Routine changes over time; the approach doesn't
“The only aspect that can’t change, though, is that obsession. You have to enter every activity, every single time, with a want and need to do it to the best of your ability” —Kobe Bryant
Routine and standards became the recipe of success to go from a 2-star high school recruit to starter in the NFL. Without them, you leave the door open for the inevitable distractions that derail growth.
Every game from high school, college and the NFL had a specific routine. Sometimes the line of superstition and routine became blurred, but it allowed me to have a structure and predictability that removed any extra thinking so I could focus on the game.
I’d eat the same meal (and dessert). Listen to the same playlist. Tape each individual finger and hand the exact same way.
It was about creating a rhythm that made game day feel predictable and familiar. Every minute from the time I went to bed, to the moment I woke up on game day, was rehearsed and exact.
As I moved from high school to college to the NFL, those routines had to evolve.
The game demanded more from me and there was less free time.
At Duke, efficiency became essential. I had to balance academic commitments, film study, lifts and recovery—all while prepping for top-tier competition.
And in the NFL, every moment became a currency. How you spent it determined whether or not you kept your job.
But what didn’t change was my approach.
Lesson #1: Routine is the system. Approach is the standard.
Systems shift and circumstances evolve. But if your standard stays consistent, you’ll always adapt and stay on top of your game.
This was especially true traveling to away stadiums. You quickly learn not every locker room is built the same.
Away locker rooms aren’t meant to be glamorous, some teams even take pride in it becoming a psychological advantage towards their opponent.
But if you have the right system and approach in place, you eliminate the chance of those distractions changing your pace.
For me, the approach was simple.
Preparation + opportunity = success
prepare with a consistent plan, energy and focus
every rep in practice matters, every team meeting is an opportunity to learn
success is a byproduct of a repeatable system, regardless of environment
That mindset helped me stay steady. Even when the stadium changed and the pressure rose. My standard didn’t waver.
Lesson #2: Predictability frees your mind for what matters
When the world gets loud, routine creates calm.
As a player, everything from what I ate to how I stretched was dialed in. That predictability gave me the mental space to focus, not just on the next play, but on the bigger picture: leading, performing and winning.
The same holds true in leadership.
Every day, you're pulled in a hundred directions. Decision fatigue is real. But when you build structure into your day—morning rituals, meeting blocks, non-negotiables—you protect your mind from noise.
You create space to think clearly, lead intentionally and stay present for the work that truly matters.
Lesson #3: Evolution doesn’t mean erosion
I used to think if I changed my routine, I’d lose my edge. I learned that you can evolve without losing who you are.
Changing and evolving my routine became an extra tool in the toolbox. Each new experience taught me how to handle different challenges with more confidence and perspective.
The key is knowing the difference between your system and your standard.
You can change your schedule, your tools, your environment—without compromising your values, discipline or effort.
That’s how you grow. That’s how you stay grounded even when everything else is shifting.
Final Thought:
Whether you’re leading a team, building a business or stepping into something new, remember; Your routine can change. It's meant to grow and evolve with your life to improve efficiency and impact.
But your approach, the way you prepare, the standard you set, the focus you bring, shouldn't.
Take the time to ask yourself:
Great words, Matt