Hard Work in My Thoughts: The Foundation of Mental Toughness

In this week’s episode of The Coach Matthew Mitchell Show, Coach Mitchell kicks off the second Winning Tool—Hard Work—by teaching you how to activate it in the most important place: your thoughts.

Hard work doesn’t start in your hands. It starts in your head.

Coach shares stories from his early days at Morehead State, lessons learned at Kentucky, his journey of building the Winning Tools leadership company, and how those same tools are shaping the culture in his first season at the University of Houston.

You’ll learn three practical ways to practice Hard Work in Your Thoughts:

1. Choose challenge over comfort
2. Talk to yourself—not listen to yourself
3. Focus on progress, not perfection

This episode will equip you with the mental perseverance needed to lead with strength, consistency, and confidence—no matter where you are in your leadership journey.

Listen in, take notes, and get ready to build hardworking thoughts that produce hardworking leadership.