An important part of growth is finding the right people to observe, ask questions, learn from and partner with. Mentors and role models can be of any age and can change as you grow and shift directions. Always be looking to help and for help, to live your best life.

In this episode, we dive into statistics and success — and explore why the numbers don’t always tell the full story. Stats shape how we measure performance, but what about the qualities that can’t be quantified? Leadership, chemistry, grit and consistent effort — the unseen factors that separate good players from great ones and turn teams into champions. Tune in as we unpack how the human side of sports often defies the data.

When the goal is to get better at anything in life, there are no deadlines, just continuous pursuit. The only failure comes in quitting.

Experience through travel will teach you things that supplement the lessons learned through sports. When you are able to tell stories about how you have survived the good and bad of all you have been through, those experiences become perspective and will lead you to your best life.

Johnny Beecher, of the Boston Bruins, discusses his journey to the NHL and how surrounding yourself with the right people will help you to be your best self.

Jessica Bump, the head coach of Binghamton Softball, discusses how culture, the right fit and commitment, lead to not just championships, but winning in life. "That's how we do things around here."

When working hard towards a goal, who are you doing for?

This is an important question to answer. Critics, parents, teammates, or yourself?

"The reaction to your progress and growth from others is a look into the mirror on their own growth or lack of it. Do not get caught up into that. Keep doing."

Is a difficult day a result of external circumstances or your internal response? A bad day is often characterized by a series of negative events or frustrations, while bad perspective refers to how we interpret and react to those events. 

Paul prompts Alli to discuss the best practices to anaylzing performance from a PLAYERS perspective.

"It is important to understand the timing of when to focus on the technical part of the game and when to focus on the mental part of the game."

Sacrificing long term goals and happiness for short term fun and gains, is a never ending battle. It is important to develop habits, a strong circle and a purpose, in order to limit instant gratification. "It's ok, but not ok everyday."

Once you decide and are committed to the process, what happens next? Alli and Paul discuss the next level dive and what coaches often look for. "It is important to match your goals with a school that can help you succeed."

Alli and Paul discuss the thought process, conversations and positioning involved, when a player wants to be recruited. "Surround yourself with others with the same goal."

Controlling emotion is a huge part of competing and anger may be at the top. Alli and Paul discuss what makes you angry and does it make you better or worse? How do you use it as a catalyst for better performance?

Alli and Paul discuss how the goal in anything is growth. Be open to feedback and trying new things when what you are currently doing, isn't working. "There is no one way and lessons learned should never be territorial to one coach, player or style."

Alli and Paul discuss the dynamic of talent and hard work and the role each play in determining long term success, in not only one's sport, but in life. "Regardless of the short term outcome, hard work is NEVER for NOTHING."

Alli and Paul discuss the intent, vulnerabilty and outcomes, in regard to the dynamic of player/parent dugouts.

Success can be tough to measure. If it is an outcome you always reach, you may not be challenging yourself enough. Set your goals too high and and it can be discouraging. Mixing long term vision with short term measuring points, is the most consistent way to measure gains. The best time to start, yesterday. The next best time, today.

Alli and Paul discuss the positives and benefits of playing high school softball. It is not better than travel ball, just different. "Anytime you compete, there are life lessons."

Sarah is a former SEC standout and current professional softball player. We discuss her theory of getting 1% better and how doing the little things and being a good teammate, are the keys to her successes, on and off of the field. "Make working hard, your normal".

The short -term consequences of poor communication always leads to long term issues. Alli and Paul discuss how accountability of yoursleves and teammates makes all the difference.....eeven though sometimes, you may "just need a minute."