Episode 049 | Buyer’s Remorse | December 2025
In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle explores buyer’s remorse in youth sports, a feeling that often surfaces after tryouts, team changes, and when the excitement of a new environment fades. Athletes, parents, and coaches begin questioning whether the switch they made was the right one.
Dan explains why these decisions are often made under pressure and why early discomfort is frequently mistaken for a bad decision. He discusses adjustment cost, communication breakdowns, and the importance of slowing down reactions before making another change. The episode also highlights how transitions can be especially challenging for neurodivergent athletes, where new routines, expectations, and communication styles increase cognitive load and require stronger support systems.
In The Proper Atmosphere segment, Dan answers a question from a parent navigating regret after switching clubs and offers practical guidance for separating discomfort from real problems, identifying progress beyond outcomes, and supporting the athlete through the transition.
Topics covered:
Recommended Episodes:
Episode 033, The Benefits of Losing
Episode 031, Pump the Brakes
Episode 045, Honor the Past Without Being Trapped by It
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