether it’s public speaking, negotiating a deal, or learning a new skill, the more you do something, the less room there is for doubt.
Practical Application:
- Start Small, But Start Daily. Begin with 10 minutes a day focusing on a specific skill. For basketball players, it might be free throws. For others, it could be writing or practicing a presentation.
- Track Your Reps. Keep a journal. Log every shot, every page written, every rep completed. Progress over time is what eliminates fear.
Coach Wheeler’s Challenge: Commit to putting in 100 extra reps this week for something that matters to you. It doesn’t have to be basketball; it could be anything you’re passionate about. Show yourself how preparation can quiet the voice of doubt.
Keep Stacking Days
One of my favorite lines from Chris Paul’s video is, “Keep stacking days.” Why? Because success isn’t one big, flashy moment. It’s the accumulation of small, consistent efforts over time. One good practice isn’t enough. One win doesn’t make a season. You’ve got to stack the good days, one on top of the other, until you’re standing on a foundation of effort so solid, it’s unshakable.
The Power of Consistency
I’ve worked with players who had all the talent in the world but couldn’t stay consistent. They’d give 110% effort one day and 50% the next. Here’s the harsh truth: inconsistency kills potential. A winning mindset isn’t built on bursts of effort; it’s built on showing up and doing the work every single day.
This concept applies beyond sports. If you’re building a business, improving your health, or working toward any long-term goal, you’ve got to stay consistent. Success is about the habits you form, not the goals you set.
Practical Application FOR A SUCCESS MINDSET: How to Stack Your Days
- Define Your Non-Negotiables. What are the three things you must do every day to improve? For an athlete, it might be shooting drills, strength training, and film review. For someone else, it could be writing, networking, and brainstorming new ideas.
- Set Micro Goals. Focus on getting better by just 1% every day. That’s it. Over a year, those small improvements add up to massive growth.
- Celebrate the Process. Stacking days isn’t glamorous, but it’s powerful. Celebrate your ability to show up, even when the results aren’t immediately visible.
Coach Wheeler’s Takeaway: Anyone can have a good day. Winners string together good days to create momentum. The more days you stack, the harder it becomes to stop your progress.
Everything You Want Is on the Other Side of Hard
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had players come to me frustrated—wanting to quit because “it’s too hard.” Whether it’s perfecting their jump shot, making it through a tough conditioning session, or staying mentally focused through adversity, I always remind them: Everything you want is on the other side of hard.
Why Hard Is Good
Struggle is part of the process of developing a Success Mindset. In fact, I would go as far as to say “struggle is necessary”. (I even wrote an article about “The Power of Struggle Time“.) The reason something is “hard” is because it’s forcing you to grow. If it were easy, everyone would do it, and it wouldn’t be worth achieving. When Chris Paul says that everything you want is on the other side of hard, he’s reminding us that the obstacles we face are the very things that prepare us for success.
SUCCESS Mindset Shift: Embrace the Hard
Instead of avoiding challenges, welcome them. When you’re faced with something hard, remind yourself: “This is where I grow. This is where I separate myself from the pack.”
Practical Application: Conquering Hard
- Break It Down. When faced with a big, intimidating goal, break it into smaller, more manageable steps. Focus on conquering one step at a time.
- Stay Mentally Strong. Use affirmations or visualizations to stay positive. Picture yourself overcoming the challenge and achieving your goal.
- Find Support. Surround yourself with people who push you. A coach, mentor, or teammate can make a huge difference when things get tough.
Coach Wheeler’s Take on Motivation: Hard is where greatness happens. When you feel like giving up, remember: that’s where most people stop. Push through, and you’ll find yourself in rare company—on the other side of hard.
How to Apply These Lessons to Your Life
Chris Paul’s principles—”Reps remove doubt,” “Keep stacking days,” and “Everything you want is on the other side of hard”—aren’t just motivational quotes. They’re actionable strategies for building a winning mindset. Here’s how you can start applying them today:
- Choose Your Reps. Identify one area where you lack confidence. Commit to consistent, deliberate practice until doubt is replaced by skill.
- Stack Your Days. Focus on creating a streak of consistent effort. Use a calendar, a journal, or even an app to track your progress. Build momentum, and don’t let yourself break the streak.
- Face the Hard Stuff. Pick one challenge you’ve been avoiding because it’s “too hard.” Tackle it head-on, and notice how your confidence grows on the other side.
Some final thoughts on a Success Mindset
from Coach Wheeler
Winning is earned.
[That should be the title of my next book.]
Whether you’re chasing championships, climbing the corporate ladder, or improving yourself in any way, the process is the same: reps, consistency, and a willingness to embrace the hard. Chris Paul’s words are a reminder of this truth.
As your coach, my advice is simple: Stop looking for shortcuts. There aren’t any. The path to success isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Start today. Put in the reps, stack your days, and face the hard. Develop a success mindset. Your future self will thank you.