giving: a powerful tool to win the mental game

As we approach Christmas, I want to talk about a lesson that goes far beyond the holiday season—a lesson about giving. And here’s the thing: giving isn’t just about helping others; it’s one of the most powerful tools to win the mental game of life.

Christmas is often focused on receiving—gifts, praise, success. But what if we flipped the script? What if, instead of focusing on what we can get, we asked ourselves, “What can I give?” Because here’s the secret: when you give, you gain far more in return. It’s a shift that strengthens your mindset, builds deeper connections, and makes you a better version of yourself.

Why is giving so powerful? For starters, it gets you out of your own head. Rather than ruminating internally in your mind, it gets you to think external which leads to less overthinking. And, let’s be honest: as athletes, competitors, or even just people chasing big goals, it’s easy to get wrapped up in ourselves—our struggles, our dreams, our progress. But when you give your time, your energy, or even just a kind word to someone else, you shift your focus outward. That act of generosity creates perspective and reminds you that life is about more than just your own journey.

Giving also builds gratitude. When you help others, you start to see the blessings in your own life more clearly. It’s hard to feel stuck or frustrated when you’re actively creating positive change for someone else. Gratitude fuels resilience, and resilience fuels success.

And here’s the kicker: giving doesn’t have to be grand. It can be as simple as supporting a teammate, helping someone in your community, or even sharing a moment of encouragement with a friend or family member. These small acts of love and generosity create ripples that not only impact others but also lift you up.

This Christmas, let’s make giving the priority. Ask yourself: how can I give my time, my energy, or my kindness to others? How can I show up for the people around me? When you embrace the mindset of giving, you’ll find that you’re not just winning at the mental game—you’re making the world around you better, too.

So, this holiday season, let giving fuel your mindset, your purpose, and your growth. Until next time, stay strong, stay generous, and keep building that Major League Mindset.