Before the championship game
The big game looms. They can't sleep. Your job is not a pep talk. It's lower the temperature.
What they're feeling
- · Pressure they haven't carried before.
- · Aware that everyone is watching.
- · Re-running the season's biggest moments in their head.
- · Worried they'll let the team down.
- · Sometimes excited and don't know how to hold it.
What to say (pick one)
- "It's just another game. Same field. Same teammates. Same warm-up."
- "I'm proud of how you got here. The season is already a thing you did."
- "Whatever happens tomorrow, we go get food after."
Then stop talking.
What not to say
- "This is the biggest day of your life."
- "Don't let me down."
- "Coach is counting on you."
- "Win this for grandma. (Real example. Don't.)"
The rule
Lower the temperature, don't raise it. The game is loud enough on its own.
If they bring it up
- · If they want to talk strategy, listen, don't add your own.
- · If they say they're scared, validate. 'Yeah, this one is bigger. The body knows.'
- · If they can't sleep, don't make them. Sit with them. Read together. Movie. Don't lecture about sleep.
Pin this
Before a championship
- · Treat it like a normal game out loud, even if it isn't.
- · Skip the pep talk. They've heard six this week.
- · Promise the relationship stays the same regardless of result.
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