Nick’s journey is fascinating. From one of New Zealand’s top amateurs, to early professional success, through a period where the game nearly broke him, and now into a phase where he’s playing some of his best golf with a completely different mindset.

What changed?

This conversation dives into that turning point. We explore how stepping away from outcome-driven thinking, and into a more free, self-expressive way of playing, unlocked both performance and enjoyment. It’s not about abandoning discipline or hard work. It’s about understanding who you are, and allowing that to show up when it matters most.

We talk about the tension between structure and freedom, why many athletes end up playing “with handcuffs on,” and how identity, not just technique, shapes performance. Nick shares how his experience in the YouTube golf world helped him rediscover a version of himself that had been lost in the pursuit of perfection.

There’s also an honest look at the realities of professional golf. The pressure, the internal dialogue, the sustainability of performance, and the importance of building a life that isn’t entirely dependent on results.

Some of the key ideas we unpack:

• Why playing “freely” is easier said than done, and why it takes practice
• The difference between careless, careful, and carefree performance
• How identity and self-awareness shape decision making under pressure
• Why many athletes drift into compliance instead of authenticity
• The hidden cost of success when enjoyment disappears
• How building something outside your sport can reduce pressure and improve performance

This isn’t just a golf conversation. It’s about how we perform, how we relate to pressure, and how we avoid becoming the bitter version of ourselves in pursuit of success.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but something still isn’t clicking, this one’s worth your time.

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Seemed a cool episode to release the week of the Masters! This week I am joined by Dr Raymond Prior. Discover how to cultivate "stable confidence" and perform at your best under pressure. In this episode, Dr. Raymond Prior shares his journey into performance psychology, debunks common myths about confidence, and offers practical strategies to perform freely regardless of external factors.

In this episode:

• Dr. Prior discusses how confidence relies on internal permission rather than external outcomes
• Breaks down the five sources of unstable confidence: outcomes, opinions, past/future events, thoughts/feelings, and context
• Explains how to develop resilience through acceptance and strategic mental practices
• Shares insights on training for performance, not just technique
• Highlights the importance of language and mindset for young learners and elite performers

Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and overview of performance psychology and confidence
02:16 - Dr. Prior's background and journey into performance neuroscience
05:17 - Why traditional confidence hacks often fail & the concept of stable confidence
06:15 - Definition of confidence as permission to perform freely
08:06 - The five unstable sources of confidence: outcomes, opinions, past/future events, thoughts, and context
09:56 - How to develop self-generated, stable confidence amid external instability
11:39 - The role of acceptance over certainty in consistent performance
13:50 - Addressing anxiety and the "Yips": stages and mental mechanics
16:56 - Techniques for acceptance and managing pre-performance anxiety
20:18 - Insights from a figure skater’s panic experience & how anxiety hijacks performance
23:46 - Strategy for letting go of hedging shots and trusting oneself
27:41 - Variance in top athletes' scores and embracing imperfection
28:37 - Supporting young athletes through growth mindset and risk acceptance
33:11 - The damaging effects of judgment and fixed mindset praise in youth development
34:58 - The importance of language: avoiding constrictive words like "should"
36:21 - The difference between fixed and growth mindsets for sustained success
37:45 - Practical ways to foster a learning environment that embraces failure
44:03 - How to mentally prepare for on-course challenges and simulate practice under pressure
52:02 - Strategic on-course exercises to build acceptance and reduce anxiety
55:35 - The science of acceptance and how to practice it long-term
56:41 - Explaining V-shaped (threat) vs. A-shaped (threat and constriction) thoughts and their impact
61:04 - Cultivating a V-shaped mindset for resilience and performance stability
63:14 - How our beliefs shape our experience and the way forward for high performersResources & Links:

• Golf Beneath the Surface: Unlocking Performance with Dr. Raymond Prior

• Raymond Pryor - LinkedIn

• Talking Performance Podcast

Connect with Dr. Raymond Prior:

• LinkedIn | Twitter

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In this conversation, David Galbraith and I explore how courage, mindset, and the metaphor of the handbrake influence personal and team performance across sports, leadership, and everyday life. DG emphasizes the importance of psychological layers, cultural alignment, and coaching as key drivers of excellence. A pivotal moment in the discussion is David's skydiving experience, which serves as a powerful metaphor for confronting fears and unlocking true courage. *Davids Audio drops out for the last minute so it appears that I am talking to myself but it really is just goodbye and you will get the gist of it!

Key Topics:

• The metaphor of the handbrake: understanding mental restraint in high performance.
• The role of courage as a decision: moving from fear to freedom.
• Insights from skydiving as a reflection of living unconsciously vs consciously.
• Building resilience and harmony between fear and energy using scientific insights.
• The impact of coaching and culture on team and individual responses under pressure.
• Strategies for leaders and coaches to create environments of empowerment and responsibility.
• Differentiating goals and targets: strategic thinking for success.
• The importance of layered learning and staged exposure, like skydiving, to develop confidence.
• Practical ways to apply mental and emotional layers in work, sport, and life.
• Cultivating leadership that fosters legacy and independence.

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https://talkingperformancepod.com/