how belief drives performance
Today I want to unpack something powerful—a quote that seems simple at first, but when you really dive in, it unlocks one of the biggest keys to success in both sports and life.
Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, once said: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.”
Ford wasn’t a psychologist, but he might as well have been. Because a massive research project funded by the National Science Foundation just confirmed how right he was. And as soon as I read it, I knew I had to connect it to what I teach inside MLM—because this is the exact foundation of everything I teach.
The Science of Self-Belief
The study reviewed 61 different experiments focused on college students and their success. What made some students thrive, stay in school, and graduate—even more than grades, talent, or background?
It came down to three key mental factors:
A sense of belonging
A belief in growth
A connection to personal goals and values
Let’s break each one down—and I’ll show you how every single one is trained and strengthened inside the MLM foundation.
1. A Sense of Belonging: “You Belong Here”
In the study, students who felt like they belonged—who believed they fit in and were part of something—succeeded more. Sounds simple, right?
Inside Major League Mindset, I talk about this all the time. I train players to remember: You’re not alone. You’re not the only one struggling at times. And you absolutely belong in this game.
Whether you're at a tryout, on a new team, or going through a slump—when you feel like you’re part of something bigger, your performance elevates. That’s why community is a big part of the MLM+ app. Our players grow stronger together.
2. A Growth Mindset: “You Can Get Better at Anything”
75% of the studies found that students who believed they could get better—with effort, time, and feedback—had better GPAs. At MLM, this is non-negotiable. It’s one of our core values.
I remind all of MLM players and partcipants: Talent gets you in the door. Mental strength keeps you in the game.
Every skill—confidence, focus, body language, resilience—is trainable. It’s why we use daily tools like the Habit Tracker in MLM+, so players can actually see themselves getting better day by day. You don’t have to be born with it. You just have to build it.
3. Personal Goals and Values: “Know Your WHY”
The last major finding? Success skyrocketed when students could connect what they were doing today with the person they wanted to become in the future.
That’s exactly what we teach through the idea of ARETÉ: striving to show up as the best version of yourself—moment to moment to moment.
Inside MLM, I help athletes not only define their goals but deeply connect to why those goals matter. And when that why is strong, motivation is no longer a problem. You stop needing to “feel like it”—you just do it because it matters.
How to Train All Three
So, what do we do with all this?
Just like the study showed, one of the most powerful ways to strengthen these beliefs is through writing, reflection, and daily practice.
That’s why I built tools like:
Guided journaling in the MLM+ app
Guided mental imagery and meditation audio tracks
The Checklist for Success to align effort with identity
You don’t need to “hope” these beliefs stick. I help you lock them in through consistent, intentional reps.
Final Thoughts: Ford Was Right
So maybe Henry Ford was ahead of his time. Belief does shape reality. And performance doesn’t start on the field—it starts in your mind.
That’s the essence of Major League Mindset. I don’t just train athletes. I train belief systems. I don’t just fix mechanics. I build mindset muscle. I don’t just teach tools. I help players see what’s already inside them.
Because when you believe you can… You’re right.
Want to Start Building That Belief?
Start your free 7-day trial of the MLM+ App today. Daily tools. Mental game training. Real growth. Let’s go build your mindset, one rep at a time.
👉 Start Your Free 7-Day Trial of MLM+
In your corner,
-Brandon
