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

Positive Toughness: How 9 Core Topics Transform Your Game and Life
Mental toughness is not just about grinding harder or “wanting it more.” It is a trainable system of skills that shape how you respond when life and competition punch back. That is the heart of Coach Matt Thomann’s 100% Mettle framework—a practical way to build positive toughness that holds up under real pressure, not just in motivational quotes.
Episode 125: Sleep is Your Mental and Physical Superpower
This month’s Monthly Mettle Challenge uncovers one of the most underrated but powerful tools for peak performance—sleep. In Episode 125 of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann transforms into Mr. Sandman, sharing the science, personal stories, and straight talk on why sleep is a true superpower for your body and mind.
Episode 123: "What else is possible?" with Endurance Athlete Pierce Showe
In Episode 123 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with endurance athlete Pierce Showe to explore what happens when mindset expands the boundary of what the body believes is possible.
Taking Fear Out of the Game: The Secret to Unlocking True Athlete Potential
Today’s most successful coaches realize that fear isn’t a sustainable motivator—it paralyzes players, limits growth, and stunts team chemistry. Championship coach Greg Tonagel, guest on the Mental Mettle Podcast, is a standout example of why taking fear out of sports completely changes the trajectory of athletes—and entire programs.
Episode 118: Unified Hearts, Fearless Minds, and National Championships with Greg Tonagel
Discover how winning teams are built on culture, not just X’s and O’s, in the latest episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast! Episode 118, “Unified Hearts, Fearless Minds, and National Championships with Greg Tonagel,” takes you inside the mind and methods of one of college basketball’s most transformational coaches.
Episode 117: Anchored in Faith: JaDawn Bryant's Guide to Purposeful Leadership
In this transformative episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast, listeners are treated to an energizing and insightful conversation with JaDawn Bryant, head coach of the MacArthur Lady Generals, behavioral interventionist, and passionate evangelist. JaDawn's journey—anchored in deep faith and unyielding integrity—offers a beacon of purposeful leadership for coaches, athletes, and anyone seeking lasting impact.