Shows
Today Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 152 Chaos Is Coming — Leaders Keep It SimpleGames rarely go as planned. Momentum swings. Emotions rise. Chaos shows up.
In this episode, mental performance coach Steve Pinkston explains how the best leaders — captains, quarterbacks, point guards, and vocal competitors — use 3 Keys to Keeping It Simple to steady themselves and their team when everything feels out of control.
Today’s Action Step:
1️⃣ Choose 3 Keys that stabilize the team
Not stats. Not strategy.
Energy. Presence. Response.
2️⃣ Live them visibly
Your keys must be seen, not explained.
3️⃣ Return to them when emotions spike
That’s when leadership matters mo...
2026-02-2703 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 150 One Mistake Can’t Beat You — Unless You Let ItMistakes are inevitable — mental spirals are optional.
In this episode, Steve Pinkston teaches athletes how to respond after mistakes using 3 Keys to Keeping It Simple, a reset system that keeps confidence intact and attention locked on the next play.
Today’s Action Step:
1️⃣ One physical cue
2️⃣ One attention cue
3️⃣ One attitude cue
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental performance strategy to help you win the day.
Learn More & Work...
2026-02-2502 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 149 Your Head Is the Opponent — Win the Mental Matchup Before It StartsThe biggest opponent you’ll face isn’t wearing a jersey — it’s the noise in your own head.
In this episode, mental performance coach Steve Pinkston speaks directly to athletes who overthink before competition. Learn how elite performers simplify their focus with 3 Keys to Keeping It Simple so they can walk into games calm, confident, and ready to compete — not survive.
Today’s Action Step:
1️⃣ Write down your 3 pregame keys
2️⃣ Read them during warm-ups
3️⃣ When nerves rise, return to key #1
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation f...
2026-02-2402 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 148 Your Mind Is Too Loud — Here’s How Elite Performers Quiet ItPressure doesn’t ruin performance — overthinking does.
In this episode, mental performance coach Steve Pinkston breaks down 3 Keys to Keeping It Simple, a powerful focus system used by elite performers to stay present, calm, and confident when the moment gets big.
If your head gets “too busy” in competition, this episode will show you how to cut through the noise, trust your training, and play free under pressure.
Today’s Action Step:
1️⃣ Write down your 3 Keys
Not what sounds good — what actually helps you play your best.
2️⃣ Rehearse them before competition
Say...
2026-02-2306 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 147 Walk Like You Believe — Body Language as Faith Under PressureFaith isn’t just what you say—it’s how you carry yourself when pressure hits. In this final episode, mental performance coach Steve Pinkston connects body language, discipline, and belief through Scripture and biblical stories. Learn how posture, composure, and presence become a visible expression of faith—and why walking with confidence, calm, and courage is often the loudest testimony.
Today’s Action Step:
Stand tall in hard moments.
Not because you’re tough —
because you trust.
Slow down when pressure speeds up.
Calm is confidence rooted in belief.
Let your posture reflect your pr...
2026-02-2203 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 146: You Don’t Leave This on the Field — Body Language in School, Work, and LifeBody language doesn’t stop when the game ends. In this episode, mental performance coach Steve Pinkston connects the lessons of posture, presence, and emotional control from sports into classrooms, careers, relationships, and leadership. Learn how the same habits that create confidence in competition also shape respect, trust, and influence in everyday life.
Today’s Action Step:
Walk into rooms on purpose.
Head up. Shoulders back.
You belong there.
Slow your reactions.
Pause before responding.
That pause is power.
Sit like you’re engaged.
Your posture tells people how seriously you take th...
2026-02-2103 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 145: When You’re Tired, the Truth Shows — Training Body Language Under FatigueAnybody can look confident when they’re fresh. This episode is about what happens when you’re tired. Mental performance coach Steve Pinkston challenges athletes to confront the moment when body language breaks down under fatigue—and shows how elite performers train posture, presence, and composure when it matters most: late in games, under pressure, when excuses are easy.
Today’s Action Step:
Practice posture late.
Last drill. Last rep.
That’s where you lock it in.
Hold presence accountable.
Not just effort. Not just execution.
Posture counts.
Use fatigue as a cue.
T...
2026-02-2003 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 144: Lead Without Talking — How Your Presence Either Calms the Team or Breaks ItLeadership isn’t about volume—it’s about presence. In this episode, mental performance coach Steve Pinkston talks directly to athletes about how body language becomes leadership in pressure moments. Learn how posture, stillness, and composure communicate trust, confidence, and control—and why teammates follow the athlete who looks steady when chaos hits.
Today’s Action Step:
Own your posture in chaotic moments.
Bad call? Tall posture.
Momentum swing? Same posture.
Reduce extra movement.
Extra motion usually means lost control.
Make eye contact.
With teammates. With the huddle.
That says, “I’m here.”
2026-02-1903 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 143: Stay Neutral or Get Exposed — Why Emotional Athletes Break FirstEnergy is good. Emotional swings are not. In this episode, mental performance coach Steve Pinkston challenges athletes to rethink hype, emotion, and confidence. Learn why elite performers train neutrality—not positivity—and how body language that stays steady under pressure becomes a competitive advantage when the game gets tight.
Today’s Action Step:
Same body, every play.
Make or miss — look identical.
Control your movement.
Extra motion usually means extra emotion.
Breathe on purpose.
Slow breath = steady body = clear mind.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation...
2026-02-1804 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 142: Next Play or Next Spiral — How Your Body Language After Mistakes Decides EverythingMistakes are inevitable. Spirals are optional. In this episode, mental performance coach Steve Pinkston talks straight to athletes about the most revealing moment in sports: what you do after the mistake. Learn how body language either stops the bleeding or pours gasoline on it—and how elite performers train physical resets that protect confidence, momentum, and trust when pressure hits.
Today’s Action Step:
Build a physical reset.
Not mental. Physical.
Clap your hands.
Deep breath.
Chin up.
Eyes forward.
Pick one. Use it every time.
Practice the reset in tr...
2026-02-1704 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 141: You’re Always on Display — Why Body Language Is Already CompetingBefore you say a word, you’re already competing.
In this episode, mental performance coach Steve Pinkston breaks down why body language is performance—and how your posture, presence, and reactions shape confidence, trust, and momentum before the game even starts. Learn how elite athletes use body language to stay steady under pressure and why the way you carry yourself can be the difference between folding early and finishing strong.
Today’s Action Step:
Fix your default posture.
Chest tall. Chin neutral. Eyes up.
That’s home base. Always.
Own the space between p...
