New Year, New Mindset

Hey everyone!

It’s that time again—fresh notebooks, new faces, and a calendar full of opportunity. This year hits different for me: I’m starting my journey as a professor, after years in the trenches as a coach and athlete.

Here’s what I know for sure—whether you’re in the classroom, the boardroom, or the locker room, your mindset is your most powerful tool.

3 Mental Performance Tips to Own This Year:

1. Set Your Intention, Not Just Your Schedule
Don’t just fill your calendar—decide who you want to be this year. Are you showing up as a learner, a leader, a teammate?

Write it down.

Intentionality beats busy-ness every time.

2. Embrace the “First-Day” Mindset
Everyone’s a rookie at something. Use that energy.

Ask questions, make mistakes, and remember: growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone.

Professors, coaches, and athletes all start as beginners.

3. Control the Controllables
You can’t control the syllabus, the weather, or the referees—but you can control your attitude, effort, and preparation.

Champions focus on what’s in their hands (literally and metaphorically).

Bonus: Reflection is Your Secret Weapon
At the end of each week, ask: What’s one win? One lesson? One thing to improve?

Growth isn’t just about going harder—it’s about getting wiser.

As I step into the classroom, I’m taking my own advice: learning, adapting, and staying humble.

Whether you’re chasing grades, goals, or greatness, remember—mental performance isn’t just for athletes.

It’s for anyone who wants to level up.

Let’s make this year your best yet.

Stay gritty. Stay grateful. Go Deaf.

Skip Flanagan, EdD
Flanagan Performance