The “Next Play” Mentality: A Lesson From My Son (and Penn State Football)

I’ve been blessed with a career full of leadership development programs. Over the years, I’ve seen just about every framework, tool, and model you can imagine. Rarely does something feel new.

But during my morning routine recently, I came across a phrase that stopped me in my tracks: “Next Play Mentality.” Alan Stein Jr. shared it with the Penn State football team, and it clicked for me instantly—because I’d been watching it in action my whole life, thanks to my son.

A Lesson From the Field

From the time he was little, no matter what sport he played, Brendan always walked off the field happy. Win or lose.

At first, I worried. Did he lack that “fighting spirit” to compete? Other kids would crumble after a mistake—throwing a fit after giving up a home run or letting a goal slip by.

Meanwhile, Brendan would dust himself off, compose himself, and move on. Sure, disappointment flashed across his face—but it never stuck. He simply shifted his focus to the next play.

Years later, as a shortstop, pitcher, and goalie, I realized this was his secret advantage. Because every ounce of energy he didn’t waste on the last play, he carried into the next.

Why It Matters in Business

That’s Next Play Mentality: the ability to let go of what just happened so you can bring your best to what happens next.

Of course, you can learn from mistakes. You should. But replaying them in your head drains the energy you need to show up fully for the next opportunity.

I’ve lived this. I’ve replayed conversations where I didn’t speak up, decisions I delayed, promotions or equity I didn’t get. And the longer I replayed them, the less energy I had for what was right in front of me.

Here’s the truth: business is won by the leaders and teams who recover fastest. Not the ones who make the fewest mistakes, but the ones who learn, reset, and move forward with full focus.

That’s what Next Play Mentality gives you:

• Resilience — bounce back quickly.

• Velocity — shift energy forward, fast.

• Clarity — make choices aligned with the future you want.

In today’s environment, those three aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re the real competitive edge.

The Takeaway

Whether on the field or in the office, the rule is the same: the last play is over.

The only question that matters now is—what’s your next play?

A Final Word of Thanks

This idea of the Next Play Mentality came from hearing Alan Stein Jr. speak on The Daily Quote Show on Spotify.

If you want a quick shot of wisdom in your daily routine, I can’t recommend that show enough. And if you’re not already following Alan’s work—you should. His insights on leadership, performance, and resilience are worth your time.