2026-02-1604 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 140: Daily Bread — Faith, Focus, and Trusting God One Moment at a TimeThe Bible doesn’t call us to live in yesterday or control tomorrow—it calls us to be faithful today. In this episode, Coach connects focus, awareness, and W.I.N. to Scripture, showing how present-moment living builds spiritual resilience, trust, and peace—even in adversity. Faith, like performance, is lived one moment at a time.
Today’s Action Step:
Start Each Day With W.I.N.
Ask:
“God, what’s important for me today?”
When Anxiety Shows Up, Come Back to Now
You don’t need tomorrow’s strength today.
“Therefore do not worry about to...
2026-02-1504 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 139: When Life Applies Pressure — Using W.I.N. Beyond the GamePressure doesn’t stop when the game ends. School, work, relationships, leadership, parenting—life is full of moments that demand focus under stress. In this episode, Coach bridges the focus and awareness skills learned in sport into everyday life, showing how W.I.N. and present-moment awareness help people stay steady, make better decisions, and avoid self-sabotage when it matters most.
Today’s Action Step:
Use W.I.N. Outside of Sport
When things feel heavy, ask it.
Out loud if you need to.
Notice Your Yellow Lights
Body tension. Tone of voice. Racing...
2026-02-1404 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 138: One Play, One Choice — How W.I.N. Keeps You From OverthinkingBig goals don’t require big focus—just present focus. In this episode, Coach breaks down the W.I.N. mindset (What’s Important Now), why elite athletes shrink the moment instead of chasing the future, and how “Today + Today + Today” creates consistency without overwhelm.
Today’s Action Step:
Ask W.I.N. Constantly
Before practice.
During mistakes.
Under pressure.
“What’s important now?”
Shrink the Moment
If it feels heavy—
You’re thinking too far ahead.
Pull it back.
Stack Today
Win today on purpose.
Then do it again.
...
2026-02-1304 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 137: Train the Muscle — Why Focus Gets Better Only When You Practice ItFocus isn’t something you either have or don’t—it’s something you train. In this episode, Coach breaks down why hoping for focus fails, how intentional mental reps build consistency, and how simple tools like concentration grids develop awareness that shows up under pressure.
Today’s Action Step:
Start using Concentration Grids Today Get yours here https://briancain.com/CGRID?rows=3&columns=3
Step 1: Quiet Environment
Start with no distractions.
Time yourself. Track it.
Step 2: Add Distractions
Music. TV. Noise.
Just like real life. Just like competition...
2026-02-1204 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 136: Focus vs Awareness — Why “Trying Harder” Keeps Letting You DownMost athletes don’t struggle because they don’t care enough. They struggle because they’re focused on the wrong thing—or don’t realize when they’ve drifted. In this episode, Coach breaks down the difference between focus and awareness, why effort alone doesn’t fix inconsistency, and how learning to recognize your “signal lights” can change the way you perform under pressure.
Today’s Action Step:
Identify Your Signal Lights
Write this down or think it through:
What does Green look like for you?
What shows up first in Yellow?
How do you act i...
2026-02-1104 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 135: After the Mistake — The Skill That Separates the Great From the AverageEpisode Description
Everyone makes mistakes. Not everyone recovers from them. In this episode, Coach breaks down the real separator at the elite level: the ability to refocus after adversity. You’ll learn why spiraling is a skill problem—not a toughness problem—and how to train a reset response that shows up when it matters most.
Today’s Action Step:
Alright—here’s what I want you to start doing immediately.
Build a Reset Ritual
Every mistake deserves the same response.
Win or lose—reset the same way.
It might be:
A deep breat...
2026-02-1005 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 134: One Moment — How Elite Performers Stay Present Under PressureEpisode Description
Why do some athletes fall apart after one mistake while others respond like nothing happened? The difference isn’t talent—it’s focus and awareness. In this episode, we introduce the foundational skill of present-moment focus, the W.I.N. mindset (What’s Important Now), and why learning to compete one play at a time is the gateway to consistency and resilience.
Today’s Action Step:
Name your W.I.N.
Before practice or competition, ask: What’s important right now?
Refocus after every rep.
Mistake or success—reset the same way.
2026-02-0902 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 133 — Faith in the Storm: Row Until the ShoreScripture is filled with storms—and faithful people who kept moving forward. This episode connects Row the Boat to biblical resilience, faith, and perseverance.
Today’s Action Step:
First:
Name the storm you’re in.
God already knows it—but you need to acknowledge it.
Second:
Ask: What does obedience look like right now?
Not tomorrow.
Not when it makes sense.
Right now.
Third:
Row with trust.
Let go of control.
Keep moving forward.
About Today Matters
Today Matt...
2026-02-0804 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 132 — Row Your Life: Discipline Beats MotivationRow the Boat isn’t just a sports principle—it’s a life standard. Learn how this mindset applies to school, relationships, work, and personal growth.
Today’s Action Step:
First:
Identify one area of life where you’ve been drifting.
Second:
Decide what rowing looks like there—specifically.
Third:
Commit to one disciplined action today.
Not tomorrow.
Today.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each e...
2026-02-0704 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp131 — Elite Is a Decision: Every Stroke CountsElite performance isn’t built in big moments—it’s built in ordinary ones. This episode challenges athletes to treat every rep like it matters.
Today’s Action Step:
First:
Identify one area where your standards slip.
Second:
Decide—right now—how elite shows up there.
Third:
Commit to rowing that way every day, not just when it’s easy
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental p...
2026-02-0604 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 130 — Row With Your Team: Leadership Is TempoYour energy affects the entire boat. This episode shows athletes how leadership is about consistency, communication, and rowing in the same direction together.
Today’s Action Step:
First:
Be aware of your body language today.
Before practice.
During reps.
After mistakes.
Second:
Decide to raise the tempo—especially when it’s uncomfortable.
Third:
Row for the person next to you.
Not because it’s easy.
Because that’s leadership.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation fo...
2026-02-0504 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 129 — Learn From the Wake: Don’t Live ThereMistakes happen. Losses happen. The key is learning without lingering. This episode teaches athletes how to use the past as feedback—not baggage.
Today’s Action Step:
First:
Label it—without emotion.
“Late read.”
“Poor footwork.”
“Bad decision.”
Second:
Adjust one thing.
One cue.
One correction.
Third:
Physically reset.
Exhale.
Clap your hands.
Touch the line.
Turn the page.
Then row.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athlete...
