Cleveland Cavilers Mindset For Playoffs
Summary: Mindset is the ultimate separator in sports, turning average play into peak performance. An avoidance mindset breeds anxiety, mistakes, and negativity, while a solution-focused mindset builds confidence, resilience, and consistency. By choosing mottos like “Whatever it takes,” athletes stay mentally tough, adapt to adversity, and maximize every opportunity.
After all your training is complete, your mindset is everything when it comes to performing consistently in sports.
Your mindset is the difference between winning and losing.
Your mindset separates average play and next level-performance.
The biggest area affected by your mindset is the way you respond to adversity.
An avoidance mindset focuses on avoiding problems rather than focusing on solutions.
When your Mind is Focused on Problems, More Problems Ensue such as:
- Anxiety
- Lower confidence
- Loss of focus
- Uncharacteristic mistakes
- Intense negative emotions
A negative mindset can be summed up by the statement, “Whatever happened to me?”
A positive mindset can be summed up by the phrase, “Whatever it takes!”
A positive mindset focuses on solutions, therefore, your confidence stays intact and you maintain an even keel emotionally.
A positive mindset centers around, “What can I do?” Rather than, “What can’t I do?” or, “What haven’t I done?”
“Whatever it takes” is the motto adopted by the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2018 NBA playoffs.
The Cavaliers’ mindset is to focus on doing everything in their power to win which includes high-level preparation, laser focus, aggressive play and doing all the little things that lead to success.
Even after a disastrous 98-80 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first-round series, the Cavaliers still were focused on doing whatever it takes to advance in the playoffs.
The Cavaliers understand that there are no easy games in the playoffs, so the team moved on from Game 1 and prepared to battle in Game 2.
Cleveland forward, Kyle Korver, summed up the mentality of the team and their commitment to do “whatever it takes” to swing the momentum in their favor.
KORVER: “Every moment is big in the playoffs. Moments can change games, moments can create a run. So I think that’s on all our minds. If there’s a loose ball, dive on the floor. If you can take a charge, do that. The playoffs are all about scratching. Whatever it takes.”
The Cavaliers “whatever it takes” mindset helped the team fight through a highly contested match up against the Pacers in Game 2 to pull out a 100-97 victory.
Which Type of Athlete are You?
Are you the type of athlete who is dragged down by thoughts such as, “What has happened to me?”
Or the athlete who has the mindset, “What can I make happen?”
The reality is that your mindset is a choice.
If you want to have a “whatever it takes” mentality, then you need to consciously make the choice to foster those types of positive thoughts.
You need to let go of what has happened and, instead, make things happen.
A positive mindset will not happen automatically.
You need to choose the mindset that enables you to perform at your peak, then, act accordingly.
How to Develop a Positive “Whatever it Takes” Mindset:
Choose a motto for yourself that will highlight a positive mindset…
How do you want to compete under the big lights?
How do you want to play when your game is off?
How do you want to play against tough competition?
Consider this motto as your personal slogan similar to Nike’s, “Just do it.”
Frequently recite your personal slogan to yourself to keep you focused on what you want to make happen.
4 Tips to Develop a “Whatever It Takes” Mindset in Sports
1. Shift from Problem-Focused to Solution-Focused Thinking
Avoid asking, “What happened to me?” Instead, focus on “What can I do?” This shift keeps your confidence high and your emotions steady.
2. Adopt a Personal Motto
Like the Cleveland Cavaliers’ playoff slogan, “Whatever it takes,” choose a phrase that inspires resilience and reminds you to stay locked in during challenges.
3. Prepare for Every Moment
A strong mindset means being ready for loose balls, tough plays, and high-pressure situations. Small efforts—like diving for a rebound or taking a charge—create big momentum shifts.
4. Consciously Choose Positivity
A positive mindset won’t appear on its own. You must actively decide to let go of setbacks, recite your motto, and play with determination no matter the circumstances.
Learn more focusing strategies with The Focused Athlete audio and workbook program…
Related Sports Psychology Articles:
- How to Develop Growth Mindset
- The Importance of Your Game-Time Mindset
- Developing A Winning Mindset to Overcome Adversity
Boost Your Self-Confidence With Expert Mental Game Coaching!
Expert mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn can help you overcome your mental game issues in sports with personal coaching. We do mental training with athletes of all levels and ages–about 12 years and up. And mental training is not just for elite or professional athletes.
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FAQ: Mindset and Sports Performance
Q: Why is mindset important in sports?
A: Mindset impacts confidence, focus, and how athletes respond to adversity, making it a key factor in consistent performance.
Q: What is the difference between a negative and positive mindset?
A: A negative mindset focuses on problems, creating anxiety and mistakes. A positive mindset focuses on solutions, keeping athletes confident and composed.
Q: How can athletes develop a “whatever it takes” mindset?
A: By adopting a motivating motto, focusing on solutions, preparing for small but crucial moments, and consciously choosing positive thoughts daily.
Q: Can mindset really affect performance even when skills are equal?
A: Yes—two athletes with the same training can perform differently based on their mindset. The athlete with stronger mental focus often comes out on top.
Q: Is mindset a natural trait or a learned skill?
A: Mindset is a choice and a skill. Athletes can train themselves to adopt a resilient, solution-focused mentality over time.
Dr. Patrick Cohn is an expert mental performance coach who has helped athletes for over 30 years enhance their performance. Dr. Cohn earned a master’s degree in sports psychology from CSUF and a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, specializing in Applied Sports Psychology.