The First Flight Home: Losing The Identity

I still remember the flight home from McKendree.
I was literally shaking.

Fear.
Anxiety.
Nerves.
All bundled into one truth:

This is the first time in my life I’m not an athlete.

No lifts on the schedule.
No teammates waiting.
No whistle to chase.

Losing who you were is brutal.
For a lot of people, that identity becomes everything they are and everything they’ll ever be happy with.

But for us former athletes, our work is different:
find a path that keeps our athletic edge alive and excites us like the game used to.

Not fake hype.
Not chasing old trophies.
A real path.
Clear rules. Visible progress. Pressure we can carry.

How to keep your edge (and feel alive doing it)

Pick an arena with a scoreboard.
Physical or mental. Define your opponent, the rules, and when you “compete.” If there’s no way to keep score, you won’t feel it.
Run at practice speed.
70% every day > 100% on random days. Consistency beats adrenaline.
Set three non-negotiables.
One body rep (movement, sleep, nutrition).
One work/money rep (ship the thing).
One relationship/purpose rep (call, mentor, serve).
Choose one skill to be known for in 12 months.
Write a simple weekly practice plan. Block the time. Protect it like game day.
Make a tiny scoreboard you can’t cheat.
Pen marks. Visible streaks. Real proof.
Build a huddle.
Two people you respect. End of week: one win, one lesson, one carry-over rep.
Control your minutes.
No coach decides anymore. Put yourself in the game every day.

Mon–Fri:

Friday:

Sunday:

On that flight, the fear felt like an ending.
It was actually the start line.

You’re not late.
You’re untrained for this season.

Pick your arena.
Set your standards.
Keep score where you can’t lie.

This is how we Master Your Next Season.