Show Notes:

In this episode of Game Changers - Athlete Edition, hosts Kortney Harmon (former Division 1 softball pitcher and high-performance business coach) and Julie Jones (Hall of Famer, former Division 1 head coach, and mental performance coach) dive deep into the realities of confidence for athletes at every level. Whether you’re a young travel player or a seasoned pro, confidence isn’t just a “beginner’s issue”—it’s something we all wrestle with.

Are you waiting to feel confident before you compete or perform at your best? Julie and Kortney break down why confidence is a feeling, while competitiveness is a behavior—a choice you can make every single day, regardless of how you feel. You’ll hear stories from their own athletic journeys, practical coaching tools, and actionable tips for athletes, coaches, and parents.

Key topics in this episode:

• The highlight reel effect and pressures of comparison in sports and life

• The difference between confidence (a feeling) and competitiveness (a behavior)

• How to compete anyway, even when you’re nervous or not “feeling it”

• Real strategies for young athletes and teams: evidence journals, reset tools, competitive behavior checklists, and more

• Why body language and visible behaviors can change how others see (and how you see) your own confidence and competence

• Tips on using comparison as fuel for growth

• How intentional breathing can reset your focus and boost performance

• Breaking the myth that success has to come after confidence—take action first, let confidence follow!

• Coaching and parenting tips to help young athletes internalize these lessons

Challenge of the Week: Have each athlete (or yourself!) write down three competitive behaviors you’ll bring—every day, independent of how you feel. Track them, talk about them, and notice the difference it makes.

Resources Mentioned:

• Competitor behaviors worksheet (linked in show notes)

• Reflective questions for athletes on competitiveness and confidence

• Breathing exercises for young athletes

If this episode helped shift your mindset around confidence, please share it with your team, a fellow athlete, or a coach. For more tips, motivation, and actionable content, remember to subscribe and follow us on social media!

Remember: Champions are built through dedication, perseverance, and the right mindset. Compete anyway—confidence will follow.

For full resources, the downloadable worksheet, and all the reflective prompts mentioned, check out our show notes at : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pHlGDZe0Ukwrum0V6vTb6SEyVlio5IDS/view?usp=drive_link

Stay tuned for upcoming episodes featuring mental performance experts and more athlete stories!

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional coaching or mental health advice. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining advice from qualified professionals because of something you may have heard in an episode of Game Changers: Athlete Edition. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional coaching, mental performance, or medical advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for proper evaluation and guidance specific to your situation. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions. Neither the Game Changers: Athlete Edition hosts nor any company providing support endorses or opposes any particular training, coaching, or treatment methods discussed in the episodes. They are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The strategies, tips, and information shared in this podcast are based on the hosts' experiences and professional expertise, but results may vary. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.