You’ve probably heard your coach say it more than once: “Act like a pro.” But what does that actually mean? Why do coaches constantly use this phrase, and why does it matter to performance? The truth is, acting like a pro has little to do with money, contracts, or fame. It’s about building the mindset, habits, and consistency that allow you to perform your best, every single day. Coaches want these mental performance factors in your game because they know it will help you be consistent and develop your game day in, day out. “Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.”
Pat Riley – NBA Executive ________________
Why Acting Like a Pro Matters for PerformanceWhen you build professional habits, you strengthen the mental skills that allow you to perform at your best.
The best part? These are all skills you can practice and control and they all lead to the number one performance factor all athletes want more of – Confidence!
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10-Point Checklist to Act Like a Pro1. Arrive Early, Ready to Work 2. Control the Controllables 3. Maximize Every Rep 4. Build Daily Habits 5. Stay Composed Under Pressure 6. Take Responsibility 7. Respect the Game & People in It 8. Do the Unseen Work 9. Be a Great Teammate 10. Represent Yourself Well On & Off the Field ________________
Actionable Tip for AthletesPick ONE point from the checklist to focus on this week. Commit to it every day. When it becomes a habit, move on to the next. Small wins build big results. Over the course of the season you’ll act like a pro without even thinking about it. Want to download the checklist – Click on the button below.
Self-Reflective QuestionsUse the self-reflective questions below to audit your habits compared to a pro!
The most important question – If a coach or scout watched your habits for a week, would they say you already act like a professional athlete? ________________
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