2026-02-0404 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 128 — Control Your Oar: The Power of the PresentYou can’t control outcomes, opponents, or tomorrow—but you can control the next stroke. This episode teaches athletes how elite performers stay locked into the present moment, eliminate distractions, and focus on what actually wins.
Today’s Action Step:
First:
Catch yourself when your mind drifts.
Not to judge it—just to notice it.
Second:
Bring it back to something physical.
Your breath.
Your feet.
Your hands on the oar.
Third:
Commit fully to the next stroke.
Half-effort is still drifting.
2026-02-0305 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 127 — Storms Don’t Stop Champions: Row AnywayAdversity is guaranteed in sports. Injury. Losses. Setbacks. Pressure. The difference between average athletes and elite performers isn’t talent—it’s how they respond when things get hard. In this episode, Coach Steve Pinkston breaks down P.J. Fleck’s powerful “Row the Boat” philosophy and shows athletes how to keep moving forward with purpose, energy, and optimism—no matter the conditions.
Today’s Action Step:
First:
Name your storm.
What’s the thing you’ve been blaming for your effort slipping?
Second:
Decide your next stroke.
One action you can take i...
2026-02-0206 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 126: Renew Your Mind — The Spiritual Key to Lasting ChangeTrue transformation isn’t just physical or mental—it’s spiritual. As athletes and as people, lasting change comes when we renew our minds and align our actions with God’s truth. In this episode, Coach Pinkston brings a biblical perspective to the principles of change. You’ll learn how Scripture teaches growth through renewal (Romans 12:2), perseverance through trials (James 1:2–4), and the power of community (Proverbs 27:17). You’ll hear how stories like David facing Goliath and Paul pressing on toward the goal point us toward confidence, courage, and persistence rooted in faith. This isn’t just about becoming a better athlete—i...
2026-02-0102 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 125: From the Field to Life — Building Change that Lasts EverywhereAthletes don’t just face obstacles in training—they face them in school, work, and relationships too. The same principles that help you change on the field apply off it. In this episode, Coach Pinkston bridges the gap between sport and life. You’ll discover how to use the same tools—confidence, cues, accountability, and environment design—to improve your grades, strengthen your relationships, and reach personal goals. Change doesn’t stop when practice ends. Whether you’re tackling procrastination in school, forgetfulness in family responsibilities, or impulsivity in your daily choices, the formula is the same: identify the obstacle, appl...
2026-01-3102 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 124: Never Forget Again — Winning with Cues and RemindersSometimes the reason you don’t hit your goals isn’t lack of effort—it’s simply forgetting. You meant to hydrate, but practice ended and you walked right past the water bottle. You meant to stretch, but something else distracted you. Forgetfulness sounds small, but for athletes, it creates missed reps, missed recovery, and missed opportunities. In this episode, Coach Pinkston reveals how to fight forgetfulness with smart systems. You’ll learn the power of cues, routines, and “when-then” planning that builds consistency even when life gets busy. Forgetting isn’t weakness—it’s human. But champions don’t leave memory to chan...
2026-01-3002 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 123: Beat Tomorrow’s Trap — Breaking Free from Procrastination “I’ll do it tomorrow.” Famous last words. Procrastination steals your progress one delay at a time. And as athletes, those delays compound—until the season ends, and we realize we left potential on the table. In this episode, Coach Pinkston unpacks why procrastination is so dangerous and why “future you” can’t be trusted without systems. You’ll learn how to use commitment devices, accountability, and deadlines to stop pushing important work down the road. This isn’t about guilt—it’s about building a structure where procrastination has no chance to win. If you’ve ever delayed recovery, skipped film, o...
2026-01-2902 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 122: Stop Losing to “Right Now” — Beating Impulsivity with Smart Design You want to eat better, study film, and train harder. But then… “right now” wins. The cookies on the counter, the video game after practice, the temptation to scroll on your phone instead of stretching. Impulsivity kills long-term goals. In this episode, Coach Pinkston shows you why willpower alone won’t save you—and how to outsmart your impulses by designing your environment. You’ll learn about temptation bundling, removing cues, and making the right choice the easy choice. Athletes succeed not because they’re robots with perfect discipline, but because they shape their surroundings for success. If “present you” keeps beatin...
2026-01-2802 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp121: Believe Before You Achieve — Unlocking Unshakable Confidence If you don’t believe you can do it, you’ll never take the first step. Confidence isn’t just “feeling good about yourself”—it’s the foundation for every rep, every practice, every performance. In this episode, Coach Pinkston unpacks why athletes often sabotage themselves before they even begin. You’ll learn how confidence is built through action, not hype, and how small wins can create momentum. You’ll also hear strategies to replace negative self-talk with a growth mindset that reframes failure as feedback. Whether you’re trying to earn a starting spot, bounce back from injury, or finally trust your...
2026-01-2703 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 120: Stop Beating Yourself Up — Start Changing for Real Every athlete knows the cycle: you try to change a habit, a routine, or a mindset… and you fail. Then the self-talk kicks in: “I must not want it enough. I’m not tough enough. I don’t have enough discipline.” Sound familiar? You’re not broken, and you’re not weak. The truth is, real change isn’t about willpower—it’s about strategy. In this episode, Coach Pinkston unpacks why cookie-cutter approaches like “just do it” or “want it more” don’t work, and reveals a better way forward. You’ll learn how to identify the real obstacles holding you back, how t...
2026-01-2605 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 119: Called to Persevere — Biblical Motivation and CommitmentIn this final episode, we take the principle of motivation and commitment into a spiritual context. We look at Scripture, stories of faith, and what it means to stay committed to God’s purposes even when the path is difficult.
We’ll connect:
faith
perseverance
calling
discipline
Today’s Action Step:
1 — Pray or reflect over your goals
2 — Release results — commit to faithfulness
3 — Choose one spiritual habit to build
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coache...
2026-01-2503 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 118: Beyond the Game — Motivation and Commitment in Real LifeSport is training for life. In this episode, we bridge motivation and commitment from athletics to school, relationships, work, faith, and personal goals. We talk about discipline, commitment to people, and staying true to your values even when it’s not easy.
Today’s Action Step:
1 — Choose one life area to level up
2 — Define one daily action
3 — Identify who benefits if you stay committed
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental performance strategy to help you w...
2026-01-2403 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 117: See It — Then Do the WorkVisualization is powerful — but misunderstood. Many athletes try to picture easy success and then feel crushed when adversity hits. This episode teaches realistic optimism: see success, expect adversity, and commit to the work required.
