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Step 5: Put in the Reps – How Leaders Build Confidence and Execute Under Pressure
Posted on May 05, 2026
Everyone talks about success. Very few commit to what it actually takes to achieve it.
Step 5 of my Beat the Coverage framework is simple: Put in the Reps!
Because a plan without repetition is just an idea.
The Work Behind the Moment
I remember plays like this one with Joe Montana.
He drops back.
The ball is in the air.
And I’m expected to be exactly where I’m supposed to be.
That moment takes seconds. What people don’t see is the 200 to 500 catches I made that week in practice.
Same routes. Same timing. Over and over again.
So when the moment came… I didn’t think. I reacted.
Why Repetition Builds Confidence
In pressure moments, you don’t rise to the occasion. You fall back on your preparation.
- Repetition builds confidence.
- Repetition builds consistency.
- Repetition improves execution under pressure.
That preparation became my edge. At 157 pounds in the NFL, I knew I was going to take hits. But when the ball came, you made the catch, because you’ve already done it hundreds of times.
Reps Build Readiness in Business
The same principle applies in business and leadership. Reps build readiness. And readiness shows up when pressure hits.
One of the most important business skills today is communication.
Strong communication skills help leaders:
- Set a clear direction
- Provide effective feedback
- Build trust within teams
But you don’t improve communication skills by thinking about them. You improve them by putting in the reps.
How to Improve Communication Skills Through Repetition
Reps in business don’t happen on a practice field.
They look like:
- Having the conversation you’ve been avoiding
- Practicing how you deliver feedback
- Being clear and intentional with your message
- Speaking up when it would be easier to stay quiet
It’s not always comfortable. But that’s where growth happens.
Why Most People Don’t Improve
The problem isn’t effort, it's direction. Most people stay busy. They’re working. They’re showing up. But they’re not intentional about what they’re practicing. They’re doing a lot… just not the right reps.
Daily Reps Create Long-Term Results
For me, catching the football wasn’t optional. It was a daily rep. It had to be. And that’s the question for you. What is the most important skill in your role? And how often are you practicing it?
Your Challenge: Put in the Reps
If you want to grow as a leader, start here:
- Identify 2 to 3 actions that move the needle
- Practice them consistently
- Track your progress
- Adjust and improve
Because success isn’t built in big moments. It’s built in the reps leading up to them.
Catching the ball was a daily rep. It had to be. So let me ask you…