Welcome to a milestone moment on The Mental Mettle Podcast-our 100th episode! 🎉 Host Matt Thomann celebrates this achievement with a deeply personal and inspiring conversation alongside his son, Lane Thomann. Together, they explore what it truly means to "Live Your 100," a philosophy rooted in resilience, hard work, and living life to the fullest every single day.

The Story Behind "Live Your 100"

The number 100 holds special significance for the Thomann family. For Matt, it became a rallying cry during his recovery from cancer and a life-altering stroke in 2020. In the hospital, unable to answer basic questions, he could only respond with "100"-a word that soon evolved from a moment of struggle into a mantra for daily growth and perseverance.

"Living my 100 became this mantra for me-a very positive way to focus on growth and giving everything I could mentally and physically towards improving."1

This philosophy is not about comparing yourself to others or even to your past self. It's about giving your personal best every day, no matter the circumstances.

Lane’s Journey: Hard Work, Setbacks, and Growth

Lane Thomann embodies the "Live Your 100" mindset in his own journey as a basketball player and young adult. From battling through injuries, redshirting, and spending seasons on the bench, Lane faced plenty of moments where the payoff for his hard work wasn’t immediate or obvious. But instead of giving in to frustration, he doubled down on his commitment to growth, both on and off the court.

Lane’s story is a testament to the power of grit, faith, and support. He even had “Live your 100” and “3:23” (a nod to Colossians 3:23) tattooed on his side-a sign that the lessons from his father and their shared journey had truly taken root.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

1. The Meaning of 100
For the Thomanns, 100 isn’t just a number-it’s a daily pursuit of being your best, whatever that looks like today. It’s about progress, not perfection.

2. Mindset Over Comparison
Lane and Matt emphasize that your 100 is unique to you. Don’t waste energy comparing yourself to others or your past achievements. Focus on what you can control and give your all in the present moment.

3. Overcoming Setbacks
Lane’s path was filled with challenges: injuries, limited playing time, and tough seasons. But each setback became an opportunity to build resilience and deepen his commitment to the process.

4. The Power of Support and Faith
Family, coaches, and faith played a huge role in Lane’s journey. Having a support system and a strong sense of purpose helped him stay focused and motivated, even during the toughest times.

5. "Live Your 100" Beyond Sports
This philosophy isn’t just for athletes. It’s a mindset for life-whether you’re a parent, coach, student, or professional. Every day is a chance to give your best effort, learn, and grow.

Why This Episode Matters

Whether you’re an athlete chasing a dream, a parent supporting your child, or anyone striving to maximize your potential, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice. The Thomanns’ story reminds us that success isn’t about never falling down-it’s about getting up, giving your best, and living your 100 every single day.

Ready to Live Your 100?

If you’re inspired by Lane and Matt’s journey and want to bring this mindset into your own life, reach out for personalized coaching and support:

Thank you for being part of the Mental Mettle community for 100 episodes. Here’s to giving your all-today and every day!

Listen to Episode 100 now and start your journey to Live Your 100.

Are you ready to forge your mettle?

More From Mental Mettle

Mental Toughness: More Than Grit — It’s a Toolkit You Can Grow
In the high-pressure world of sports, business, and life, “mental toughness” is a phrase that gets tossed around a lot. But what does it really mean?
Episode 111: Tips for Mastering the Mental Game with Coach Brandon Beery
How do elite athletes and coaches rise above the noise, pressure, and setbacks to achieve peak performance? In Episode 111 of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann and fellow mindset coach Brandon Beery break down the science and art of mastering the mental game.
Episode 110: Passion for the Process with Jarrett Brown and Lane Thomann
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.
Unlock Peak Performance: The Power of Mental Skills Training for Athletes and Teams
In today’s sports world, the difference between a good athlete and a great one is rarely just about physical ability. The real edge comes from what happens between the ears—mental toughness, focus, and resilience.
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.