In 1996, Tom Brady was the 3rd-string QB at Michigan. He was so...
Coach AJ 🎯 Mental Fitness@coachajkings
39 views
Jul 14, 2025
~2 min read
Advertisement
1
In 1996, Tom Brady was the 3rd-string QB at Michigan.
He was so frustrated with his lack of playing time that he called his parents about transferring to Cal.
He was ready to leave, then he spoke with Coach Lloyd Carr.
Brady got 2 pieces of advice that changed everything:🧵
He was so frustrated with his lack of playing time that he called his parents about transferring to Cal.
He was ready to leave, then he spoke with Coach Lloyd Carr.
Brady got 2 pieces of advice that changed everything:🧵
2
Step 1: Coach Lloyd Carr told him the advice below.
He told him to stop worrying about other players. He told him to be the best, he will have to beat out the best.
Brady took it to heart, but needed more help.
So he started working with sports psychologist Greg Harden.
He told him to stop worrying about other players. He told him to be the best, he will have to beat out the best.
Brady took it to heart, but needed more help.
So he started working with sports psychologist Greg Harden.
3
Step 2: Harden told Brady:
“We got to start building this knowledge and we got to create a strategy and a plan (for your mindset).”
Brady started to change his attitude.
He started to focus on what he could control.
Then came the big advice that Harden gave him.
“We got to start building this knowledge and we got to create a strategy and a plan (for your mindset).”
Brady started to change his attitude.
He started to focus on what he could control.
Then came the big advice that Harden gave him.
4
Harden said:
"Just go in there and focus with the two opportunities that you got and make them as perfect as you possibly can."
Just look at Brady's quote below.
So that's what Brady did.
It shifted his entire mindset to how he approached practice, preparation, and his work.
"Just go in there and focus with the two opportunities that you got and make them as perfect as you possibly can."
Just look at Brady's quote below.
So that's what Brady did.
It shifted his entire mindset to how he approached practice, preparation, and his work.
5
Brady started treating his 2 reps like the Super Bowl:
• Every throw had to be perfect
• Every read had to be precise
• Every rep mattered like it was game day
The results were slow, but undeniable.
2 reps became 4, then 4 became 10.
His coaches noticed a difference.
• Every throw had to be perfect
• Every read had to be precise
• Every rep mattered like it was game day
The results were slow, but undeniable.
2 reps became 4, then 4 became 10.
His coaches noticed a difference.
1:11
6
Brady didn't win the starting job that year, but he won something more valuable - respect.
Coaches trusted him.
Teammates believed in him.
He carried that mindset with him to the NFL - maximizing every opportunity, treating every rep like it mattered.
Coaches trusted him.
Teammates believed in him.
He carried that mindset with him to the NFL - maximizing every opportunity, treating every rep like it mattered.
0:58
7
Leadership lessons we can all learn from Brady:
• Focus on what you can control
• Make every opportunity count
• Practice like it's the Super Bowl
From 3rd string to 7x Super Bowl champion.
Greatness isn't about getting more chances - it's about maximizing the ones you get.
• Focus on what you can control
• Make every opportunity count
• Practice like it's the Super Bowl
From 3rd string to 7x Super Bowl champion.
Greatness isn't about getting more chances - it's about maximizing the ones you get.
1:00
8
If you like this post, you will love the FREE newsletter:
The Growth Compass🧭
3-minute read packed with actionable ideas on mindset, resilience, and leadership. Join today: thegrowthcompass.beehiiv.com/subscribe
The Growth Compass🧭
3-minute read packed with actionable ideas on mindset, resilience, and leadership. Join today: thegrowthcompass.beehiiv.com/subscribe
