The First Ten Plays!
by Stephen Doherty
February 1st, 2026
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” -Benjamin Franklin
An NFL coach’s play sheet and an ordinary person’s morning routine may seem worlds apart—one unfolding under stadium lights and national scrutiny, the other in the quiet rhythm of everyday life. Yet at their core, both serve the same purpose: preparation. Each represents a carefully thought-out plan designed to manage uncertainty, conserve mental energy, and put the individual in the best position to succeed when the moment arrives.
Our days unfold in proportion to the momentum gained by developing a morning ritual of key actions and tasks. Just like an NFL coach, we give ourselves the best opportunities for success by building a foundation of successful endeavors that then dovetail nicely into whatever challenges the rest of the day holds for us. Isaac Newton once opined that “A body in motion tends to stay in motion.” A morning ritual deeply rooted in good habits is the best catalyst for creating the momentum that will carry us through the rest of the day.
An NFL coach’s play sheet is not a random collection of plays. It is a structured roadmap, developed through hours of film study, analysis of opponents’ tendencies, and awareness of the strengths and limitations of their own team. The sheet organizes plays by situation—first down, third and short, red zone, two-minute drill—so the coach is never improvising blindly. When pressure mounts and seconds tick away, the play sheet reduces chaos. It allows the coach to act decisively, trusting preparation rather than emotion.
In much the same way, a normal person’s morning routine functions as a personal “play sheet” for the day ahead. The following represents my “First Ten” list honed and modified over the years to meet my evolving needs. 1) Make the bed 2) Hot shower & dress 3) Stretching 4) Coffee, pint of water, and assorted nutritional supplements 5) Daily prayer/meditation 6) Quick review of days activities 7) 30-minutes of reading 8) 45-minutes cardio 9) Protein Shake 10) Journaling. Whatever your routine, upon completion you will experience elevated mood, motivation, and be in a much better position to deal with whatever rest of the day has in store for us.
Both systems are also flexible, not rigid. A coach may abandon the original game plan if the defense shows something unexpected. Likewise, a morning routine adapts when life intervenes—a late alarm, a sick child, an urgent email. Preparation does not eliminate surprises; it equips a person to respond calmly when they occur. In both cases, the plan serves as a foundation, not a prison.
Another key similarity is confidence. A coach clutching a well-prepared play sheet knows they are not guessing; they are drawing from intention and experience. A person who starts their day with a consistent routine gains a quiet confidence as well. They have already achieved small wins—getting up on time, being organized, feeling ready—which sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Ultimately, the NFL play sheet and the morning routine reveal a universal truth: success is rarely accidental. Whether calling plays on Sunday or heading into a workday on Monday, preparation transforms pressure into purpose. One happens on a football field, the other at a kitchen counter, but both reflect the same disciplined mindset—do the work early, so when the moment comes, you’re ready to perform.
“Anything worthy of your passion
should be worthy of your preparation.” -Sue Enquist
