Boost-Mode Newsletter | Nov. 29, 2024

1. What I’m Reading – Antifragility by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Here’s a concept that’ll flip your mindset: antifragility. It’s not about avoiding stress or failure—it’s about using them to get stronger. Think of it as turning every curveball life throws at you into fuel for growth.

In baseball—and life—we sometimes get caught up chasing perfection, thinking that mistakes are the enemy. But here’s the truth: perfection isn’t the goal. Progress is. When you stop fearing the strikeouts, the errors, or the tough losses, and start learning from them, you’re building something far more valuable: resilience.

Being antifragile means embracing the grind and knowing that the struggles are what make you better. You don’t avoid the heat—you step into it, trusting that the fire will shape you into something stronger.

So, here’s the mindset I’m challenging myself with: Don’t aim to be flawless. Aim to improve, even just a little bit, every single day. And when things go wrong (because they will), remind yourself that stress builds strength. Lean into it, learn from it, and keep moving forward.

Because the game doesn’t ask for perfection—it asks for growth. And if you can get just 1% better every day, you’re already on your way to becoming antifragile.

2. What I’m Watching – Warriors vs. Boston Celtics, Steph Curry, Steve Kerr, and the Power of Accountability

Watching my hometown Golden State Warriors take on the Boston Celtics, I couldn’t help but notice an incredible teaching moment: head coach Steve Kerr yelling at Steph Curry—the face of the NBA and one of the greatest to ever do it. Here’s the kicker: Steph didn’t flinch. He took it. He owned it. He adjusted.

The post-game press conference laid it all out. Here are the key takeaways if you want to elevate your game to elite status:

1. Be Coachable, No Matter Who You Are
   Steph Curry, a two-time MVP and NBA champion, embraces accountability. He’s not above criticism. He wants to be coached—needs to be coached—to avoid bad plays and set a higher standard for himself and the team. If someone like Steph can take tough feedback, so can you.

2. Win the Possession Game
   Turnovers kill momentum. Coach Kerr emphasized how every possession matters, especially against great teams. Even small mistakes, like a risky pass, can swing the game. It’s about smart risks and staying under control. Winning teams minimize avoidable errors.

3. Leadership Means Accepting Responsibility
   Steph and Draymond are team leaders, and Kerr holds them to a higher standard. Why? Because their actions set the tone for the entire team. Leadership isn’t just about making big plays—it’s about showing accountability and owning your mistakes to help the team grow.

4. Adjust to Evolve
   The Warriors can’t play the same chaotic style they thrived on five years ago. The game has changed, and so have their opponents. To stay elite, you have to adapt—cut out the bad decisions, sharpen your focus, and make every possession count.

The lesson here is clear: greatness isn’t just about talent or highlights. It’s about accountability, being coachable, and constantly evolving. Steph Curry doesn’t let his status shield him from criticism—he lets it push him to be better. That’s the mindset we should all aim for, whether we’re on the court, the field, or anywhere else in life.

3. What I’m Learning – The Courage to Cross the Line

This week, I’m diving into a powerful lesson from Bill Beswick’s Changing Your Story, and it’s all about crossing the line—stepping up to take responsibility for your life, no matter how tough the situation might be.

Here’s the reality: staying on the safe side of the line means living life where others make the calls, and you let circumstances define your fate. Crossing the line means taking ownership—not just of your successes, but also of your failures. It’s uncomfortable. It’s challenging. But it’s where growth happens.

Bill’s story about his father urging him to take responsibility hit hard. Life will throw curveballs. Bad things will happen. But while we may not choose the situations we’re in, we always get to choose our response. That’s what maturity looks like—stepping up, showing up, and staying accountable to yourself and your team.

Bill Belichick said it best: “Responsibility means doing what you’re supposed to do, when you’re supposed to do it. Being where you’re supposed to be, when you’re supposed to be there. Doing what you say you’ll do.” It’s simple but not easy.

Here’s the kicker—crossing that line isn’t just about you. When you take responsibility, you inspire those around you. You create trust with teammates, coaches, and even yourself. The transformation is real. One of Beswick’s players, George, went from poor decisions and lack of discipline to a whole new level of focus, leadership, and growth—just by choosing to own his actions and his path.

This is what I’m working on myself and encouraging in my players: when things get tough, resist the urge to point fingers or make excuses. Instead, ask, How can I best deal with this?

The first challenge is to show up. Face the struggles, the failures, the setbacks. Own them. When you do, the rewards—a stronger, more resilient you—are waiting on the other side.

So, my challenge to you is simple: Have the courage to cross the line. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Every. Single. Time.

4. What I’m Writing – Upcoming Podcast Episode: Boost Mode: The Courage to Take Risks and Rise in the Moment 

In my next episode of Boost Mode, we’re diving into the often-overlooked skill that separates the good from the great: Courage. I’ll explore how embracing fear and stepping up in critical moments can elevate your game, both mentally and physically.

Key Highlights:

• Jackie Robinson’s Quiet Courage: Discover how Robinson’s mental toughness and restraint in the face of adversity redefined courage on and off the field.

• Aaron Judge’s Resilience: Learn from Judge’s journey of overcoming early career challenges and criticism to become one of the most formidable hitters in the league.

• Building Confidence Through Action: Understand how taking courageous steps, even when imperfect, strengthens your mental game over time.

• Embracing Discomfort for Growth: Hear stories of players who leaned into discomfort, pushing their limits to achieve greatness.

Plus, I’ll introduce a 7-Day Mental Toughness Challenge designed to help you build resilience and confidence, taking your mental game to the next level.

Stay tuned for the drop—you won’t want to miss this deep dive into the courage that fuels success.