You’ll learn:
the right and wrong way to visualize
the difference between realistic and unrealistic optimism
how to mentally rehearse adversity
how to use vision boards the right way
Today’s Action Step:
1 — Create a mental highlight… of the process
2 — Write two adversity plans
3 — Put a visual reminder somewhere you see daily
2026-01-2303 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 116: Telescopes and Microscopes — Turning Big Dreams into Daily WorkBig goals can inspire you — or overwhelm you. This episode teaches you how to break huge dreams into daily actions using the Telescope and Microscope Method. We reverse-engineer long-term goals into simple, controllable steps.
You’ll learn:
how big visions can create pressure or clarity
how to reverse-engineer goals
how daily habits connect to long-term success
how to avoid burnout and overwhelm
Today’s Action Step:
1 — Write one telescope goal
2 — Break it into microscope actions
3 — Find an accountability partner
About Today Matters
Today Matters...
2026-01-2204 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 115: Start Small — Build Unstoppable Momentum TodayMost athletes think they need massive motivation to make massive progress. Wrong. You need small, consistent starts. In this episode, we break down the “Physics of Productivity” — why action creates motivation, how to beat procrastination, and how tiny wins build huge results.
We’ll cover:
why the start is the hardest part
how motivation follows action
how to lower the barrier to starting
small daily wins that build elite confidence
Great for: athletes who delay, overthink, or feel stuck getting going.
Today’s Action Step:
1 — Crea...
2026-01-2104 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp114: Your WHY Is Your Power — Build Motivation That Doesn’t QuitWhen motivation fades, most athletes assume something is wrong with them. Nothing is wrong — they just haven’t built a powerful WHY. In this episode, we walk you through Start With WHY + WHAT, a proven strategy for building deep, lasting motivation that actually survives bad days.
You’ll learn:
the Start With WHY + WHAT framework
how to connect your goals to meaning
how to anticipate sacrifice and stay committed
how to build a mission statement you can read daily
Today’s Action Step:
1 — Write your real WHY
2 — Exp...
2026-01-2005 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 113: Stop Waiting to “Feel Motivated” — Become the Athlete Who Shows Up AnywayMost athletes wait for motivation. Champions build commitment. In this episode, we break down why motivation fades, how commitment carries you when feelings disappear, and how elite athletes learn to take action even on days they don’t feel like it.
You’ll learn:
the difference between motivation and commitment
why motivation often comes after action
how to build daily “show up anyway” discipline
how to anchor your WHY so you don’t quit when it gets hard
Perfect for: athletes in any sport who struggle with consistenc...
2026-01-1905 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 112: Faith Under Fire — Pressure, Purpose, and God’s Plan Coach Steve explores the spiritual side of pressure. Drawing from Scripture, he explains how God uses challenge to shape character, how faith reframes fear, and why the greatest privilege of pressure is discovering your purpose through it.
Today’s Action Step:
Pause and Pray.
Journal God’s Track Record.
Change the Question.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental performance strategy to help you win the day.
Learn More & Work wit...
2026-01-1804 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 111: Life’s Arena — Turning Everyday Pressure into Purpose Pressure doesn’t stop at the buzzer. It shows up in classrooms, careers, and conversations at home. In this episode, Coach Steve helps you translate the same mental skills that help you perform on the field into tools for thriving under life’s daily pressures.
Today’s Action Step:
Find Your Arena.
Apply Your Playbook.
Redefine Winning.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental performance strategy to help you win the day.
2026-01-1704 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 110: From Fear to Focus — How Champions Think Under Pressure Fear and focus can’t live in the same space. In this episode, Coach Steve teaches athletes how to channel nervous energy into razor-sharp focus using routines, self-talk, and visualization — just like the pros.
Today’s Action Step:
Create a Reset Cue.
Visualize Success Under Pressure.
Simplify.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental performance strategy to help you win the day.
Learn More & Work with Coach Pinkston
👉 CoachPinkston...
2026-01-1603 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 109: Earned Confidence — Preparation Over Panic You can’t fake confidence under pressure — you earn it through preparation. In this episode, Coach Steve teaches how to build genuine self-trust by doing the work, keeping your promises, and stacking small wins that silence self-doubt.
Today’s Action Step:
Keep Score of Your Wins.
Prepare in Private.
Pre-Performance Routine.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental performance strategy to help you win the day.
Learn More & Work with Coach Pinkston
2026-01-1502 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 108: Practice Pressure — Train It Before It Trains You You can’t wait until game day to learn how to handle pressure. In this episode, Coach Steve shows you how to build “pressure reps” into your training so you stay composed when it counts most.
Today’s Action Step:
Create Pressure Drills.
Use Distractions.
Reflect and Reset.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental performance strategy to help you win the day.
Learn More & Work with Coach Pinkston
👉 Coach...
2026-01-1403 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 107: Wired for Greatness — The Science of Pressure Your body isn’t betraying you under pressure — it’s preparing you. In this episode, Coach Steve breaks down the science of stress, how elite athletes train their nervous system to thrive under it, and how you can turn those game-day jitters into a superpower.
Today’s Action Step:
Rename the Sensation.
Train Your Breath.
Pressure Practice.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental performance strategy to help you win the day.
...
2026-01-1304 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 106: Earned Moments — Why Pressure Means You’ve ArrivedYou don’t feel pressure when you’re irrelevant. You feel it when you’ve earned a spot that matters. In this episode, Coach Steve unpacks Billie Jean King’s legendary quote, “Pressure is a privilege,” showing athletes how to transform nerves into power, and how to embrace big-moment stress as a signal of growth, not fear.
Today’s Action Step:
Name Your Pressure.
Reframe It.
Create Your Power Phrase.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple...
2026-01-1206 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 105: Faith Over Fear — How God Builds Courage in YouThe Bible talks about fear constantly — because God knows we struggle with it. In this spiritual episode, Coach Steve shares how Scripture and faith help us face fear with strength, peace, and confidence. Perfect for athletes and families wanting a faith-centered approach to courage.
Today’s Action Step:
1. Pick a verse and memorize it this week.
2. Pray before your next big moment.
3. Journal a time when God helped you face fear.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston...
2026-01-1103 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 104: Courage Off the Field — Using Sports Skills for School, Work, and RelationshipsFear doesn’t only show up in sports — it shows up everywhere. In this episode, Coach Steve helps listeners transfer athletic courage into real life: school, work, friendships, conversations, and challenges. If you can face fear in sports, you can face it anywhere.
