It only takes 30 seconds to help someone get better
I am walking out of the tunnel at ScotiaBank arena for the game, like I had done 30+ times before this season, listening to the Canadian national anthem.
I'm heading to my seat, preparing for another hard-fought game against a good team in our division - the 76ers.
I hear footsteps behind me - a little weird for this time of the game, so I turn around.
Before I can turn the full 180 degrees, this player is standing next to me…
"Doc, what do you got for me?"
In my head, I'm like, "what do you mean what do I got for you? The game is starting now… there's nothing I can tell you now that'll help you!"
"What's up?" is what actually comes out.
"I'm exhausted. I barely slept last night. How am I supposed to get through this game?"
"Sounds simple - but take it one stretch at a time. Break the game into small sprints. Forget making it 48 minutes. You need to make it 4 minutes about 8 times." (Yes, I know this adds up to 32 minutes. That’s about how much he actually plays).
"'Preciate it, man."
He runs out. The game tips. He scores a little under his season average, 18 points.
The game ends, and he comes in the locker room and gives me a fist bump.
"It's not too bad getting through 8 sprints."
Sometimes, improving performance is as simple as making the daunting manageable.
This was arguable the most important 30 seconds I'd had all year. Not uncommon for a sport psychologist.
It's not always the hour-long presentations that deliver the most value. If you have a chance to change someone's day in 30 seconds or less, that's an extremely high-leverage intervention — and one that most coaches don't bother with.
Of course, a lot goes into these 30 seconds. It’s knowing his playing time, his role, what’s being asked of him. It’s knowing him and what he’ll process in that moment. It’s knowing that it’s not the right time for a grand intervention and that a small step will have to do.
But if you have that knowledge and awareness, creating change doesn’t have to be a grand gesture.
Little by little, a little becomes a lot.
For today, try this:
What’s one small change I can make myself or suggest to someone else?
Don’t overcomplicate it, make it bigger than it needs to be, or overthink it.
Short. Simple. Actionable.
Get going.