EPISODE · Feb 20, 2026 · 34 MIN
095 - Why You Get Worse Before You Get Better
from Captains & Coaches Podcast · host Tex McQuilkin
Ever started working on a skill and suddenly felt like you were performing worse instead of improving? That’s not failure — that’s the learning process doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. In this episode, we break down why performance often drops right after coaching, feedback, or technique changes, and how that frustrating phase is actually the gateway to mastery.You’ll learn the four stages of skill development, why confidence crashes before it climbs, and how elite athletes push through the uncomfortable middle stage where most people quit. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or leader, this episode will help you reframe struggle as progress and give you a mental model you can use to train smarter, stay patient, and build real competence.Key Takeaway: Feeling worse doesn’t mean you’re regressing — it means you’re becoming aware. And awareness is where improvement begins.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com Training - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com
What this episode covers
Ever started working on a skill and suddenly felt like you were performing worse instead of improving? That's not failure — that's the learning process doing exactly what it's supposed to do. In this episode, we break down why performance often drops right after coaching, feedback, or technique changes, and how that frustrating phase is actually the gateway to mastery. You'll learn the four stages of skill development, why confidence crashes before it climbs, and how elite athletes push through the uncomfortable middle stage where most people quit. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or leader, this episode will help you reframe struggle as progress and give you a mental model you can use to train smarter, stay patient, and build real competence. Key Takeaway: Feeling worse doesn't mean you're regressing — it means you're becoming aware. And awareness is where improvement begins. *NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com Training - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train C&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com [https://shop.captainsandcoaches.com/]
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095 - Why You Get Worse Before You Get Better
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