Note: If you ever have the chance to hire an Olympic gold medalist — DO IT!
There’s a reason they’ve achieved the highest level of success in their sport — discipline, mindset, and an unrelenting drive to win.
Back in 2020, I had the chance to hire a gold medalist lacrosse player. He later became a close friend and a major influence on our team.
He brought countless strengths to our team, but the biggest by far was his mental toughness —and a simple, powerful framework for success that transformed how we approached sales.
Here’s the framework he shared with me — one that helped him win on the field, and now helps the teams I lead, win in business:
🥇 The 4-Quarter Framework
1st Quarter: Start Strong!
Get out to a fast start & build momentum from the first minute. (In Q1, you want to set a positive tone early).
2nd Quarter: Play with a Lead
Build on your early progress. Stay sharp.
⚠️ Do NOT limp into halftime — you want to hit the break with confidence and control.
3rd Quarter: Start Fast, No Halftime Letdown
— Stay hungry & Relentless.
This is where many teams get complacent. Not you. Use this quarter to manufacture a higher sense of urgency to have Big MO (Momentum in Q4).
4th Quarter: Sprint Through the Finish 🏆
Leave nothing behind. All gas, no brakes.
Finish strong and close with everything you’ve got.
**If you start Strong Q1-Q3 you should have surplus and momentum to finish the years on top!
Simple? Yes.
But powerful. But it works — in sports and in sales.
Sales is a game of quarters. Every year, every month, every week can be broken down this way. If you approach your year with this kind of mindset (win the month, win the quarter & win the YEAR) — starting fast, staying focused, finishing strong — you cant lose!
2026 is YOUR year. I’m pulling for you! Reach out and put time on my calendar this year if I can support you in your sales journey. Let’s talk.
And go win it!
—Jon
Let’s Connect:
- Join our Relentless Sales Community to connect with other like-minded sales people. We have an incredible group of people!: Skool Group
- Book a 1:1 call with me if I can help in your sales journey : Calendly
- Text “JOIN” to 404-272-5236 for Monday Morning Motivation
**Please share with a friend who could benefit**
Jon Alwinson
Author | Speaker | Coach | Sales Leader
📘 Relentless Sales
🌐 JonAlwinson.com