When it comes to sports, it’s easy to get caught up in high expectations, whether they come from coaches, parents, or even the athlete's own inner drive. Athletes often find themselves focusing on external pressures: What are the other players doing? What do coaches expect? How will my performance compare? But these expectations can quickly become overwhelming and distracting. The truth is, the only thing an athlete can control is their own effort and their commitment to getting 1% better every day. This mindset shift can lead to incredible long-term growth, without the stress of chasing perfection.

Why 1% is Enough

The concept of getting 1% better each day emphasizes gradual, consistent progress. This isn’t about massive, overnight changes or constantly setting the bar higher than yesterday. Instead, it’s about identifying one small area for improvement each day, whether in skill, mindset, or physical ability. When you focus on 1% improvement, you take control of your growth and focus on what you can handle in the present moment. Over time, these small improvements compound, leading to major gains.

Imagine a basketball player working on their free throw. Rather than feeling pressured to immediately raise their shooting percentage by 10 points, they commit to improving their focus, form, or confidence by just 1% each day. This builds mastery gradually and makes the process more manageable—and enjoyable.

The Power of Process Over Outcome

Too often, athletes are weighed down by outcomes, comparing scores, points, or rankings. But real progress in sports—and in life—comes from focusing on the process rather than the outcome. This 1% mindset champions process over perfection. Athletes should ask themselves, "What’s one thing I can work on today that will make me better?" This might mean spending an extra five minutes on conditioning, refining a dribbling drill, or working on mental focus before a game.

This approach gives athletes control over their progress, rather than leaving them chasing after external validation. When they commit to daily improvements, athletes are free to measure their success by the effort they put in, not just the scoreboard.

For Coaches: Setting Realistic and Attainable Expectations

For coaches, the 1% mindset is a valuable approach for setting realistic expectations. It allows athletes to improve within their capabilities and without the pressure to be flawless in every game or practice. Encourage athletes to commit to achievable goals that foster growth, such as refining one skill or improving one mental habit daily. This creates a team culture where players focus on effort, resilience, and steady improvement—qualities that build champions and keep burnout at bay.

When coaches emphasize 1% improvement, athletes learn that they don’t need to fear mistakes or “bad days.” They’ll know that they have the power to grow from every experience and to control their performance with daily, small improvements.

For Parents: Supporting the 1% Mindset

Parents play an important role in helping athletes embrace the 1% approach. It can be tempting for parents to focus on game statistics, team standings, or future opportunities, especially in competitive sports. However, these expectations can inadvertently add pressure and take away the athlete’s focus from their own personal growth. Instead of focusing on big outcomes, parents can encourage their athletes to set small goals, celebrate daily efforts, and embrace gradual progress.

When parents celebrate effort over results, they send a powerful message: the journey matters more than any one game or outcome. This teaches athletes to appreciate their own progress and helps them develop a healthy, sustainable relationship with their sport.

Staying Present and Embracing the 1% Mindset

A 1% mindset also encourages athletes to stay grounded in the present. Worrying about future games or past mistakes pulls focus away from what can be done now. By focusing on one small improvement each day, athletes anchor themselves in the present, where true growth happens.

For instance, if an athlete is working on staying calm under pressure, their daily 1% improvement might be practicing deep breathing for five minutes. Or if they’re working on accuracy, they can commit to taking 10 focused shots with perfect form. When they consistently work on small, achievable improvements, they find themselves more prepared, more confident, and more in control.

Final Thoughts: Small Steps, Big Results

The 1% improvement philosophy is more than just a strategy—it’s a mindset that builds resilience, confidence, and long-term success. Athletes who focus on daily progress learn to appreciate their own journey rather than comparing themselves to others. Coaches who instill this mindset create teams that are process-focused and resilient. And parents who encourage small wins each day build athletes who are mentally tough and self-motivated.

In sports and in life, big wins don’t happen overnight. They’re the result of consistent, small efforts that compound over time. By committing to 1% improvement each day, athletes, coaches, and parents together can cultivate a growth-focused approach that leads to extraordinary outcomes.

In Case You Missed It, Check Out Our Latest Podcast with NBA Mindset Coach Dr. Rosie Mead

Stay resilient,

Coach Dave

www.coachdave.me

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