What does it really mean to “trust the process”? In Episode 110 of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann dives deep into this question with basketball player Lane Thomann and Coach Jarrett Brown. Together, they unpack what the “process” truly is, why it matters, and how embracing it can transform athletes and teams from the inside out.

Redefining "The Process"

We’ve all heard coaches and athletes say, “Trust the process.” But what does that actually mean? In this episode, Coach Thomann, Lane, and Coach Brown break it down:

  • The process isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mindset.
  • It’s about focusing on daily habits, intentional practice, and loving the journey, not just the destination.
  • True progress comes from building routines that don’t rely on fleeting motivation, but on consistent, purposeful action.
“The man who loves walking will walk further than the man who loves the destination.”
— Lane Thomann, quoting an ancient proverb

How Do You Build a Process-Driven Athlete?

Lane Thomann shares his personal journey—how being a late bloomer in basketball forced him to fall in love with the process of getting better, rather than obsessing over quick results. Coach Brown adds perspective from the sidelines, describing how rare and valuable it is to find athletes who genuinely enjoy the grind.

Key Strategies Discussed:

  • Intentional Practice:
    Develop routines that become habits, so effort is automatic—even on days when motivation is low.
  • Mental Reps Matter:
    Just like you train your body, you must train your mind. The camp’s structure puts equal emphasis on mental skills, physical training, and basketball fundamentals.
  • Failure as Fuel:
    The best growth happens when you push to the edge of your abilities and sometimes fail. Both Lane and Coach Brown highlight how adversity in the gym and on the court is intentionally manufactured to teach resilience and positive self-talk.
  • Real-Time Application:
    The camp uniquely blends classroom mental training with immediate on-court and weight room challenges, allowing athletes to apply new mindsets in the moment.

Inside the "Passion for the Process" Basketball Camp

This episode also introduces the Passion for the Process Basketball Camp, the latest offering from Mental Mettle Coaching. Unlike traditional camps, this program is built around three core skillsets:

Mental

Mindset, confidence, self-talk, gratitude

Physical

Strength, conditioning, resilience

Basketball

Skills, competition, adaptability

Each day, athletes cycle through mental coaching, intense physical workouts, and challenging basketball drills—all designed to reinforce the idea that progress is built one rep, one drill, and one positive thought at a time.

Why This Camp Is Different

  • Holistic Development:
    Athletes don’t just learn new plays—they learn how to handle adversity, support teammates, and build lasting habits.
  • Immediate Feedback:
    Coaches and players get to see mental skills in action, making adjustments on the fly.
  • Team and Individual Growth:
    The camp fosters both personal accountability and team unity, helping athletes and coaches connect on a deeper level.

Powerful Takeaways

  • Motivation is fleeting; process is lasting.
    Build habits that carry you through tough days.
  • Mental skills are just as trainable as physical ones.
    Make them part of your daily routine.
  • Transformation starts with coaches.
    For teams to change, leaders must be willing to change first.
  • Celebrate progress, not just outcomes.
    Use tools like “three good things” to shift focus toward gratitude and growth.

Ready to experience the power of the process?
Sign up for the Passion for the Process Basketball Camp by contacting Coach Matt Thomann at coachthomann@gmail.com. Spots are limited!

For more on building mentally tough athletes and teams, visit www.mentalmettlelifecoaching.com.

Don’t miss this episode—hoopers, coaches, and parents alike will find inspiration and practical tools to help athletes fall in love with the journey, not just the finish line.

Subscribe for more episodes and insights from top coaches and leaders!

Are you ready to forge your mettle?

More From Mental Mettle

Episode 117: Anchored in Faith: JaDawn Bryant's Guide to Purposeful Leadership
In this transformative episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, listeners are treated to an energizing and insightful conversation with JaDawn Bryant, head coach of the MacArthur Lady Generals, behavioral interventionist, and passionate evangelist. JaDawn's journey—anchored in deep faith and unyielding integrity—offers a beacon of purposeful leadership for coaches, athletes, and anyone seeking lasting impact.
Unlocking True Confidence: How Mental Metal Coaching Helps Athletes Build Resilience That Lasts
In competitive sports, the difference between potential and actual performance often comes down to one thing: mental toughness. While athletes and teams pour hours into skill drills and strength training, true confidence and resilience are often left to chance. At Mental Metal Coaching, we believe this “third skill set” – your mindset – is the gamechanger that so many teams and athletes are missing.
Episode 116: Finding Identity Beyond the Court: Zach Cleveland's Journey
In episode 116 of The Mental Metal Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Liberty University basketball standout Zach Cleveland for a powerful conversation on faith, identity, and purpose that reaches far beyond the boundaries of the court.
Control the Controllables: The Key to Building Mental Toughness in Athletes
While scoreboard success grabs the headlines, the real secret to peak performance – and lifelong growth – lies in a deceptively simple idea: control the controllables.
Episode 115: Beyond Wins and Losses with Coach Abe Zeller
In the high-pressure world of sports, it’s easy to measure success by the scoreboard. But for Morton Potters head basketball coach Abe Zeller, winning is only a small part of the equation. In this thought-provoking conversation on The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Zeller joins host Matt Thomann to discuss building athletes who are not only better players—but better people.
The Untapped Power of Visualization: Why Mental Imagery Should Be Your Mindset “Cheat Code”
Are you trying to unlock peak performance in sport, business, or personal development, but feel stuck despite hours of practice or preparation? You could be missing out on one of the most powerful tools for success: visualization.