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Hey Reader!

I recently forgot a doctor’s appointment, even though they sent me five reminders. Notifications have become such a constant in our lives that, ironically, they seem to have lost their urgency. It’s as if the very thing designed to help us stay on track is now part of the noise we’ve learned to tune out.

...and that got me thinking.

We live in a world of constant reminders. Our phones buzz, our watches ping, and even our email systems throw pop-ups at us—all in an effort to keep us on schedule and on task. But here’s the catch: the more reminders we get, the less likely we are to notice them. This phenomenon is rooted in a psychological concept called "habituation." Essentially, the more we’re exposed to a stimulus, the less we notice it over time. And this doesn’t just apply to our devices; it’s something that affects every part of our lives, including sports and mental performance.

For athletes, habituation might look like this: a coach repeatedly yells out the same motivational phrase during every practice. At first, it pumps the players up. Over time, it starts to blend into the background, becoming just another part of the noise. Similarly, constant feedback can overwhelm players, making it difficult for them to distinguish between what’s truly important and what’s just more chatter.

Coaches aren’t immune to this, either. Too many reminders or corrections during a game can dilute the impact of what really matters. Instead of focusing on the few things that could turn the game around, players are left juggling a dozen different instructions, none of which stick.

Parents face a similar challenge. In the effort to keep their kids on track, they often resort to constant reminders about homework, routines, and even performance goals. But this can lead to kids tuning them out entirely—“that’s just how Mom or Dad is”—and missing the point of the reminder altogether.

So, what’s the solution? It’s about focusing on quality over quantity. Instead of a constant stream of feedback or reminders, aim for “mindful communication.” Here are a few strategies:

Prioritize what’s truly important. Limit reminders to key moments or critical instructions. For example, during practice, choose one or two areas to focus on rather than trying to correct every detail.

Create intentional moments for reflection. Build time into your day—whether it’s at the end of practice, before a game, or during a quiet evening at home—to evaluate progress and address what really matters. This can make feedback feel more meaningful and less like background noise.

Set boundaries for notifications. This might mean silencing your phone during practice or turning off non-essential alerts in your daily life. For coaches and athletes, this could also mean limiting mid-game corrections to halftime or specific breaks.

Change the delivery. Sometimes, changing the format of your message can make all the difference. A handwritten note, a one-on-one conversation, or even a well-timed pause can break through the noise and resonate more deeply.

Meaningful communication isn’t about saying more; it’s about saying what matters most. In a world where noise is everywhere, the challenge is to make your voice—and your reminders—stand out. Whether you’re a coach, a parent, or an athlete, the key is to be intentional, thoughtful, and clear in your communication. Less is often more.

Thanks for riding along,

~ Dan

P.S. If you have strategies for cutting through the noise or examples of how you’ve used mindful communication in your own life, I’d love to hear them! Email me at dan@danmickle.com or find me on social media @RealDanMickle.

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For more resources such as blogs, vlogs, and upcoming webinars, visit DanMickle.com.

Also, visit MentalCast.com for the latest episode of The MentalCast podcast.

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