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Winning in Your Head First: Merging Basketball & Mindset Performance Coaching

The Coaching Academy Blog

Posted: January 2025

In this week's blog we are catching up with one of our amazing graduates Jack Williams.  Jack has taken his love for basketball and combined it with his passion for mindset performance and has evolved his life coaching business into an exciting multi-faceted mindset & performance coaching business.  From empowering young players on the court to transforming lives off it, his unique approach is inspiring individuals to reach their full potential in every area of life.  Let’s ‘jump’ into his journey, his mission and the impact he’s creating!

The Evolution of Lost in Living Mindset and Performance Coaching

As we grow older, the bold affirmations we once held as children—those fearless declarations of “I am, I can, I will”—often fade into uncertainty. Life’s challenges, societal expectations, and self-doubt creep in, shifting our language from the empowered to the hesitant. We start saying things like "maybe," "I hope," or even "I can't." This subtle shift in language has a profound effect, not just on our mindset, but on the outcomes we achieve. For me, understanding and mastering the power of mindful language became the cornerstone of my journey with Lost in Living Mindset and Performance Coaching.

Since I began my life coaching business, Lost in Living, my work has expanded far beyond my initial vision. What started as a desire to help others find their voice has evolved into a comprehensive coaching model that integrates mindset coaching with performance, confidence-building, and a deeper focus on tackling anxiety. I’ve also found ways to bridge my passion for basketball with coaching, blending the mental and physical aspects of performance in unique and meaningful ways. My journey of growth in coaching is proof that when you focus on mastering your mindset, you open the doors to countless possibilities.

From Life Coaching to Mindset and Performance Coaching

When I first launched Lost in Living, the core focus was helping individuals rediscover themselves and find clarity in their personal and professional lives. Like many coaches, my initial drive was sparked by my own journey of transformation. After leaving a 12-year job that offered little fulfilment, moving across the world, and discovering life coaching through The Coaching Academy, I had a profound shift in my own mindset. Life coaching became my way of helping others see beyond their limiting beliefs and take control of their lives.

However, as I gained more experience and saw the needs of my clients more clearly, my coaching style began to evolve. I began focusing on Mindset Coaching and exploring further how language plays a critical role in shaping our beliefs and actions.

The power of words—especially the words we tell ourselves—can’t be overstated. I found that much of the hesitation, doubt, and fear that my clients felt stemmed from the language they used daily. Words like "maybe" or "I'll try" planted seeds of doubt in their minds, holding them back. This understanding shifted the direction of Lost in Living, from life coaching alone to an integrated mindset and performance coaching approach.

Mindset in Action: Merging Basketball and Mindset Performance

One of the most exciting developments in my coaching business has been the integration of my two biggest passions: basketball and mindset performance. Growing up playing the game, basketball has always taught me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. It was natural to combine my coaching techniques with the principles of the sport, especially when working with young athletes. This led to the creation of LiL Ballers Camps, where I teach juniors not only how to improve their game but how to master their mindset.

At these camps, I focus on the language athletes use both on and off the court. For instance, teaching them to shift from “I hope I can score” to “I will score” impacts their performance. The same goes for managing pressure, whether in sports or life. It’s about building confidence through affirming statements and mindfulness, helping them perform better physically because they believe mentally. The success of these camps has inspired me to expand further, offering mindset coaching workshops for sporting clubs and athletes of all levels, focusing on the intersection of mental strength and physical performance.

Expanding into Business and Anxiety Coaching

In addition to my work with athletes, I’ve developed a deeper focus on coaching for entrepreneurs and professionals. Starting and growing a business comes with its own set of mental challenges, particularly around confidence and decision-making. I’ve worked with several new business startups, offering webinars that focus on building lasting self-belief, managing anxiety, and developing the mindset needed to take risks. Whether someone is launching a business or navigating corporate life, the principles are the same—when you believe in yourself, you can overcome obstacles and seize opportunities.

Anxiety is another area where I’ve seen my coaching have a significant impact. Anxiety often stems from fear—fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of not being enough. By addressing the language clients use when discussing their anxieties, I help them reframe their thoughts, shifting from avoidance and self-doubt to empowerment. Coaching sessions now focus more on developing resilience, finding strategies to face anxiety head-on, and building a strong mental foundation for both personal and professional success.

The Power of Mindful Language

One of the biggest shifts in Lost in Living has been my focus on the power of mindful language. I consistently reinforce three core affirmations with my clients: “I am, I can, I will.” These phrases are simple yet transformative because they embody belief, capability, and action. They help clients rewire their subconscious, replacing doubt with certainty. Mindful language isn’t just about motivation; it’s about creating a mindset that continuously moves forward, even in the face of setbacks.

For example, when a client tells me they are “trying” to achieve a goal, I encourage them to replace “try” with “will.” It might seem like a small change, but this shift eliminates the room for doubt. It turns uncertainty into a declaration of intent. The more consistently they use positive, affirming language, the more their confidence grows. And it’s that confidence that becomes the lasting change.

The Future of Lost in Living

Looking forward, I see Lost in Living becoming much more than just a coaching business—it will be a transformative destination where anyone can come to change their life, no matter the challenge they face. Whether you are struggling with personal issues, anxiety, career decisions, or performance challenges, Lost in Living will offer a tailored solution. We are building a network of expert coaches, ensuring that each person is matched with the coach best suited to their unique needs. This approach guarantees that every individual can find the right fit, leading to deeper personal growth and lasting change.  

Lost in Living is also expanding into new areas, particularly with online courses and digital resources that will make mindset coaching more accessible to people everywhere. By creating comprehensive programs that address mental, emotional, and physical well-being, we aim to provide holistic personal development support. Through partnerships with other professionals, Lost in Living will cover a wide range of coaching disciplines, helping people overcome their unique barriers and tap into their full potential.

My Advice to Aspiring Coaches

For those considering a coaching career, my advice is to start by believing in yourself and your ability to make an impact. Be patient and committed to your own growth. Coaching isn’t just about giving advice—it’s about continuous self-discovery, learning, and evolving alongside your clients. Embrace every challenge as an opportunity to refine your craft.

In the end, coaching is about helping people uncover their potential and move past the barriers that hold them back. When you truly understand the impact of mindset and the power of language, you have the tools to create lasting transformation, both for yourself and for those you guide.

Next Steps…  

Lost in Living Mindset and Performance Coaching is more than just a business—it’s a movement toward empowering individuals to break free from self-imposed limits. Whether through one-on-one coaching, sports programs, or professional workshops, my mission is to help clients build unshakable confidence, overcome anxiety, and tap into the full potential of their mind. The journey isn’t easy, but with the right mindset, anything is possible.

I am, I can, I will.

This is how we unlock our true potential!

 

 

Thank you Jack for sharing your coaching journey and the difference you are making in the lives of others!  

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