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    The Controllables Worksheet

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    Wrestling background
    Elite Athlete Mindset Series
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    Next Leavell Inspiration

    The
    Controllables
    Worksheet

    Build Confidence By Focusing On
    What You Can Control

    VOL. 04

    "Tough wrestlers focus on controllables.
    That's where confidence grows."

    What's Affecting Me?

    01
    Name
    Date
    Opponent / Event

    Check what is affecting you right now:

    Identify the internal and external pressures affecting your mindset today. Recognizing these distractions is the first step to letting them go. Be honest with yourself—what is weighing you down right now?

    What is affecting you the most today?

    Control Check

    Every worry drains your energy. Ask yourself if you have direct control over it. If you do, make an immediate action plan. If you don't, you must write it down and intentionally let it go before you compete.

    What are you worried about right now?
    Can you control it?
    If YES, what action can you take?
    If NO, write it down and let it go.
    Next Leavell InspirationThe Controllables Worksheet | Page 1

    My Focus

    02

    My Self-Talk

    Your internal dialogue dictates your confidence. Identify the negative thoughts holding you back and intentionally rewrite them into powerful, action-oriented statements you can repeat to yourself. Example: Negative: "What if I lose?" → Replacement: "I've prepared for this. Now compete."

    What negative thought has been showing up lately?
    Replace it with a stronger thought:

    Things I Can Control

    Rate yourself today on a scale of 1-5 (1 = Poor, 5 = Elite). Be brutally honest with yourself about where your effort, attitude, and focus currently stand. This is where true confidence is built.

    Effort
    How can I give 1% more effort today?
    Attitude
    Is my attitude helping or hurting me?
    Preparation
    What is my focus during warmups?
    Body Language
    What does my body language say right now?
    Focus
    What is my focal point during the match?
    Response To Mistakes
    How will I respond after getting scored on?
    Next Leavell InspirationThe Controllables Worksheet | Page 2

    Commitment

    03

    Things I Cannot Control

    Cross out the things below that are completely outside of your control. Spending energy on these will only drain your confidence and distract you from executing your game plan.

    What do you need to let go of today?

    My Match Commitment

    Choose ONE specific controllable from the list above to focus your entire energy on today. When adversity hits, this is what you will fall back on:

    The ONE thing I will focus on today is:

    Note To Myself

    Write a final reminder to yourself before you step into competition. What is the mindset you need to carry with you? (e.g., Trust my training. One position at a time. Stay present.)

    Tough wrestlers focus on controllables.

    That's where confidence grows.

    Signature
    Date

    "Coach Dee has had a powerful impact on our son, Wes, in a way that goes far beyond sports. When Wes first began working with him, he struggled with confidence and often doubted himself when things became difficult. Coach Dee helped him shift his mindset from fear of failure to understanding that growth comes through effort, consistency, and perseverance. Through wrestling, Wes learned how to handle adversity, stay disciplined, and keep showing up even when things didn't go his way. Coach Dee consistently reinforced the importance of delayed gratification and trusting the process, even when results weren't immediate. That guidance helped Wes grow into a more resilient and focused athlete, eventually achieving milestones he once didn't think were possible. What makes Coach Dee especially impactful is that his influence extends beyond a single sport. The mindset he teaches has carried over into baseball and into everyday life. Wes now approaches challenges with more confidence, better focus, and a willingness to learn from mistakes instead of being discouraged by them. Coach Dee doesn't just train athletes..he builds character, confidence, and mental toughness. He holds kids accountable while also believing in their potential, and he has a gift for helping them see what they are capable of before they can see it themselves. We are truly grateful for Coach Dee's leadership and the lasting impact he has had on Wes. His coaching has shaped not just an athlete, but a stronger, more confident Wes."

    — Brent and Meagan LacksParents of Wes
    Next Leavell InspirationThe Controllables Worksheet | Page 3