Today’s Action Step:
1. Identify one fear outside of sports.
2. Apply one athlete skill to it.
3. Notice what happens.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental performance strategy to help yo...
2026-01-1003 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 103: Purpose Beats Pressure — Why Your “Why” Makes You BraverFear screams. Purpose whispers. But that whisper? It’s powerful. In this episode, Coach Steve helps athletes reconnect with their “why” — the deeper reason they compete. When your purpose gets stronger, fear gets quieter.
Today’s Action Step:
1. Write your “why” in one sentence.
2. Put it somewhere you’ll see it every day.
3. Say it before your next game.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental performance strategy to help you win the day.
Learn M...
2026-01-0903 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 102: Win the Moment — How to Keep Big Moments from Feeling Too BigBig moments get scary when your brain zooms out too far. In this episode, Coach Steve explains how to “shrink” pressure situations so you can actually perform instead of panic. You’ll learn how to stay present, simplify, and trust your training — one moment at a time.
Today’s Action Step:
1. Think of one moment that feels “big” for you.
2. Break that moment into two or three tiny pieces.
3. Pick one cue you’ll use next time.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Ste...
2026-01-0804 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 101: Build a Pressure-Proof Mind — Practice Pressure Before It Practices YouIf pressure freaks you out in games, the answer isn’t “be tougher” — it’s training for pressure before you ever feel it. In this episode, Coach Steve explains how athletes can prepare their minds for big moments the same way they prepare their bodies. Simple, practical ways to make pressure feel familiar instead of scary.
Today’s Action Step:
1. Add one pressure rep to any drill.
2. Notice how your body reacts.
3. Repeat it once more next week.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coa...
2026-01-0704 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 100: Rewrite the Fear Script — Turn Anxiety Into ConfidenceFear loves to tell stories. Most of the time? They’re terrible stories that don’t help you at all. In this episode, Coach Steve helps you recognize the “fear script” your brain likes to run… and shows you how to flip it into something that actually supports your performance. Simple, real, and something you can use today.
Today’s Action Step:
1. Write down one fear script you’ve noticed lately.
2. Rewrite it into something you actually want to believe.
3. Use the new script in one practice or competition this week.
About Today Matters
Tod...
2026-01-0605 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 99: Fear Isn’t the Enemy — How to Turn Pressure Into PerformanceFear is normal. Pressure is normal. Big moments make your heart race because they matter. In this episode, Coach Steve breaks down how athletes can understand fear, reframe it, and actually use it as fuel. Simple strategies, real stories, and practical mental skills you can start using today.
Today’s Action Step:
1. Write down the fear that shows up most often for you.
2. Reframe it.
3. Add one pressure rep to your next practice.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach...
2026-01-0505 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 98: Faith in the Small Things — The Spiritual Power of Tiny Habits In this powerful spiritual wrap-up, Coach Steve shows how the principles from Atomic Habits mirror timeless biblical truths. From “sowing and reaping” to “faith the size of a mustard seed,” you’ll learn how God uses small, consistent actions to produce big transformation. Discover how discipline becomes devotion — and how your habits can strengthen your walk with Christ.
Today’s Action Step:
Start small with spiritual reps. Read one verse a day. Say one prayer when you wake up. Do one act of kindness intentionally.
Don’t chase perfection — chase presence.
Stack your habits with purpose. After brush...
2026-01-0403 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 97: Beyond the Game — How Small Habits Shape Your Whole LifeGreatness doesn’t stop when the whistle blows. In this episode, Coach Steve helps athletes, students, and families apply Atomic Habits principles beyond sports — into school, relationships, and everyday purpose. You’ll learn how the same 1% mindset that builds champions can transform your daily life, character, and confidence.
Today’s Action Step:
Pick one everyday arena — school, work, or relationships. Identify one small 1% habit that would make that area better. Maybe it’s reading 10 minutes a night, texting “thanks” after practice, or doing one kind thing daily.
Stack it with something you already do. After brushing your teeth, write...
2026-01-0304 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 96: Make It Satisfying — How to Build Habits That Stick You don’t just need to start good habits — you need to stick with them. In this final “athlete-focused” Atomic Habits episode, Coach Steve teaches how to make habits satisfying through progress tracking, instant rewards, and visual proof of growth.
Today’s Action Step:
Track progress. Use a notebook, app, or whiteboard. Make success visible.
Reward effort immediately. After each training, acknowledge your effort — not just outcome.
Never miss twice. Missing once is human. Missing twice starts a new bad habit.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parent...
2026-01-0202 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 95: Make It Easy — Simplify Your Way to GreatnessOverthinking kills progress. In this episode, Coach Steve reveals how to make success easier by removing friction, shrinking goals, and embracing the “two-minute rule.” Stop waiting for perfect — and start stacking small, simple wins.
Today’s Action Step:
Simplify your setup. Reduce steps between you and your goal. Prep gear, layout, playlist, everything ahead of time.
Shrink the goal. If motivation is low, lower the bar. Doing something small beats doing nothing.
Automate success. Put reminders in your phone, alarms, or use habit apps. Don’t rely on memory — rely on systems.
About Today Matters...
2026-01-0102 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 94: Make It Attractive — Motivation You Can Design Why do some athletes love training while others dread it? The difference isn’t talent — it’s design. Coach Steve unpacks the second law of behavior change: Make it attractive. You’ll learn how to pair pleasure with performance and turn motivation into momentum.
Today’s Action Step:
Pair your habits with pleasure. Music, community, or ritual — make it something you enjoy.
Reframe discomfort. That burning leg feeling? That’s not pain — that’s progress.
Visualize your reward. Before each session, picture how proud you’ll feel after completing it.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is...
2025-12-3102 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 93: Cue It Up — How to Make Good Habits ObviousWhat if your environment, not your willpower, was the real game-changer? In this episode, Coach Steve teaches athletes how to “make it obvious” — the first law of behavior change from Atomic Habits. Learn how to design your locker, your gear, and your routines so success is automatic.
Today’s Action Step:
Visualize your ideal environment. If I walked into your room or locker, could I see your goals? Put cues where they’re visible — journal on your desk, stretching band by your bed, gear by the door.
Eliminate confusion. If you want to eat clean, don’t buy junk. If...
2025-12-3002 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 92: Tiny Wins — How 1% Better Changes Everything Big goals don’t make champions — small, consistent wins do. In this episode, Coach Steve breaks down the “1% Rule” from Atomic Habits by James Clear and shows athletes how microscopic improvements lead to massive transformation over time. If you’ve ever felt stuck or impatient with progress, this one will reignite your belief in consistency and process.
Today’s Action Step:
Identify one skill to improve — not ten. Just one. It might be your first-step speed, your composure under pressure, or your recovery habits.
