Kevin Durant recently shared his approach to mentally resetting after a challenging moment on the basketball court, offering valuable insight into his mindset. According to Durant, the key to staying focused is keeping a forward-thinking attitude and not dwelling on individual plays. He explained, “This is just as simple as moving on to the next play and forgetting about what just happened.” This simple yet powerful strategy is one of the reasons Durant has been able to maintain such a high level of performance throughout his career, even when things don’t go as planned.
The importance of letting go of mistakes is not just about minimizing the impact of bad plays but also about staying grounded during moments of success. Durant emphasized that it’s essential to apply the same approach to good plays as well. Whether it’s a missed shot or a game-winning dunk, staying in the present moment is what helps him maintain consistency. “You do that on the good and bad plays,” Durant said, illustrating that the process of moving on is integral regardless of the outcome.
Durant’s mindset reveals a level of maturity that can be applied not only to basketball but also to everyday challenges. It’s a reminder that in life, focusing on the next step rather than ruminating over past mistakes or achievements is key to personal growth. By detaching from the emotional highs and lows of each play, Durant is able to stay calm, composed, and focused on the broader objective—the entire game, rather than any single moment.
This mental reset strategy also aligns with sports psychology principles, where athletes are encouraged to have a “next play” mentality. The ability to compartmentalize and let go of mistakes or successes allows athletes to avoid getting stuck in their heads. It reduces stress, enhances focus, and ultimately improves performance. Durant’s consistent excellence is a product of his ability to remain present and not let any one play, good or bad, define his approach to the game.
Durant’s wisdom, though rooted in the context of basketball, is a universal concept. In any area of life, whether in work, relationships, or personal goals, it’s vital to focus on the next step rather than getting bogged down by the past. His approach is a powerful reminder that success is often about persistence and resilience—moving on from setbacks and building momentum, no matter what comes your way.