FOCUS AND PURPOSE

Vision-setting fuels purpose (Vitality) and self-reflection (Inquiry).
Mental strength supports wellness (Vitality) and sustained focus through challenges (Perseverance).
Finding purpose supports well-being (Vitality) and personal growth (Inquiry).

TABLE OF CONTENTs - FOCUS AND PURPOSE

REFLECT
- Self-Reflection Questions
EXPLORE
- Core Principles and Concepts
EXAMINE - Vision
- Supporting Principles and Concepts
EXAMINE - Discipline
- Supporting Principles and Concepts
EXAMINE - Motivation
- Supporting Principles and Concepts
EMPOWER
- Discussing and Considering New Perspectives and Ideas
ENGAGE
- Engaging New Ideas and Applying Them in Daily Life

REFLECT

Self-reflection is a powerful tool to increase self-awareness, prepare mentally and emotionally to engage new ideas, and connect this lesson to principles in your own life!

…

As you begin to think about your own Focus and Purpose, ask yourself the following questions.

Why am I here at college, and what do I hope to achieve during my time here?
When I face distractions or obstacles, what helps me refocus on what matters most?
What motivates me to keep pushing forward when things feel difficult or overwhelming?

EXPLORE

Exploration sparks curiosity and builds emotional and practical connections to new ideas!

…

Your purpose is the reason behind what you do. It is what motivates you to put in the extra work during practice, stay up late studying for an exam, or push through a tough workout. For some, purpose may be about personal growth, earning a degree, supporting family, or chasing athletic goals. Taking time to identify your own purpose gives meaning to your daily efforts and helps you stay driven.

Focus is the ability to keep your attention on the task in front of you. In practice, this might mean locking in on a specific drill or instruction from your coach. In class, it means tuning out distractions and concentrating on the material. Strong focus allows you to use your time effectively, making steady progress toward your goals.

Staying focused requires discipline. Distractions are everywhere, whether it is your phone, social media, or outside pressures. Learning to recognize what pulls your attention away and taking steps to limit those distractions helps you stay on track. Small changes, like setting your phone aside during study sessions or arriving early to practice to get mentally ready, can make a big difference.

Purpose helps you push through the moments when motivation fades. There will be days when you feel tired, frustrated, or discouraged. Remembering why you started and what you are working toward helps you stay committed, even when the immediate rewards are not visible. Purpose keeps you steady when emotions start to pull you in different directions.

Your focus and purpose can also influence your teammates. When others see you staying committed, working hard, and staying true to your goals, it sets a positive example. Your consistency can help create a team culture where everyone pushes each other to stay focused and motivated. Athletes who can block out distractions and stay locked in on their game plan often perform more consistently under pressure.

Balance is key in maintaining focus and purpose. Pushing too hard without breaks can lead to burnout, while too much relaxation can pull you off track. Learning how to manage your energy, give yourself rest, and then return to your goals refreshed allows you to sustain your focus over the long term.

The habits you build now will serve you long after your college days are done!

EXAMINE - VISION

…

A personal vision gives you direction and meaning. Knowing where you want to go helps you organize your time, decisions, and daily actions.

Your personal vision is a clear statement of who you want to become and what you hope to achieve. It helps guide your choices!
Vision goes beyond short-term success. It connects your present effort to your long-term goals, whether they are academic, athletic, or personal.
Writing down your vision makes it more real. Seeing your goals in writing creates commitment and allows you to track your progress.
Your vision may evolve as you grow. Adjusting your goals to match your experiences shows flexibility, not failure.
Sharing your vision with trusted coaches, advisors, or friends helps keep you accountable. Others can encourage you when you feel uncertain.
Your personal vision should challenge you. Ambitious but realistic goals stretch your abilities and push you forward.
Break your vision into smaller short-term goals. Each small success builds confidence and keeps you moving toward your larger vision.
Reminding yourself regularly of your vision helps you stay focused. Reviewing your goals keeps you connected to your purpose, especially during difficult weeks.

…

EXAMINE - DISCIPLINE

…

Mental discipline helps you stay consistent in your habits, effort, and focus. It allows you to keep moving forward even when distractions or setbacks appear.

Mental discipline means choosing the right action, even when you do not feel like it. Daily discipline builds long-term success in both academics and athletics.
Discipline allows you to stick to routines that support your growth. Consistent practice, study, rest, and recovery strengthen both your body and mind.
Staying disciplined includes resisting distractions. Social media, friends, or entertainment can wait when your priorities require your focus.
Mental discipline helps you overcome temporary emotions. Frustration, boredom, or fatigue will not control your actions when discipline keeps you steady.
Creating routines supports discipline. Predictable study schedules, sleep patterns, and workout habits reduce the mental energy spent on daily decisions.
Strong discipline builds resilience. When things get hard, disciplined habits carry you forward even when motivation drops.
Discipline is a skill that grows with repetition. Each time you follow through on a commitment, you strengthen your ability to stay focused.
Mentally disciplined athletes and students recover faster from setbacks. Don’t waste energy dwelling on failures but refocus on what you are able to do next.

…

EXAMINE - MOTIVATION

…

Purpose-driven motivation keeps you committed even when the road gets hard. When your effort is connected to something meaningful, you build a stronger long-term drive.

Motivation tied to external rewards fades quickly. Motivation tied to personal purpose stays stronger over time.
Purpose gives meaning to daily effort. Even the hard or boring tasks feel worthwhile when you know why you are doing them.
Understanding your personal “why” helps you push through setbacks. Purpose reminds you that challenges are part of growth.
Connecting your goals to your future career, family, or personal values makes your work more meaningful. You see how today’s effort supports tomorrow’s success.
Purpose-driven motivation helps you handle failures with maturity. A setback becomes a lesson instead of a reason to quit.
Reflecting on your purpose regularly keeps motivation alive. Writing about why your work matters helps refresh your commitment during stressful weeks.
Purpose gives you emotional stability. When you are motivated by something bigger than yourself, your confidence stays steady during ups and downs.
Motivation without purpose becomes shallow. Purpose keeps you grounded and focused, even when no one else is watching.

…

ENGAGE

…

Now that you have reviewed all of the lesson content, it’s time to see how new perspectives work in your daily life!

Either in a journal or notebook of your own choosing, or on a document provided to you, write short but thoughtful responses to the following questions. Your responses will not be collected or graded. Be open and honest with yourself as you consider each of the questions.

Then find 1 Program Director, Coach, Assistant Coach, Team Manager, or Team Captain. Find a time to speak with them briefly, but with minimal distractions. Ask them about their perspectives and ideas based on the following questions. Write down responses to the best of your ability!

You’ll be asked to participate in a short discussion about what you have learned, either individually or in a group, with a REBOOT Coach. The REBOOT Coach will discuss the following questions with you, and discuss the impact of these concepts in your daily life.

…

ASK YOURSELF :

[Vision]
- What kind of person, student, or athlete do you want to become over the next few years? How clear is your vision, and what steps are you already taking to move toward it?
[Discipline]
- When your mind starts to wander during class, training, or competition, what do you do to bring your focus back? What habits help you stay mentally sharp and committed?
[Motivation]
- What kinds of things motivate you to keep going when things get hard? How do you reconnect with that purpose when you lose focus?

ASK OTHERS :

[Vision]
- How do you help students or athletes clarify their long-term vision beyond just winning matches or graduating?
[Discipline]
- What strategies do you use or recommend for developing mental discipline, especially in high-pressure or high-distraction situations?
[Motivation]
- How do you help students connect their day-to-day effort to something bigger or more meaningful? What keeps you personally motivated as a leader?

Focus and Purpose