Track it daily. Write it down. Visual progress builds momentum.
Celebrate consistency, not perfection...
2025-12-2903 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 91: Lead Like Jesus — The Spiritual Side of Service Coach Steve closes the Lead to Serve series with the ultimate example of servant leadership — Jesus Christ. Discover what it means to lead with humility, courage, and love, using timeless lessons from Scripture and stories of faith-driven athletes who live this principle every day.
Today’s Action Step:
Start your day with this prayer: “Lord, show me someone I can serve today.”
Do one act of kindness in secret. No credit, no announcement — just serve.
Reflect at night: Where did I reflect Christ’s love through my actions today? Where can I do better tomorrow?
About...
2025-12-2803 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 90: Beyond the Game — How Service Leadership Transforms Life In this bridge episode, Coach Steve connects the principles of service leadership from the locker room to everyday life — at school, at work, and at home. Learn how the same habits that make you a great teammate also make you a better friend, student, and family member.
Today’s Action Step:
Choose one arena outside of sport “How can I serve here this week?”
Practice “listen-first” leadership. For one day, speak last in every conversation. Let others feel heard.
End your day with gratitude. Write one sentence: “Today I made someone’s life a little better by…”
...
2025-12-2703 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 89: Leading When It’s Hard — Serving Under Pressure What do you do when the season’s tough, leadership feels lonely, and you’re tempted to pull back? Coach Steve shares how to stay grounded in service when the pressure’s on — because that’s when leadership matters most.
Today’s Action Step:
When adversity hits, pause and ask: “What does my team need from me right now?”
Replace self-pity with selfless action — a word of encouragement, a hard rep, a calm voice.
Reflect after every challenge: “Did I serve or shrink today?”
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes...
2025-12-2602 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 88: Building Team Culture — Small Serves, Big Wins Coach Steve breaks down how culture isn’t built in meetings or mission statements — it’s built in daily acts of service. Discover how small, consistent serving behaviours compound into unstoppable trust and performance.
Today’s Action Step:
Identify one serving behavior that defines your team — do it every day until it becomes culture.
Start a “servant shout-out” routine — highlight acts of service after each practice.
Ask yourself nightly: “Did my actions lift the team today?”
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston...
2025-12-2502 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 87: Followership — The Foundation of Great Teams This episode flips leadership upside down — Coach Steve explains why learning to follow well is the first step toward leading well. Every champion team starts with great followers.
Today’s Action Step:
Defer intentionally. Let someone else take the spotlight and celebrate them.
Practice active listening this week — hear to understand, not to respond.
Reflect: How does following build trust and prepare me to lead later?
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental performanc...
2025-12-2402 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 86: The Ego Trap — Why Leadership Fails Without ServiceCoach Steve dives into one of the biggest killers of team chemistry — ego. Discover how unchecked pride destroys trust and how true confidence comes from serving others, not proving yourself.
Today’s Action Step:
Write down one way your ego shows up under pressure. Maybe it’s frustration, needing praise, or withdrawing when you’re not the star.
Replace that moment with one small act of service — cheer louder, give more effort, lift a teammate’s energy.
Ask a teammate or coach for honest feedback: “Do I lead to help or to impress?”
About Today Matter...
2025-12-2303 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 85: The Hidden Power of Serving First — Win by Lifting Others In this kickoff episode, Coach Steve breaks down the hidden strength of serving others in sport. Discover why the greatest teams — from college championships to Olympic rosters — are led by athletes who care more about “we” than “me.” Learn how real leaders win by lifting others first.
Today’s Action Step:
Do one invisible act of service every day for a teammate. Something no one will post on Instagram.
Ask this question once a day: “What can I do to help you today?”
Reflect nightly: Who did I lift today — and what did I learn about myself in the process...
2025-12-2203 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 84: One Word — A Spiritual Lens In this final episode, Coach Steve shares how your One Word connects to faith. Using biblical stories and verses, he shows how God often gives us a single word — a calling — for the season we’re in.
Today’s Action Step:
Pray or reflect: “God, what word are You giving me this year?”
Write it down and keep it where you’ll see it daily.
Live it as worship — not performance
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a s...
2025-12-2102 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 83: One Word for Life — Beyond the Game Sports end, but the lessons don’t. In this episode, Coach Steve bridges the One Word principle from athletics to real life — in school, relationships, and personal growth.
Today’s Action Step:
Translate your word. How does it apply outside your sport?
Share it. With family or friends — let them know what it means to you.
Live it. Consistently, not just when you’re winning.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental perform...
2025-12-2001 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 82: One Word in the Arena — Competing with Purpose Your word is more than a slogan — it’s your anchor when the season gets hard. Coach Steve breaks down how to use your One Word during adversity, competition, and pressure moments.
Today’s Action Step:
Anchor it: Use your word as your pre-performance cue.
Speak it: When adversity hits, repeat it — quietly, confidently.
Reflect it: After games, ask “Did I live my word today?”
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental performance strategy to help...
2025-12-1902 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 81: Look Out — Living Your Word Now that you’ve found your One Word, it’s time to live it. Coach Steve shares practical ways to make your word part of your daily routine — in the locker room, classroom, and life.
Today’s Action Step:
Make it visible. Write it on your mirror, your locker, your water bottle.
Make it habitual. Say it to yourself before practice, class, or competition.
Make it accountable. Share it with a teammate or coach who can remind you of it when you forget.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation f...
2025-12-1801 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 80: Look Up — Finding Your WordYou’ve looked in — now it’s time to look up. In this episode, Coach Steve walks you through discovering your One Word — a word that feels less like a choice and more like a calling.
Today’s Action Step:
Find 10 minutes of silence today — no distractions.
Ask yourself: “What’s the word that captures who I want to become?”
Don’t force it. Wait. Listen. Trust the process
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental perform...
2025-12-1702 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 79: Look In — The Power of Awareness You can’t grow what you won’t face. In this episode, Coach Steve guides you through the first step in finding your One Word — looking inward. Learn how awareness creates focus and how honesty with yourself can transform your performance.
Today’s Action Step:
Ask yourself three questions:
What’s holding me back?
What do I need most right now?
Who do I want to become this season?
Journal your answers. No filters, no edits.
Sit with them — your word is somewhere in there.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boos...
2025-12-1602 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 78: One Word — The Power of Simplicity Tired of setting goals you forget by February? In this episode, Coach Steve introduces the “One Word” principle — a simple but powerful way to bring focus, clarity, and purpose to your season. Learn how a single word can shape your mindset, your training, and your life both on and off the field.
