Mindset Over Physique
Is an athlete without the ideal physical characteristics at a disadvantage in competitive sports?
The “prototypical body” is considered a significant advantage for athletes.
Tall football quarterbacks can see over the linemen and have a better view downfield when they drop back to pass.
In swimming, long limbs provide better leverage against the water.
Baseball pitchers with larger hand sizes can generate more spin on the ball, contributing to sharper breaking pitches.
While height may be a desirable feature for quarterbacks, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is considered undersized at 5’10” yet won the Heisman Trophy and has thrown for 115 touchdowns during his NFL career.
American swimmer Hali Flickinger (5’6″) won a bronze medal in the 200m butterfly and 400 IM at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan, considered to be one of the best pitchers in MLB history, had smaller hands than the norm for elite pitchers.
However, the so-called “perfect physical attributes” are no match for an athlete with an optimal mindset. A strong mindset provides the most significant advantage for athletes.
When you have an optimal competitive mindset, you are committed to outworking other athletes. You refuse to accept the limited views of others. You possess a “dawg mentality” where you love the challenge and the opportunity to prove others wrong.
You maximize your physical qualities and work endlessly on your mental skills. When you have an optimal competitive mindset, you rip away any perceived advantage from your competition and firmly secure the edge for yourself.
The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Mac McWilliams in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. At 5’10”, McWilliams is considered undersized for a cornerback by NFL standards. McWilliams heard about his short stature throughout the pre-draft process.
In fact, McWilliams has been told his entire football career that he was too short. While he knows he’s undersized, McWilliams also KNOWS he can successfully compete at the highest level. Before the Eagles’ first rookie practice, McWilliams answered questions by reporters about his height.
McWILLIAMS: “I try really not to think about it. I go out there with the same mindset. I’m the biggest out there. That’s how I feel. So just having that mindset, I really feel like it takes me (far). Since I was little, I have always been the littlest guy so just having the right mindset, taking everything for what it is. All my life, I knew I was going to be undersized. I knew I wasn’t going to grow as much as I wanted to. Just always having that dog in me. Just thinking above, never thinking too low.”
McWilliams’ mindset has been his greatest advantage, an advantage that gave him an edge even against tall wide receivers, as he proved at the 2025 Senior Bowl.
With the right mindset, you can neutralize nonoptimal physical qualities and gain a considerable edge over your opponents throughout your career. While you can’t control your height, limb length, or hand size, you can choose your mindset… And that mindset makes a difference, not just for you, but when you compete against taller, bigger athletes.Remember, body type is outside of your control, but mindset is a choice. Adopt the “Dawg Mindset” and see yourself as the one to beat on the field. Know that your mindset is the difference-maker and not body measurements.Is an athlete without the ideal physical characteristics at a disadvantage in competitive sports?
The “prototypical body” is considered a significant advantage for athletes.
Tall football quarterbacks can see over the linemen and have a better view downfield when they drop back to pass.
In swimming, long limbs provide better leverage against the water.
Baseball pitchers with larger hand sizes can generate more spin on the ball, contributing to sharper breaking pitches.
While height may be a desirable feature for quarterbacks, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is considered undersized at 5’10” yet won the Heisman Trophy and has thrown for 115 touchdowns during his NFL career.
American swimmer Hali Flickinger (5’6″) won a bronze medal in the 200m butterfly and 400 IM at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan, considered to be one of the best pitchers in MLB history, had smaller hands than the norm for elite pitchers.
However, the so-called “perfect physical attributes” are no match for an athlete with an optimal mindset. A strong mindset provides the most significant advantage for athletes.
When you have an optimal competitive mindset, you are committed to outworking other athletes. You refuse to accept the limited views of others. You possess a “dawg mentality” where you love the challenge and the opportunity to prove others wrong.
You maximize your physical qualities and work endlessly on your mental skills. When you have an optimal competitive mindset, you rip away any perceived advantage from your competition and firmly secure the edge for yourself.
The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Mac McWilliams in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. At 5’10”, McWilliams is considered undersized for a cornerback by NFL standards. McWilliams heard about his short stature throughout the pre-draft process.
In fact, McWilliams has been told his entire football career that he was too short. While he knows he’s undersized, McWilliams also KNOWS he can successfully compete at the highest level. Before the Eagles’ first rookie practice, McWilliams answered questions by reporters about his height.
McWILLIAMS: “I try really not to think about it. I go out there with the same mindset. I’m the biggest out there. That’s how I feel. So just having that mindset, I really feel like it takes me (far). Since I was little, I have always been the littlest guy so just having the right mindset, taking everything for what it is. All my life, I knew I was going to be undersized. I knew I wasn’t going to grow as much as I wanted to. Just always having that dog in me. Just thinking above, never thinking too low.”
McWilliams’ mindset has been his greatest advantage, an advantage that gave him an edge even against tall wide receivers, as he proved at the 2025 Senior Bowl.
With the right mindset, you can neutralize nonoptimal physical qualities and gain a considerable edge over your opponents throughout your career. While you can’t control your height, limb length, or hand size, you can choose your mindset… And that mindset makes a difference, not just for you, but when you compete against taller, bigger athletes.Remember, body type is outside of your control, but mindset is a choice. Adopt the “Dawg Mindset” and see yourself as the one to beat on the field. Know that your mindset is the difference-maker and not body measurements.
Related Sports Psychology Article
- Embracing the Underdog Mindset in Sports
- Team Mindset and the Next-Man-Up Mentality
- How to Keep a Positive Mindset for Non-Starters
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