(Signal vs. Noise: A New Lens on High Performance — Lessons from Steve Jobs)
There’s no shortage of lessons that flow from the world of sports into business. But it’s rare to find one that flows the other way around, from the boardroom to the field.
This one is different. It’s a lesson I picked up from a business legend, and I believe it can completely change the way athletes perform in-season.
Let’s talk about how to have the best season of your life.
You’ve Put in the Work. Now What?
As the summer ends and fall sports kick off, many of you are stepping into the season after months of off-season training. You’ve pushed through early mornings, intense lifts, conditioning sessions, and skill development. You’ve earned the right to feel confident, you’re in the best shape of your life.
If you’ve trained with us at MECA, you’re likely leaps ahead of last season’s version of yourself. But here’s what most people don’t realize:
Physical readiness is just the beginning.
The next step is mental focus, skill execution, and consistency. This is where performance is truly separated from potential.
And to unlock it, you need to understand one powerful concept:
Signal vs. Noise.
What Steve Jobs Knew That Athletes Need to Learn
I first heard this concept from Kevin O’Leary, “Mr. Wonderful” from Shark Tank. He worked closely with Apple founder Steve Jobs, and in an interview, he shared what made Jobs such a transformational leader.
Jobs focused intensely on just a few critical things each day, and ignored the rest.
That’s the idea behind Signal vs. Noise:
- Signal = The 3–5 essential actions that directly impact your performance.
- Noise = Everything else: distractions that dilute your focus and energy.
Most people operate at a 50/50 ratio. Half of what they do moves them forward. The other half? Scrolling, overcommitting, reacting, and wasting time.
But the top 1%, the elite performers, relentlessly protect their Signal and eliminate the Noise.
The Signal for In-Season Athletes: Your 5 Non-Negotiables
If you’re serious about maximizing your performance, here are the five actions that should be part of your daily in-season routine:
- Sleep 9–10 hours per night
- Sleep is the most powerful performance enhancer available. Period. One Stanford study showed basketball players who increased their sleep to 10 hours improved sprint times, shooting accuracy, and reaction speed.
- Hydrate properly
- Aim for 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. Dehydration of even 2% can reduce performance significantly.
- Eat breakfast every morning
- Fuels your brain and body. Skipping it leads to lower energy, focus, and muscle recovery.
- Static stretch for 15 minutes post-training or games
- Enhances flexibility, reduces soreness, and accelerates recovery.
- Take a protein shake after every practice or game
- Provides the nutrients your muscles need to rebuild and grow stronger.
These five habits are your daily Signal. They build the foundation for recovery, energy, and consistency throughout the season.
Two More Signals: Skill & Effort
To separate yourself from the competition, you must master two areas beyond the physical:
1. Learn Faster Than Your Competition
Skill wins, especially at the highest level.
Take Steph Curry, for example. By NBA standards, he’s not the most athletic player on the court. But his shooting and skill work are elite because he has consistently out-practiced, out-focused, and out-learned everyone around him.
Faster skill acquisition is your competitive advantage.
2. Give Full Effort, Every Day
Effort isn’t just about willpower, it’s about energy.
And energy starts with recovery.
Without consistent, high-quality sleep, your ability to learn, move, and compete suffers. Sleep affects:
- Reaction time
- Focus and decision-making
- Speed and explosiveness
- Mood and resilience under pressure
If there’s one thing that can instantly elevate your performance, it’s out-sleeping your opponents.
The Hidden Noise: Your Phone
So, what’s the biggest obstacle to great sleep?
Your phone.
Late-night scrolling, gaming, and notifications destroy sleep quality and delay recovery. Even worse, it keeps your mind overstimulated and your body in a reactive state.
At MECA, we coach athletes to adopt the 8 PM Rule:
- Power down electronics by 8:00 PM
- Follow the 3SF Night Routine:
- Sleep Builder (dim lights, no screens)
- Warm shower
- Stretching routine
This simple discipline will improve your sleep quality, increase recovery, and help you show up at your best every single day.
Final Word: Greatness is a Choice
You only get one senior year.
One shot at a high school or college season.
One chance to prove how far your preparation can take you.
Distraction is everywhere. Most people are overcommitted, overstimulated, and underperforming. That’s your opportunity.
Say no to the Noise. Lock in on the Signal.
If you commit to the few things that truly matter, and block out the rest, you’ll become the kind of athlete others chase, not the one doing the chasing.
Go be great.
You’ve earned the right to win.
Now finish the job.
Cheat Sheet guide on stretching MECA Stretch Guide
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