Hey Timberwolves, my name is Luke Throop, and you can call me Coach Luke.

I want to start by saying I am honored to be here, to be supporting Timberwolf Football.

We just had practice, and I see some players out there looking tired, sucking wind, while I see other guys out there giving it 100% every single play. Some players are motivated. Others not so much.

Can you imagine what it would be like if everyone on the team was just totally lit up, ready to run out there and crush it on every single play? Can you imagine the energy, the synergy, the excitement?

But how do we make that happen? How do we install motivation, as a team?

First we have to understand what motivation is, and also what it isn’t.

So, what is motivation, exactly? Lay it on me. [INTERACTIVE]

*spinning off answers*

  • Is it just a feeling? What about when you don’t feel like running wind sprints?
  • Is it all in the mind? What about when your mind is whining about how hard it is? Or when your mind is lying to you about how much better the other guy is?

Understand this: Motivation is not just a head level trip. Motivation has to come from the heart.

Playing from the heart is how you tap into inner strength, which is where the real power is at.

The little guy with heart will mop the field with a big guy whose heart’s not in it, every single time. You can be small in stature, but mighty in spirit. Without heart, you’ve got nothing. Don’t ever forget that.

Because football is going to test you. You’re going to get knocked down. How quick are you going to get back up? Do you have the heart to push past the pain and disappointment? What are you made of?

Every person in this room is an incredible cosmic creature. You each have unlimited potential, but you are never, ever going to know what you’re actually capable of without motivation.

So, what is motivation?

It’s more than just a feeling. It’s more than a state of mind.

Motivation is emotion driven by mindset.

What does that mean?

It means that where your focus goes, your energy flows.

It means if you’re thinking negative thoughts, you’re feeling negative things.

But you can change that in an instant. You gotta get out of your head and start playing from the heart.

You can create a physiological shift, take control of your own emotions, snap into go mode, get pumped, be laser focused, and get out there and get after it. The big question is HOW, right?!

How do you master mindset? The secret is, it’s all in the heart.

Heart is the master. Mind is the slave. But how do we make the mind behave?

The simple answer is BREATH CONTROL. Breath control is the most basic building block of self-control.

When we learn to control our breathing, we learn to control our heartrate and emotional state of mind.

This is one of the ancient secrets that science is finally catching up with. But I don’t want to get lost in the details right now; instead, I want you guys to experience this for yourselves.

Are you ready to light the fire, to fan the flame, to feel yourself come alive? Life is a path of action. STAND UP! I’m going to share just one of infinite techniques, try this:

[Exercise: Arms up with a big breath in, throw them down with strong breath out.]

And just like that, it’s go time. I’m ready for anything. Bring it on man! Can you feel me?

More important, can you feel yourself coming alive? Take a second. Embody the moment.

Bring your hands to your heart and your belly. Breathe deep. Feel what’s real right now.

As long as you have a heartbeat, with every single breath you take, you have access to unlimited power.

You have the power of choice. There is a choice in every second. You can choose to use change, to shift your mindset, and elevate yourself to a better state of being. That’s powerful stuff!

This is how you prime yourself for maximum performance.

Remember who you are, and what you’re capable of. Take control. YOU are in charge.

Remember that motivation is emotion driven by mindset.

Most importantly, remember why you are here: It’s not about you, it’s about the team!

You’ve gotta step up and bring your best, not just on the football field, but in the game of life.

You’ve gotta bring your best, so you can enjoy the pure satisfaction of having done your best.

Nobody can take that away from you as an individual. Nobody can take that away from you as a team.

Elevate your awareness. Awaken the power within. Use breath to embody the moment.

Connect your head with your heart. Remember your why.

These are the secrets of motivation. Any questions?