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 109: JT Welch, playing with confidence and a chip on his shoulder.
In Episode 109 of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with JT Welch, a recent Milikin University standout and new assistant coach at Bloomington Central Catholic. JT’s story is a powerful example of how confidence, preparation, and a relentless drive can help you overcome the odds—no matter your size or the challenges in your path.
The Five Pillars of Transformational Coaching: Servanthood, Humility, Ownership, Unity, and Thankfulness
In the world of sports, success is often measured by wins and losses. But for Coach Josh Williams of the Clinton Lady Maroons, true victory comes from building a culture rooted in five essential pillars: servanthood, humility, ownership, unity, and thankfulness.
Episode 108: A Journey from Transactional to Transformational Coaching with Josh Williams
Welcome back to the Mental Mettle Podcast! In this episode, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Josh Williams, head coach of the Clinton Lady Maroons, to explore a powerful evolution in coaching—moving from a transactional mindset to a transformational one.
Episode 107: Knowing your Athletes with HC Kim Barth of the Washington Lady Panthers
How do you build a record-breaking basketball team? For Coach Kim Barth of Washington Community High School, the answer is simple: truly know your athletes. In this episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Barth shares the inside story of leading the Washington Lady Panthers to an extraordinary 36-win season and a third-place finish at state—by focusing on connection, trust, and individualized coaching.
Episode 106: Matt Laur, HC of Pinckneyville Basketball – Giving Support to Match Expectations
In Episode 106 of the Mental Mettle Podcast, host Matt Thomann welcomes Coach Matt Laur, head coach of the Pinckneyville Panthers, for a deep dive into one of the most important—and often overlooked—aspects of high school sports: matching community support to the sky-high expectations placed on athletes.
The Mental Health Benefits of Yoga: How Intentional Practice Boosts Well-Being
Yoga is often celebrated for its physical benefits—improved flexibility, strength, and balance—but its profound impact on mental health is just as significant.