Sounds easier said than done, right?

Think about the recent NFL Playoffs or the College Football Playoff Championship between Indiana and Miami.

What’s obvious from watching those games? When players obsess over what the other team is doing—trying to outsmart or outrun them—they leave their own unique talents on the bench.

The moment you start chasing someone else’s moves, you’re selling yourself short.

Playing your game doesn’t mean you ignore the competition. It means accepting that you cannot control what the other team does, just like you can’t control every curveball life throws your way. Your focus has to be on executing your unique skill set, your plan, and your grind.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Play your game always!

Why does it feel so natural—and so easy—to fall into everyone else’s game?

Because it’s comfortable. It’s mindless. You don’t have to plan or sweat your own progress when you’re simply reacting to what others are doing.

But ask any pro coach or seasoned player—they know real success is about sticking to your playbook. It’s about your response, not your reaction.

Too many people live in a reactionary world. And in doing so, that is only going to hold you hostage and lower the ceiling.

Take the Indiana vs. Miami game as a case in point. Sure, their game plan was to block runs and passes, but their real focus was on wearing down Indiana’s quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. They left him with a bloody mouth, but Miami still did not stop the momentum. Mendoza played his game, not theirs. Did you see the 4th and 5, and the 4th and 4? He zigzags in and out only to dive for a touchdown! That brought the score to 24-14, Indiana.

“Progress isn’t accidental. Progress is crafted by relentless action that fuels motivation and sparks momentum. Without owning your piece of the puzzle, failure sneaks into the cracks more often than victory.” ~ Kristianne Wargo

So pause right now. Take a cue from those players and coaches grinding on the field.

Your best move is to play YOUR game always!

“You have two minutes to go out and take it, and we sent out and took it.” ~ D’Angelo Ponds (DB, Indiana) Defensive MVP 2026

Own your unique strengths, your pace, your path. Keep your eyes ahead—not sideways—and watch how far you’ll go.

There’s no victory in imitation. The real win is in being unapologetically you, all day, every day.

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“