Today’s Action Step:
Take 10 quiet minutes — no phone, no noise.
Ask yourself: “Who do I want to become this season?”
Write down every word that comes to mind — strength, confidence, trust, discipline, courage.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motiv...
2025-12-1502 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 77 — Faith Meets Focus: Neutral Thinking Through a Biblical LensFaith and focus go hand in hand. In this final episode, Coach Steve connects neutral thinking to Scripture—showing how trust, surrender, and peace in God align perfectly with the mindset of champions.
Today’s Action Step:
When stress hits, pause and pray: “God, help me see this clearly.”
Replace “What if?” with “Even if.”
End your day with gratitude for the truths that didn’t change today—God’s character, His control, His love.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, eac...
2025-12-1402 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 76 — Neutral Thinking in Life, School, and RelationshipsNeutral thinking isn’t just a sports tool—it’s a life skill. In this episode, Coach Steve shows how to use neutral thinking to stay calm and grounded in everyday challenges—school stress, relationship conflict, or parenting chaos.
Today’s Action Step:
When emotions rise, ask yourself: “What’s one fact about this situation?”
Take one deep breath before you speak or act. That pause saves relationships.
At day’s end, reflect: “Where did I respond instead of react today?”
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, p...
2025-12-1302 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 75 — Simplicity Wins: One Step, One Rep, One BreathPressure makes you overthink. Simplicity restores focus. In this episode, Coach Steve shares how champions from Kobe Bryant to Michael Phelps simplified their focus under pressure—and how you can do the same to perform with consistency and calm.
Today’s Action Step:
Before every play, take a deep breath and name your next focus: “Ball. Snap. Follow-through.”
Break big goals into small, controllable chunks: one rep, one possession, one moment.
End each day with a one-line win: “What did I do well today?” That keeps your brain anchored to progress, not perfection.
About Today Matters
...
2025-12-1202 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 74 — Language Shapes Your RealityWhat you say to yourself determines how you perform. In this episode, Coach Steve dives into the science and stories behind self-talk—showing how elite performers like Russell Wilson, Michael Jordan, and Tom Brady use neutral language to stay calm and confident under pressure.
Today’s Action Step:
Write down the 3 most common negative phrases you say during games or practice.
Rewrite them neutrally—not fake positive, just factual.
Say them out loud until they become habits.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coach...
2025-12-1102 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 73 — Reset Fast: The Next-Play MindsetEveryone makes mistakes—but champions recover fast. In this episode, Coach Steve explains how elite performers like Kobe Bryant, Russell Wilson, and Serena Williams reset using neutral awareness and the Next Play mindset.
Today’s Action Step:
Create a reset cue. A breath, word, or gesture that says, “Next.”
Evaluate later. Don’t analyze mistakes mid-game—review film after.
Practice pressure. Simulate failure in training and rehearse your reset.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental...
2025-12-1002 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 72 — Control the Controllables: Facts Over FeelingsPressure doesn’t break you—emotion does. In this episode, Coach Steve teaches how to anchor your mindset to facts, not feelings, so you can respond with clarity instead of chaos.
Today’s Action Step:
After every performance, list three facts—no emotion.
Rate your feelings (1–10).
Compare the two. Ask, “Do my feelings match reality?”
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental performance strategy to help you win the day.
Learn More & Work with...
2025-12-0902 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 71 — Stop Riding the Highs: Start Thinking NeutralAthletes live on emotional rollercoasters—sky-high after wins, crushed after losses. But champions stay steady. In this episode, Coach Steve breaks down neutral thinking: what it is, why it works, and how it separates consistent performers from emotional ones.
Today’s Action Step:
State the facts. After every practice or game, write one objective statement—no judgment.
Ask the question. “What’s my next best action?”
Repeat daily. Neutral thinking is a muscle—train it like one.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach S...
2025-12-0802 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 70 — The Spiritual Side of Struggle — When God Uses Failure to Shape YouIn the final episode of the Today Matters: Gift of Failure series, Coach Steve Pinkston takes a spiritual look at struggle and failure. Drawing from powerful Bible stories and Scripture, he reveals how God often uses failure as His greatest classroom — shaping faith, character, and purpose through challenge. For athletes, parents, and anyone in a hard season, this episode offers hope, perspective, and peace: your struggle has meaning.
Today’s Action Step:
Reframe your failure.
Replace shame with surrender.
Respond with faith.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for ath...
2025-12-0703 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 69 — Beyond the Game — How Struggle Builds Character EverywhereIn this episode of Today Matters, Coach Steve Pinkston bridges the lessons from sports to the bigger game of life. Whether it’s school, relationships, or work, the same principles apply: growth happens through struggle, not shortcuts. Learn how to use the mindset of “The Gift of Failure” to build resilience, humility, and purpose beyond the scoreboard.
Today’s Action Step:
Connect the dots.
Transfer the skill.
Teach it forward.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a s...
2025-12-0603 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 68 — Let Them Fall — Why Parents Should Stop Rescuing Their KidsIn this episode of Today Matters, Coach Steve Pinkston speaks directly to sport parents about one of the hardest lessons in raising resilient kids: learning to let them struggle. When parents rush to fix every problem or protect their kids from discomfort, they unintentionally rob them of the strength, grit, and independence they’ll need for life. Coach Steve shares stories, strategies, and mindset shifts to help parents turn “rescue” moments into growth opportunities.
Today’s Action Step:
Press pause before you rescue.
Guide with questions, not answers.
Separate love from performance.
About Today Matters
Toda...
2025-12-0504 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 67 — Process Over Perfection — The Secret to Real GrowthIn this episode of Today Matters, Coach Steve Pinkston challenges the perfection mindset that holds so many athletes back. Learn why chasing perfection kills progress — and how focusing on the process, not the product, helps you grow stronger, freer, and more confident in both sport and life. This is your reminder that mastery takes time, mistakes are part of the mission, and the best athletes aren’t perfect — they’re persistent.
Today’s Action Step:
Redefine success.
Build a process routine.
Reflect daily.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation fo...
2025-12-0405 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 66 — Earned Confidence — Why Competence Beats ComplimentsIn this episode of Today Matters, Coach Steve Pinkston breaks down the truth about confidence: it’s not built on compliments or hype — it’s built on competence. When athletes learn to base their belief on real work, not empty praise, they develop the kind of quiet, unshakable confidence that wins under pressure. Learn how to build it, coach it, and live it — on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
Today’s Action Step:
Audit your confidence.
Stack evidence.
Praise effort, not identity.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of moti...
