The Power of Performance Journaling

Let's break it down for all you aspiring ballers out there: when it comes to getting better on the court, we tend to overthink things. But guess what? There's a simple formula for success, and it's called the Success Loop.

Step 1: Prepare

Step 2: Perform

Step 3: Reflect

Today, we're zooming in on that last step—Reflection.

You know, everyone talks about it, but not everyone does it. Whether you're a player, a coach, or just cheering from the sidelines, ask yourself:

- How much time do you spend getting ready for the game?

- How much time do you actually spend playing?

- And hey, how much time do you set aside to think about how you did?

If you're like most of us, you're probably hitting the gym, running drills, watching game footage—the whole shebang. But here's the kicker: a lot of us forget about that crucial reflection part.

Why is reflection so crucial for your game? 

It's where the magic happens, folks. Reflection is where you learn, grow, and evolve as a player. It's where you dissect your performance, extract those golden nuggets, and use them to level up your game plan.

Just look at the pros: Kobe Bryant made reflection a post-game ritual. He didn't just dwell on wins or loses; he dug deep to find those hidden gems for improvement. And hey, even Corbin Burnes, one of baseball's best, swears by his performance journal. He logs everything from mechanics to mental cues, turning each game into a learning opportunity.

So, why not follow their lead? After every game, take a moment to jot down your thoughts. Whether you win, lose, or draw, there's always something to learn.

Why Keeping a Journal Matters:

Every game, win or lose, holds a lesson. It's not just about the score—it's about the journey.

And a big part of that journey? Reflection. It's how you mine those nuggets of wisdom and turn them into gold for your game.

So, after the buzzer sounds, take a breather with your trusty journal. Jot down what went right, what could've been better, and how you're going to ace it next time.

No need for fancy gear—a simple notebook does the trick. Crack it open, scribble down your thoughts under "well," "better," and "how," and watch your game evolve.

Well, Better, How: A Winning Reflection Routine

You know what's cool about the "well, better, how" routine after a game or practice? It forces you to kick things off by celebrating your victories.

See, a lot of ballers dive straight into what they can improve—especially when it comes to their moves. They're all like, "What went wrong?"

And hey, it's important to spot those weak spots and work on 'em. But starting with your wins sets a positive tone. What did you do well? What could I do better? How are you going to nail it next time?

If that's all you did in your journal, you'd be set. Next day, you crack it open, and boom—there it is, staring back at you: "well, better, how."

That way, you're not just reflecting on yesterday's game—you're gearing up for todays with the right mindset.

Why This Method Rocks for Basketball Players:

First off, it cuts through the noise, giving you a clear roadmap for your practice sessions. But here's the real MVP move: it helps you tackle one of the toughest challenges athletes face—finding balance.

It's all about drawing that line between player and person. Coach and parent. With the "well, better, how" journal, you keep your head in the game when you're on the court and stay present in your life off of it.

After training, jotting down your notes lets you release the game's grip on your mind. You can switch gears, focus on other areas of your life, knowing you've got a playbook to return to when you need it.

And before you hit the court, flip through your journal. Remind yourself of your game plan for the day—what's the top priority? What are you locking in on? Then, at the end of the day, see how you stacked up against your goals. That's how you level up, on and off the court.

Extra Perks for Basketball Players:

Journaling isn't just a slam dunk for your game—it's a game-changer in all aspects of sports and life. Take a baseball pitcher, for instance. They're all about execution, controlling every throw. By jotting down their performance, they can fine-tune their game.

Now, let's swing over to the golf course. Golfers? They're all about the stats. Tracking their numbers after each round in their journal helps them spot trends and areas for improvement.

And hey, football fanatics, listen up. Breaking down your performance play by play? That's where the magic happens. Journaling helps you see where you're killing it and where you could use some work, whether it's in a single play or across a series.

Here's the deal: It's not just about wins and losses. It's about diving deep into the nitty-gritty of your sport.

So, next time you hit the court, grab your journal and start scribbling. Your next big win might just be a pen stroke away.

Taking Your Game to the Next Level:

If you're ready to take your game to the next level with a daily performance journal and a dash of mindset work, I've got some top-tier strategies to share with you.

✅ Start by jotting down three wins from the past 24 hours. What were three moments of triumph that you experienced?

✅ Next, list three things you're grateful for. It could be anything—from nailing a killer three-pointer to having supportive teammates.

These aren't just suggestions; they're backed by solid research. BJ Fogg, a Stanford professor, highlights the power of celebrating wins in his book, "Tiny Habits." And Robert Emmons delves into the benefits of gratitude in "Gratitude Works."

✅ Lastly, identify your MIT (Most Important Task) for today's training session. What's the one thing you need to lock in on to elevate your game? Whether it's perfecting your layup or sharpening your defense, focus on what matters most.

With these simple yet powerful exercises, you'll not only enhance your performance on the court but also cultivate an elite mindset that sets you apart from the competition.

Stay resilient,

Coach Dave

Founder Flow State Basketball

P.S. If you want to work with us in any capacity, there are 3 ways we can help you:

1 - TOGETHER with Coach Dave. www.flowstatebasketball.com
2 - ON YOUR OWN with our monthly membership platforms. www.flowstatebasketball.com
3 - FOR FREE on YouTube and our social media platforms.