You’re Not Supposed to Be Sure (Ep. 052)

Episode 052 | You’re Not Supposed to Be Sure | April 2026

In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle takes on the pressure athletes and parents feel to make the “right” decision in youth sports. From tryouts to team selection, people search for certainty in a system that simply does not provide enough information to be sure.

Dan breaks down why this happens and shifts the focus to what actually matters: how athletes respond after the decision is made. He connects this idea directly to performance, showing how the need for certainty leads to hesitation and overthinking, while clarity comes from focusing on the next controllable action. The episode also highlights how uncertainty can be especially challenging for neurodivergent athletes and offers simple ways to create stability in those moments.

Topics covered

• Why athletes and parents feel pressure to make the “right” decision
• Why the youth sports system does not allow for certainty
• The difference between making a decision and responding to it
• How overthinking impacts performance
• Shifting from evaluation mode to participation mode
• Supporting athletes through uncertainty and role changes
• Considerations for neurodivergent athletes
• Using simple cues to create clarity and stability

Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul