Welcome to a milestone moment on The Mental Mettle Podcast-our 100th episode! 🎉 Host Matt Thomann celebrates this achievement with a deeply personal and inspiring conversation alongside his son, Lane Thomann. Together, they explore what it truly means to "Live Your 100," a philosophy rooted in resilience, hard work, and living life to the fullest every single day.

The Story Behind "Live Your 100"

The number 100 holds special significance for the Thomann family. For Matt, it became a rallying cry during his recovery from cancer and a life-altering stroke in 2020. In the hospital, unable to answer basic questions, he could only respond with "100"-a word that soon evolved from a moment of struggle into a mantra for daily growth and perseverance.

"Living my 100 became this mantra for me-a very positive way to focus on growth and giving everything I could mentally and physically towards improving."1

This philosophy is not about comparing yourself to others or even to your past self. It's about giving your personal best every day, no matter the circumstances.

Lane’s Journey: Hard Work, Setbacks, and Growth

Lane Thomann embodies the "Live Your 100" mindset in his own journey as a basketball player and young adult. From battling through injuries, redshirting, and spending seasons on the bench, Lane faced plenty of moments where the payoff for his hard work wasn’t immediate or obvious. But instead of giving in to frustration, he doubled down on his commitment to growth, both on and off the court.

Lane’s story is a testament to the power of grit, faith, and support. He even had “Live your 100” and “3:23” (a nod to Colossians 3:23) tattooed on his side-a sign that the lessons from his father and their shared journey had truly taken root.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

1. The Meaning of 100
For the Thomanns, 100 isn’t just a number-it’s a daily pursuit of being your best, whatever that looks like today. It’s about progress, not perfection.

2. Mindset Over Comparison
Lane and Matt emphasize that your 100 is unique to you. Don’t waste energy comparing yourself to others or your past achievements. Focus on what you can control and give your all in the present moment.

3. Overcoming Setbacks
Lane’s path was filled with challenges: injuries, limited playing time, and tough seasons. But each setback became an opportunity to build resilience and deepen his commitment to the process.

4. The Power of Support and Faith
Family, coaches, and faith played a huge role in Lane’s journey. Having a support system and a strong sense of purpose helped him stay focused and motivated, even during the toughest times.

5. "Live Your 100" Beyond Sports
This philosophy isn’t just for athletes. It’s a mindset for life-whether you’re a parent, coach, student, or professional. Every day is a chance to give your best effort, learn, and grow.

Why This Episode Matters

Whether you’re an athlete chasing a dream, a parent supporting your child, or anyone striving to maximize your potential, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice. The Thomanns’ story reminds us that success isn’t about never falling down-it’s about getting up, giving your best, and living your 100 every single day.

Ready to Live Your 100?

If you’re inspired by Lane and Matt’s journey and want to bring this mindset into your own life, reach out for personalized coaching and support:

Thank you for being part of the Mental Mettle community for 100 episodes. Here’s to giving your all-today and every day!

Listen to Episode 100 now and start your journey to Live Your 100.

Are you ready to forge your mettle?

More From Mental Mettle

Episode 162: Six Throws: Years of Preparation, Seconds to Perform with USA thrower Rachel Richeson
What if years of preparation came down to just six throws? Episode 162 of The Mental Mettle Podcast explores that question through the story of Team USA hammer thrower Rachel Richeson, whose journey shows how elite performance is built through patience, belief, and the ability to trust the work when it matters most.
Episode 161: Faith, Ironman, and Stage 4 Cancer: Just Keep Tri-ing with Jim Logan.
What happens when a lifelong endurance athlete is suddenly told he has Stage 4 cancer and only months to live? In Episode 161 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann talks with Ironman competitor and author Jim Logan about what it means to keep moving forward when life turns into a fight for survival.
The Power of Being a Beginner Again: Why Choosing Hard Things Builds Mental Toughness
In sports, business, and life, most people want to stay where they feel competent. That makes sense. Confidence feels good, and competence is efficient. But one of the fastest ways to grow mentally is to intentionally step into situations where you are not yet good, not yet comfortable, and not yet in control.
Episode 160: Ryan Davis is not a great coach despite his anxiety; he is a great coach because of it.
In Episode 160 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Roanoke Benson girls basketball coach Ryan Davis for a conversation that challenges how we think about anxiety, pressure, and leadership.
Episode 159: Be Willing to Be Bad – From Hoops to Team USA Handball with Katie Timmerman
What if real growth starts the moment you stop trying to be good at everything? In Episode 159 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt talks with USA Team Handball player and Olympic hopeful Katie Timmerman about choosing the unfamiliar, embracing beginner status, and building confidence through failure.
The Power of Responding Well: Why Your Response Matters More Than What Happened
Life does not always give warning before it changes. A diagnosis, a betrayal, a firing, a loss, a collapse in confidence, or a crisis at home can arrive so quickly that it feels like the ground disappears beneath your feet. In moments like that, the event itself matters—but what happens next matters even more.