This episode of Brain in the Game is a little different. It’s personal.

In this episode I share a story from a time when I worked in high-risk, high-pressure environments where failure wasn’t an option, and the valuable lessons I learned and carried with me throughout my career that could help you too.

I also detail two mental frameworks to help you stay calm, focused, and ready to perform, even when everything around you is in chaos.

Pressure is part of the deal, so how do you handle it?
Your brain is wired for survival, not high performance. It panics, it overthinks, it floods you with 'what-ifs'. The key to performing under extreme pressure? Learn how to work with your own instincts.

The Power of Simplification
When your heart's racing and the stakes are high, your job is to cut through the noise and focus on only what matters.
Ask yourself:

• What’s essential here?
  
• What’s just a distraction?
  
• What’s the simplest next step?
  

The 'Bubble' Technique: Your Secret Weapon
Picture this: chaos everywhere, crowds, noise, mistakes, pressure from coaches, other competitors. Can you block it all out?
Learn how to create your own mental 'bubble' and choose what comes inside. Everything else? Let it go.

Don’t Just Hope You’ll Cope, Prepare for the Pressure
Waiting for things to go perfectly is a recipe for disappointment. Build a process you can trust, no matter what’s happening around you.

These mental frameworks will help you stay calm, locked in, and ready to execute, especially when things around you are out of your control.

So take these strategies into your next competition – they’re your edge.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Pressure - is it really that bad? https://youtu.be/39CbUkzrdFE?si=CZ3W4kHTFV1khNgQ
• https//www.smartmind.com

In this episode of Brain in the Game, we go deep into the Performance Anxiety Cycle, the mental loop that can sabotage your game day execution if you don’t know how to manage it. We discuss:

• Why anxiety is NOT a weakness and how every elite athlete faces it
• The 8 phases of performance anxiety and how they build on each other
• How to stop overthinking, stay calm under pressure, and deliver when it counts
• The key mindset shifts to stop anxiety from ruining your chances at selection
• How to turn fear into focus so you can consistently perform at your best

If you’ve ever had sleepless nights before a big competition, felt sick with nerves before stepping onto the field, or doubted yourself in critical moments, this episode is your playbook for overcoming it.

https://www.smartmind.com/podcast

In this milestone 100th episode of Brain in the Game, we dive deep into the essential but often overlooked skill of collaboration and how it impacts elite performance.

In this episode we discuss:

• Mapping Your Entourage:
Discover how to identify the key people in your support network and understand their roles, frequency, and impact on your journey.
• The Collaboration Mindset:
Learn how to take ownership of your relationships and set clear expectations with coaches, peers, and support teams.
• Shifting Control for Growth:
Find out why your role in the coach-athlete dynamic must evolve as you mature, and how it helps you thrive under pressure.
• Action You Can Take Now to Boost Performance:
Practical tools to assess your current collaboration and build a high-performance team dynamic that will serve you throughout your career.

Optimising your relationships with coaches, peers, and support teams can give you the edge you need.

Mental Gladiator 4-Week Program
Ideal for athletes ready to develop mental resilience and dominate under pressure.

Main Arena Coach 12-Week Program
Perfect for coaches aiming to unlock the full potential of their athletes and teams.

As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, the crucial question arises: "What's my role?"

Athletes, coaches, and parents alike grapple with how to best support each other during this pivotal time. In this episode, we dive into the essential roles and strategies for successful preparation and performance.

Parents:

• Support Crew: Focus on logistical support – nutrition, hydration, and rest.
• Emotional Anchor: Provide moral support without delving into performance specifics.
• Boundaries: Avoid engaging in detailed post-training analyses; maintain a calm environment.

Coaches:

• Right Information, Right Time: Share concise, actionable feedback.
• Collaboration: Foster open communication, allowing athletes to express needs.
• Emotional Awareness: Recognise signs of overwhelm and adjust support accordingly.

Athletes:

• Preparation Funnel: Follow the structured approach – non-negotiables, needs, wants, nice-to-haves.
• Self-Reliance: Develop and trust your own preparation system.
• Incremental Transition: Gradually shift from student mode to performer mode as competition nears.

Parents:

• Moral Support: Be present and positive without interfering.
• Stay Calm: Focus on enjoying the moment rather than critiquing.
• Simple Acts: Provide comfort and basic needs without adding stress.

Coaches:

• Minimal Interference: Avoid last-minute technical instructions.
• Encouragement: Offer reassurance and boost confidence.
• Trust Building: Help athletes trust their preparation and abilities.

Athletes:

• Execution: Focus on performing what you've practiced.
• Mindset: Enter the competition with a clear, confident mindset.
• Enjoyment: Embrace the experience and trust in your hard work.

