Your sports ceiling depends on the intersection of multiple factors:
- Skill
- Strategy (volleyball IQ)
- Physicality (strength, quickness, conditioning)
- Psychology (resilience)
1) Play to a target, not away from trouble
Volleyball translation: Serve and attack with an intended zone/shape, not just “don’t miss.”
Looks like: “Deep seam to 1/6,” “high hands off the outside blocker,” “roll to line corner.” A clear picture beats vague caution.
MVB - the elite players had craft and athleticism
2) Your mind’s job is commitment; your body’s job is execution
Rotella’s core idea: the best swings happen when the brain gets out of the way.
Volleyball translation: Decide early, then let trained movement happen.
Looks like: Serve toss = no second-guessing. Setter location = choose the best option, then deliver without steering.
MVB - the analogy is a computer; your body is your hardware and your decision-making comes from your 'software'. Upgrade both.
3) One swing / one serve: fully present
Volleyball translation: The last point is gone. The next point is a single rep.
Looks like: Your between-point routine resets attention: breathe → quick cue → go.
MVB - "Win this point" or "next play."
4) Trust is a skill you practice
Confidence isn’t a personality trait; it’s a habit built by repeated “I can do this” reps under stress.
Volleyball translation: Train “trust reps” intentionally (especially in serve/receive and late sets).
Looks like: Pressure servers still aim to a target; passers still call seams; hitters still choose a shot.
MVB - Your ability to get and stay on the court relates to 'trust'.
5) Evaluate decisions, not just outcomes
A good swing can produce a bad bounce; a good volleyball play can still lose the rally.
Volleyball translation: Grade the choice and process first, then outcome.
Looks like: “That was the right serve to their weakest passer,” even if it clips the tape and goes long next time.
MVB - Become your own quarterback with better decisions leading to better outcomes.
6) Stay in your “thinking box,” then switch to your “playing box”
Rotella’s classic: plan behind the ball, then shut the mind off when you step in.
Volleyball translation: Use time-outs, dead balls, and huddles to think; once the whistle blows, compete.
Looks like: Pre-serve: pick target + cue (“tall, smooth”). After whistle: no coaching yourself mid-motion.
MVB - "Plan your craft, then craft your plan."
7) Acceptance is performance fuel
Acceptance isn’t liking mistakes; it’s refusing to add a second mistake (anger, blame, panic).
Volleyball translation: Missed serve? Accept, then re-enter the rally mindset immediately.
Looks like: Neutral face, quick breath, “next ball” language, sprint to defensive base.
MVB - Don't chase perfection; chase excellence.
8) The score doesn’t change the job
Rotella hammers this: the swing is the same whether it’s practice or Sunday back-nine.
Volleyball translation: Your serve routine is identical at 23–23 as it is at 6–3.
Looks like: Same cadence, same target, same cue. You “borrow calm” from routine.
MVB - Process. Process. Process. Develop and trust the process.
9) Your self-talk must be an asset, not a heckler
Volleyball translation: Replace critique with cues.
Looks like: Instead of “don’t shank,” say “angle early.” Instead of “I can’t miss,” say “high and deep seam.”
MVB - Make your self-talk drive identity and performance.
10) Compete with what you have today
Rotella’s players stop waiting for perfect feel and start playing smart with the day’s swing.
Volleyball translation: If your timing is off, win with margin, shot selection, and defense.
Looks like: “My jump serve is shaky—go to a tough float to zone 1.” “My kill isn’t there—tool, tip, recycle.”
Your entire life can change in one year. Not ten. Not five. Not three. One. One year of focused, daily effort. You’re one year of focus away from people calling you lucky.
— Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom) December 31, 2025
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