The Global Mindset: Managing Energy and Navigating the “Crappy Third”

January 17, 2026

Photo Credit: bellamie.photography (instagram).

Elite goaltending mindset can be forged anywhere in the world, a fact proven by Thomas Haitsma, the starting goalie for the Netherlands National Team. Coming from a non-traditional lacrosse nation, Haitsma had to become an intensely self-aware and analytical competitor to reach the global stage. His approach focuses on a crucial balance: moving from a loose, relaxed state to hyper-focused readiness.

The Rule of Thirds

When chasing a difficult dream or grinding through a long season, it is impossible to feel motivated every single day. Haitsma utilizes a concept learned from an Olympic coach called the Rule of Thirds. This rule states that you are meant to feel good a third of the time, okay a third of the time, and crappy a third of the time.

If you are currently in that “crappy third,” it is not a signal that you are failing; it is a temporary and necessary part of the process. The difference between winners and losers is discipline. Winners do not change their relentless effort just because they are in the difficult part of the ratio.

The Good Bucket and The Bad Bucket

Our brains constantly throw thoughts at us, and the mistake many goalies make is grabbing onto every negative thought and accepting it as truth. Haitsma uses the Bucket System to manage this internal chaos:

  • The Bad Bucket: When a negative thought like “you can’t save this” pops up, acknowledge it exists, but drop it into the Bad Bucket as useless noise.
  • The Good Bucket: Actively fuel this bucket with positive, reinforcing self-talk such as “I have put in the work”.
  • Acceptance: Accept the positive thoughts as your reality to keep self-confidence high, even when the scoreboard is against you.

Strategic Purging Through Journaling

To maintain this mindset, you must be able to purge toxic negativity. Haitsma uses a specific journaling process after games to gain perspective:

  1. Two Columns: Create one column for what went well and one for what didn’t.
  2. The Cross-Out: Physically cross out everything in the “didn’t go well” column that was outside of your control, such as bad calls or distracting fans.
  3. Action Plan: Focus your energy only on the controllable mistakes left on the list, turning them into a concrete plan for your next practice.

By recognizing that your mindset is a muscle that requires disciplined management, you can navigate slumps and pressure with the same composure as a national team goalie.

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