2025-12-0305 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 65— The Confidence Trap — Why Protection Creates FearIn this episode of Today Matters, Coach Steve Pinkston tackles one of the biggest lies in modern sports and parenting: that protecting kids from pain builds confidence. The truth? It does the opposite. When athletes are shielded from struggle, they learn to fear it. Coach Steve breaks down the “confidence trap” — why real confidence must be earned through competence — and how parents, coaches, and athletes can stop confusing comfort with courage.
Today’s Action Step:
Notice when you’re rescuing.
Redefine success.
Let discomfort do its work.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 m...
2025-12-0206 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 64 — The Gift of Struggle — Why Failure Is the Foundation of SuccessIn this kickoff episode of the Today Matters “Gift of Failure” series, Coach Steve Pinkston unpacks one of the hardest truths in sports and life: failure isn’t your enemy — it’s your greatest teacher. Learn why struggle is essential to building real confidence, mental toughness, and long-term success. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode will challenge how you view setbacks and help you see the gift inside every mistake.
Today’s Action Step:
Reflect on your last failure.
Reframe the story.
Stay in the struggle.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your...
2025-12-0106 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 63: Give Thanks in All Things — The Spiritual Power of GratitudeTrue gratitude goes deeper than performance — it’s spiritual. In this final episode, Coach Steve explores how giving thanks in all circumstances transforms not just how you think, but who you are. Through biblical stories and timeless wisdom, discover how gratitude anchors your soul and strengthens your faith, no matter what season you’re in.
Today’s Action Step:
Start Your Prayer with Thanks.
Keep a “God Moments” Journal.
Choose Praise in the Pain.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve...
2025-11-3003 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 62: Gratitude Beyond the Game — Winning in Life, School, and FamilyGratitude isn’t just for athletes — it’s a way of life. In this episode, Coach Steve shares how a thankful mindset can improve your relationships, leadership, and daily performance off the field. Learn how to use gratitude to create better conversations, stronger teams, and more peace in your day-to-day life.
Today’s Action Step:
The Daily Thanks Challenge.
The Gratitude Walk.
The Family Huddle.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental performance strategy to...
2025-11-2903 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 61: The Comeback Formula — Gratitude After FailureFailure hurts — but it doesn’t have to define you. In this episode, Coach Steve shows how gratitude transforms failure into fuel. Learn how to reframe setbacks, find lessons in the loss, and build unbreakable confidence through appreciation and perspective.
Today’s Action Step:
Feel It.
Find It.
Fuel It.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental performance strategy to help you win the day.
Learn More & Work with Coach Pin...
2025-11-2803 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 60: The Gratitude Edge — Turning Thanks Into Mental ToughnessGratitude isn’t soft — it’s a strength skill. In this episode, Coach Steve explains how thankfulness sharpens focus, builds resilience, and helps athletes bounce back faster after setbacks. Learn how to use gratitude as a high-performance tool to stay confident, grounded, and mentally tough — no matter what the scoreboard says.
Today’s Action Step:
The 3×3 Method.
Gratitude Reframes.
Gratitude Shoutouts.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental performance strategy to help you win t...
2025-11-2704 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 59: Win the Moment — How to Build Unshakeable FocusPressure. Distractions. Expectations. Every athlete knows the feeling of trying to do your best while your mind races. In this episode, Coach Steve breaks down how to lock in, quiet the noise, and win the moment. Learn practical mental performance tools to reset, refocus, and perform your best when it matters most — one play, one breath, one moment at a time.
Today’s Action Step:
The “Reset” Routine.
The “Cue” Word.
The “Win the Moment” Reminder.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pink...
2025-11-2604 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 58: Momentum Over Motivation — How Small Wins Create Big ConfidenceMotivation comes and goes. Momentum stays. In this episode, Coach Steve breaks down how the world’s best athletes and performers build confidence through consistent action — not hype. You’ll learn how small daily wins create unstoppable momentum, and how to use this simple process to perform better, feel stronger, and stay locked in when motivation fades.
Today’s Action Step:
Choose Your Non-Negotiables.
Track the Wins.
Celebrate the Progress
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a...
2025-11-2503 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 57: Celebrate Your Success — How Nightly Wins Rewire Your Mind for ConfidenceEnd your day like a champion. In this episode, Coach Steve breaks down a simple, science-backed nightly ritual that transforms how you see yourself and your progress. Instead of replaying mistakes or stressing about tomorrow, learn how to celebrate your daily wins to rewire your brain for confidence, calm, and consistent growth. Perfect for athletes, coaches, and anyone chasing high performance on and off the field.
Today’s Action Step:
Identify One Great Thing.
Celebrate It.
Visualize Tomorrow’s Win.
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for ath...
2025-11-2405 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 56: Built on Rock — The Spiritual Power of Living by PrincipleEpisode 7 brings the series full circle — exploring how faith gives our principles power. Coach Steve shares a powerful story of an athlete who learned to play for a higher purpose.
Today’s Reflection Prompt
What’s one verse or truth you can anchor to this week?
How can you honor God through your effort?
What foundation are you building your life on?
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers...
2025-11-2302 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 55: Beyond the Game — Principles for Life, School & Family In Episode 6, Coach Steve helps athletes and parents translate the lessons from sports into everyday life — through a story of a player who discovered his purpose beyond the scoreboard.
Today’s Reflection Prompt
What life skill has sports taught you most?
Where can you apply that principle outside the game?
Who can you teach it to this week?
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental performa...
2025-11-2202 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 54: Lead from the Inside — Character Over CircumstanceEpisode 5 focuses on authentic leadership. Coach Steve shares the story of a quiet backup player who transformed team culture by leading through service, not spotlight.
Today’s Reflection Prompt
What kind of leader are you when things get hard?
How can you serve your team this week?
What will your teammates remember about your leadership?
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental performance strategy to help you win the day.
Learn...
2025-11-2102 minToday Matters Podcast With Steve PinkstonEp 53: Pressure Is a Privilege — Turning Stress into StrengthEpisode 4 reframes pressure as a gift. Coach Steve shares the story of a tennis player who turned fear into focus — and how embracing pressure can elevate performance.
Today’s Reflection Prompt
What’s your reaction when pressure shows up?
How could you reframe that feeling into energy?
What phrase or cue will remind you “pressure = privilege”?
About Today Matters
Today Matters is your 2–4 minute daily boost of motivation for athletes, parents, and coaches. Hosted by Coach Steve Pinkston, each episode delivers a simple mental performance strategy to help you win the d...
2025-11-2002 min