Fighter or Victim

Rodney Van

Alright, y’all, welcome back to Coach Van’s Minute. I’m Rodney Van, and today we’re talking about something that, honestly, can make or break your whole journey—mindset under pressure. Now, I know, everybody throws that word “mindset” around, but let’s get real for a second. What actually separates a fighter from a victim? I mean, is it talent? Is it luck? Nah. It’s how you talk to yourself when things get tough.

Rodney Van

Let me give you an example. You ever notice how winners talk? When they’re gassed, they don’t say, “I’m too tired.” They say, “Let’s go.” When they lose, it’s not, “That’s not fair.” It’s, “That’s on me—time to work.” That language, it’s like armor. But victims? Man, they blame, they complain, they wait for somebody to come save ‘em.

Rodney Van

I remember back in my early track days in Long Beach—man, we didn’t have much. I mean, sometimes we didn’t even know where we were sleeping that week. But I had to make a choice. Was I gonna let all that chaos turn me into a victim, or was I gonna fight? I chose to fight. I had to. Every time I stepped on that track, it was me versus my excuses. And, look, I didn’t always win the race, but I always owned my lane. That’s what a fighter does.

Rodney Van

So, next time you catch yourself saying, “It’s not fair,” or “Coach don’t like me,” pause. Ask yourself—am I speaking like a fighter, or am I slipping into that victim mindset? Because, trust me, the words you use, they shape the way you show up when it matters most.

Rodney Van

Now, let’s talk about those little phrases that sneak in and give away a victim mentality. Stuff like, “I’m too tired,” or, “I never get a chance.” I hear it all the time. But here’s the thing—you can flip that script. Instead of, “I’m too tired,” try, “I’m built for this.” Instead of, “Coach don’t like me,” say, “What can I do to earn my spot?” It’s a small shift, but it’s powerful.

Rodney Van

Talent alone doesn’t guarantee success. Athletes with a fighter’s mindset—those who show up every day, own every rep, and never make excuses—are the ones who rise. Meanwhile, those with more natural ability but poor mindset habits often fall short. Coaches notice. Teams respond. That fighter mentality becomes contagious—and it’s what earns starting spots and leadership roles. It’s mindset that moves the needle.

Rodney Van

So, if you’re a coach listening right now, or even a parent, here’s what you can do—help your athletes catch themselves. When you hear that victim talk, call it out, but don’t just shut it down. Show ‘em how to flip it. Ask, “How can we turn that into something you control?” It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being aware.

Rodney Van

Look, I’m not saying it’s easy. I still catch myself slipping sometimes. But every day, you get to choose—am I gonna speak like a winner, or am I gonna let my words hold me back?

Rodney Van

Alright, that’s my minute. Remember—victims wait for change, fighters create it. Run your race, own your lane, and go speak like a winner. I’ll catch y’all next time on Coach Van’s Minute.