Episode 84 Published September 7, 2025
Show Notes:
Welcome to the “Metheny Manifesto” episode, where we learn that the only thing parents should be yelling from the sidelines is… nothing!
The main lesson? Don’t be “that parent” screaming at your kid to “rebound!” or “shoot!”—especially if your kid’s underwater at a swim meet and can’t hear you anyway. The Metheny Manifesto, written by a former pro baseball player turned Little League coach, went viral for telling parents to zip it and let the kids play. Turns out, kids just want their parents to show up, not show off their coaching skills (or their creative cursing).
In short: cheer, don’t coach, and save the post-game analysis for the saints.
There are several helpful things you can do to support your athlete. Listen in for tips!
🧠 Defining Growth Mindset (for parents & kids)
- Growth mindset: the belief that skills, intelligence, and abilities can be developed through effort, practice, and perseverance. Mistakes aren’t failures — they’re opportunities to learn.
- Fixed mindset: the belief that abilities are static — “I’m just not good at math” or “I’ll never be fast enough.” Kids with this mindset avoid challenges because they fear failure will define them.
Carol Dweck (Stanford psychologist who pioneered the concept) sums it up like this: growth mindset = effort creates ability, while fixed mindset = ability is fixed, effort won’t matter
✨ Platitudes & Phrases Parents Can Use
✅ To instill growth mindset:
- “You can’t do it yet — but with practice, you will.”
- “Effort is what makes you stronger.”
- “Every mistake is a stepping stone.”
- “Struggle means you’re growing.”
- “Skills aren’t born, they’re built.”
- “The brain is like a muscle — the more you use it, the stronger it gets.”
- “I’m proud of how hard you worked, not just the result.”
- You either win or grow
❌ To dispel fixed mindset (when kids say things like ‘I’m not good at this’):
- “You’re not bad at it—you’re just still learning.”
- “Everyone starts as a beginner.”
- “It’s not about being the best, it’s about getting better.”
- “Failure doesn’t mean you can’t—it means you’re on your way.”
- “If everything were easy, you’d never grow.”
⚾ Sports-Specific Growth Mindset Lines
When they strike out (baseball/softball)
- “Every great hitter strikes out — it’s how you learn timing.”
- “That swing is one step closer to the next hit.”
- “Keep swinging, you’re getting better each time.”
When they miss a shot (basketball/soccer)
- “Even the pros miss more than they make.” Michael Jordan clutch shot to win.
- “Good players keep taking the shot — that’s how they improve.”
- “Missing means you’re trying, and trying is how you grow.”
When they drop the ball or fumble (football/any sport)
- “Mistakes happen — what matters is what you do next.”
- “Every play is a new chance.”
- “Shake it off and get ready for the next one.”
When they feel discouraged or say ‘I’m not good at this’
- “You’re not good at it yet.”
- “Every athlete you admire started out as a beginner.”
- “It’s not about being perfect — it’s about getting better every game.”
Listen to Episode 7 for more on Growth Mindset.
0 Comments