High school volleyball coach Lucy Grenda reached out to me with a simple text after I completed a team session with the high school team she helps coach, "Sometimes when I use my self talk in those anxious moments, I feel like it doesn't work to calm me down because I 'know all the tricks' I tell my students to do."

Discover her journey through mental training techniques both on and off the court, as she uncovers the power of wearable technology in understanding and managing stress in real-time.

In our conversation, we explore a treasure trove of practical strategies for taming stress and anxiety. From the calming rituals of reading the Bible and prayer to the grounding practice of journaling through a nightly "brain dump," listeners will gain actionable insights. We dive into the power of breathwork and the liberating concept of giving oneself "permission to forget," especially crucial in high-pressure environments like teaching. Emphasizing the role of purpose and the importance of professional counseling, this episode is a holistic guide to mental wellness.

As life's pace quickens, we reveal the art of balance through rest and mindfulness practices. Discussing the struggle of carving out Sabbath moments or mere quiet minutes amid chaos, we highlight how habit stacking small routines can yield significant changes. With personal anecdotes and stress-tracking success stories, we encourage listeners to prioritize self-care and mental health, offering a strategic blueprint for enhancing both life and athletic performance. Tap into the episode for insights that could redefine your approach to balancing life's demands.

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy

Join youth baseball stars Caleb and Noah as they take center stage, sharing how they leverage the Focus Cycle framework to conquer performance anxiety and excel in the Little League World Series. In this episode, we dive deep into the essential skills of Focus, Self-Talk, and Body Control—key components that empower young athletes to manage their emotions and perform at their best, even under pressure.

Through Caleb and Noah's experiences, you'll discover practical strategies for shifting focus away from distractions, using positive self-talk to reinforce confidence, and controlling physical responses to maintain composure during critical moments. We break down how athletes can consciously create the emotions they need to succeed, harnessing the power of intention and presence to stay in the moment.

This episode is a valuable resource for coaches, too, showcasing how the Focus Cycle can be adapted for athletes of all ages. Whether you’re working with budding players or seasoned competitors, these insights will help you guide your athletes toward mental resilience, providing them with the tools to transform nerves into peak performance. Coaches will also gain actionable techniques for embedding these practices into training, creating a supportive environment where young athletes can thrive both on and off the field.

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy

Have your athletes ever come to you saying, “I tried the breathing, but it didn’t work”? In this episode of Coaching Minds, we tackle exactly that—what to do when athletes struggle with using breathing techniques during competition. We’ll break down why diaphragmatic breathing sometimes feels ineffective and provide practical solutions to help athletes stay calm under pressure.

From refining breathing exercises to understanding how to use them in high-stress moments, we share real-life examples and proven strategies to make these techniques work. Whether it's adjusting timing or mindset, we’ll teach you how to guide athletes through the common challenges of breathing and focus control. Plus, we'll explore additional strategies like muscle relaxation and mental resets to enhance their overall performance.

If you're looking for ways to help athletes unlock the full potential of their breathing techniques, this episode is for you!

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/academy