Today’s Playbook

Hey Playbook community, basketball season isn’t over yet for us, but I’ve got to admit, it’s tough watching other teams prepare for the Euroleague Final Four. Still, I want to wish all the players and teams the best of luck in Abu Dhabi!

Here’s what’s on my mind in this week’s newsletter:

• 🏀 E-motions = Energy in Motion

• 🌱 Benefits of Napping

• ▶️ YouTube → Play-Offs - The battle is back in our home

• ❓ Q+A → @geobol87 on YouTube asked…

🏀 E-motions = Energy in Motion

That energy can move you forward… or throw you off course. Learning how to guide it is a game-changer. It’s the difference between reacting and responding. Between burnout and bounce back.

Emotions Are Clues, Not Enemies

Every feeling tells you something:

• Fear = Danger ahead

• Anger = Something’s unfair

• Sadness = You’re hurting or healing

• Love = You care deeply

But sometimes, the volume gets turned way up. That’s when emotions start to control you instead of the other way around.

Explosions Happen — But They Don’t Define You

Even elite performers have emotional meltdowns. Will Smith. Novak Djokovic. Me. You probably have too.

The key? Don’t stay there.

Use the reset tools:

• Pause. Breathe.

• Talk to yourself like a coach. (ex: “Elijah, you’ve been here before. You know what to do.”)

• Write it out. Get the thoughts moving.

• Move your body or change your music. Fastest way to change your state.

Step Away to Step Up: The Dennis Rodman Story

In the middle of the Bulls’ dynasty, Dennis Rodman told the team: “I just need to get away.”

So they let him go to Vegas. Everyone thought it was wild, but it worked. He came back locked in, focused, and dominant. The lesson? Sometimes stepping away isn’t quitting— it’s reloading.

Your Environment Affects Everything

Sometimes it’s not your mindset, it’s your surroundings. For me, I find peace in the mountains. Every summer, I spend time there to reset before the grind of a long season.

Ask yourself: “Where do I feel calm, clear, and close to God?”

Then go there often. Your energy depends on it.

This Week’s Takeaway:

Emotions will show up. That’s guaranteed. But you get to decide where they take you.

• Speak to yourself like a coach

• Write your thoughts to get clarity

• Step away to recharge

• Go places that feed your soul

• Remember, your feelings are fuel

Next time you feel off, try this:

Pause. Breathe. Talk. Write. Move. Reset.

You’re not your feelings — you’re the one driving the energy behind them.

Faith + Consistency™. That’s the formula.

🌱Benefits of Napping

When you're pushing your body and mind to the limit, like during playoffs or back-to-back intense games, recovery becomes just as important as training. One of the most underrated but powerful tools for athletes is napping.

Why Napping Matters for Athletes

Naps aren’t just for kids—they’re a performance enhancer for serious athletes. When you're playing at a high level, sleep debt can quickly add up, especially with late-night games, early practices, travel, and media obligations. A short, strategic nap can be a game-changer.

Here’s why:

• Boosts Recovery: Sleep helps the body repair tissues and build muscle. A nap in the afternoon supports recovery by giving your body a second mini recovery window during the day.

• Improves Mental Focus: Fatigue can mess with your reaction time, decision-making, and even confidence. Naps help reset your brain, keeping you mentally sharp during game time.

• Enhances Mood and Reduces Stress: Tension builds during playoff season. Napping helps regulate cortisol (the stress hormone) and keeps you emotionally balanced.

LeBron James – The King of Sleep

LeBron James is known not only for his longevity and dominance on the court but also for how seriously he takes recovery. In various interviews and features—including his appearances on the “The Tim Ferriss Show” he’s mentioned that he often gets 8–10 hours of sleep at night and takes multiple naps during the day, especially during the playoffs.

How to Make Your Naps Count

To get the full benefits of napping, it’s important to do it right. Here are 3 Things in my Routine that help me make my power naps as effective as possible:

1. I always try to keep my naps under 30 minutes. This avoids deep sleep and grogginess while still recharging your mind and body.

2. Time it Right – For me, it always depends on my training schedule or when my kids allow me to😅, but in general, mid-afternoon is best, especially on non-game or heavy practice days. Avoid napping too late in the day, or it might mess with your night sleep.

3. Create a Recovery Ritual – I like to nap in a cool, dark, and quiet space (I use an eye mask). Before I nap, I always take a moment to pray and journal; it helps clear my mind. Treat naps as part of your training routine, not a luxury.

Here’s the link, as always, to my full list of guides, available to you as a part of the Playbook Community! Playbook Guides (Workouts, Pro Tips, Mobility Guides, Recovery info, etc)

▶YouTube Journey

The playoffs are here, and the energy is unreal. We went into a packed OAKA and came out with a huge win against Panathinaikos — the series is now tied 1-1. Next stop: Istanbul.

With our fans behind us, we’re ready for an all-out battle on our home court. Every possession counts, and the fight to reach Abu Dhabi is only getting tougher. Will we close it out at home, or is Game 5 in Athens waiting for us?

❓Q&A

@geobol87 on YouTube asked…

“LAKERS! Growing up, it was all about the Lakers for me. Of course, they were one of the best teams at the time, but the real reason? Kobe Bryant. With my last name also being Bryant, I felt this weird but special connection to him; I felt like I had to root for him.

But beyond the name, Kobe was just... different. His work ethic, his mindset, that killer instinct! He was a true inspiration to me, not just in basketball but in life.

Sometimes I wonder if I would’ve been a Lakers fan if they weren’t winning, but with Kobe on the squad, I don’t think I had a choice.😅”

🚨Want to see your question answered above? Reply to the newsletter or reach out to me on social. I will group all the questions together and be answering them on the newsletter and vlog in the coming weeks. Cheers!🚨

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If you have comments or questions or suggestions, PLEASE respond to the newsletter about anything. I want to hear from you and I promise, I read every response. My goal is to continue making a great Playbook and building a great community where we all get better together. And you’re a part of that journey!

Let’s Build Confidence + Consistency™, on and off the court!

Elijah