Join us as we break down these strategies, offering practical advice and real-world examples to help you support your athletes and teams effectively.

And if you'd prefer to watch this, go to: https://youtu.be/pE7BygxebTg?si=9qwnqGBX5V3cWYue

It’s a real pleasure to have Pete Steinberg join us on this episode of Brain in the Game, where we have a lively and varied discussion on the universal principles of leadership. From the field to the boardroom, we delve into the parallels between leadership in sports and business.

Pete, with his extensive background as head coach of the USA Women’s Rugby Team leading them to two Rugby World Cups, and highly sought-after business consultant, emphasises that the core principles of leadership – such as motivation, skill development, and creating conducive environments – are consistent across both domains. We also discuss the unique skillsets elite athletes bring to organisations.

• Pete's journey from coaching rugby to consulting in business.
• Similarities and differences in leadership across sports and business.
• Insights on selecting and developing effective leaders.
• Value of athletic skills in the corporate world.
• Strategies for continuous improvement in leadership roles.
• Purpose-driven coaching and its impact on athlete transformation.
• Importance of coach wellness and structured support systems.
• Navigating leadership transitions and overcoming "Leadership Shock".

Tune in to learn the transformative potential leadership can bring when aligned with personal purpose and intention, that supports both leaders and their teams.

And if you would prefer to watch the video of our interview, you will find here: https://youtu.be/ZzUoq4pkbP0?si=Ar5-WtWZcEGprubE

To delve deeper into Pete Steinberg's insights and strategies for navigating the complexities of leadership, get your copy of his book, 'Leadership Shock' which provides a comprehensive framework for overcoming challenges and thriving in high-pressure roles.

Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/3Lhx3MV
Amazon.com.au: https://amzn.to/3zqJ28p
Amazon.co.uk: https://amzn.to/3VOHLiV

If you'd like to hear more podcasts for athletes and coaches specifically around building effective teams, especially for those in a leadership team, we have put them into a handy playlist for you. Simply go to: https://www.smartmind.com/team – your on-the-go playlist will be sent straight to you.

In this episode of Brain in the Game, we explore the fine balance between control and collaboration in coaching, and how integrating mental performance strategies can revolutionise athlete development. We discuss:

• Integration of Mental Performance Professionals: the challenges and benefits of including mental performance in coaching teams.
• Control vs Collaboration: the balance of control and collaboration coaches manage in athlete development.
• Education and Understanding in Coaching: the importance of ongoing education for coaches to effectively manage their athletes' mental and physical preparation.
• Evolving Coaching Practices: how advancements in sports science are changing coaching methodologies.

If you're a coach, whether new or experienced, this short episode on integrating mental performance into your coaching strategy is a must-listen. And I encourage you to join the conversation by letting me know your comments and insights too.

https://www.smartmind.com/podcast

In the latest episode of Brain in the Game we dissect the critical differences between confidence and self-belief. This episode is a little more personal than usual, and my hope is that it will reshape the way you see pressure and building self-belief in your performance.

• Confidence vs Self-Belief: Learn how external factors shape our confidence while self-belief is internally driven, both provide you with a stable foundation to become a holistic performer.
• Mental Resilience: Discover what you can do to bounce back stronger when faced with pressure, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
• Embrace the Pressure: Find out why uncomfortable situations are catalysts for unlocking hidden potential, essential for elite athletes eyeing selection.

Because the journey to success is not just about talent – it's about pressure-proofing your mindset.

If you would prefer to watch this on video, go to: https://youtu.be/oDMEbcVQAB4?si=lKf3OYNLJanzWb_F

Competition pressure can have a huge impact on your ability to perform in those big moments. 

Learning how to perform and what to trust can make all the difference. In episode 95 of Brain in the Game, we look at how to push through the uncomfortable to perform when it counts. We talk about:

• Think of your performance as a railway track. The better you lay your tracks (skills and preparation), the better you can perform when the pressure's on.
• Emotions can cloud your process, much like snow covering train tracks. The tracks are still there, you just need to push through the discomfort and trust your training.
• Understand how internal and external pressures can affect your performance, and ensure they don't derail your progress.
• Survivalist vs. Strategist Mindset: Are you testing before you trust or trusting before you test? A strategist mindset focuses on control, metrics, and assessing rather than testing.
• Assess and Enjoy: Collect data, recognise, and reward yourself along the way. This helps you maintain momentum and stay in control.

Remember, don't let panic derail your performance – trust your process and you will learn to stay on track. If you want to perform on the world stage, keep your tracks strong and straight, then you're ready to accelerate!

If you would prefer to watch this on video, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyuB4Djopr4