Flanagan Performance Newsletter

Hey everyone!

I’m reaching out from Tokyo, where I’m getting the chance to speak with some incredible schools and groups about mental performance. While I’m here, I’ve picked up a few Japanese concepts that I believe every athlete and coach can use to get better, both on and off the field. Let’s break them down together and see how they fit into our mindset work.

Oubaitori: Grow at Your Own Pace

Picture four different trees in spring: cherry, peach, plum, and apricot. Each one blooms when it’s ready, in its own time. That’s what Oubaitori is all about. As your mental performance coach, I want you to remember that your journey is unique.

It’s easy to look around and compare your progress to someone else, but real growth happens when you stay focused on your own path.

Celebrate your small wins, trust your process, and know that your moment will come if you keep putting in the work.

Mottainai: Use Your Full Potential

Mottainai is a reminder not to waste what you’ve got. This isn’t just about food or water. It’s about your energy, your time, and your talent.

Every practice, every rep, every opportunity is a chance to get better. Don’t leave anything on the table. Show gratitude for your abilities by giving your best effort, and don’t let regret creep in from holding back.

Let’s make the most of every resource we have, especially the ones inside us.

Yuugen: See the Depth Beyond the Surface

Yuugen is about finding meaning and beauty in what isn’t always obvious. Think about the mental work you do—the moments of resilience, the quiet confidence, the mindset shifts that nobody else sees.

That’s where the real magic happens. Don’t get caught up only in the visible results.

Appreciate the growth that happens beneath the surface and let that fuel your drive. The scoreboard doesn’t always tell the whole story.

Let’s take these lessons from Tokyo and use them in our training and in life. Which one hits home for you today?

Shoot me a message or tell the group how you’re putting these ideas into action. Remember, progress is personal and every step forward matters.

Stay relentless,

Dr. Skip