The Mindset Huddle

We regularly post a brief blog article written by one of our Mental Performance Coaches covering a variety of topics related to mental...

Written by: Allison Meyers, Psy.D., LP, MGCP As the Winter Olympics capture the world’s attention, we are reminded that elite sport is not just a physical pursuit, it is a mental one. Behind every precise ski run, perfectly timed jump, or composed performance under pressure is an athlete who has trained their mind as deliberately as their body. Mental skills training has become a core part of modern sport psychology, helping athletes perform, cope, and thrive at the highest l

Written by: Allison Meyers, Psy.D., LP, MGCP Injuries are one of the most challenging experiences an athlete can face. While the physical pain and rehabilitation process are obvious, the psychological impact of injury is often overlooked. Athletes who are sidelined frequently report frustration, fear, anxiety, and even a loss of identity when they can no longer train or compete. For many, sport is not just something they do, it’s part of who they are. When that is taken away,

Written by Allison Meyers, Psy.D., LP., MGCP Mental toughness and mental resilience are often used interchangeably, but they describe two different mental skills. Both are important for athletes who want to perform well, handle pressure, and stay consistent over time. Understanding the difference can help athletes, coaches, and parents know what to train, when to train it, and why it matters. What Is Mental Toughness? Mental toughness is about performing under pressure. It's

By: Angie Baratto, MA LPCC & Certified Mental Sports Performance Coach Everyone tends to make a lofty goal when January 1st comes along. Usually, the goal is focused on a specific behavior ( exercise more, eat less, call my mom every weekend, etc...). Rarely are the goals about changing MENTAL strategies. However, these mental strategies are often what transforms a 'good' athlete into a 'GREAT' athlete! If you are an athlete that already knows which BEHAVIORS you need to w

Written by: Allison Meyers, Psy.D., LP, MGCP Parents play a powerful role in an athlete’s development, but that influence can either build confidence or unintentionally create harmful pressure. Supportive sport parents focus on effort, growth, and enjoyment rather than just outcomes. They create a safe space for kids to succeed and struggle, encouraging resilience and a love of the game that lasts. In fact, our seminars and workshops for sports parents tend to be popular as p

Written by: Allison Meyers, Psy.D., LP., MGCP The holiday season is filled with Christmas parties, New Year’s celebrations, travel, food, and family gatherings. For many athletes, this time can feel magical and meaningful. Youth athletes enjoy a break, college athletes return home, and professional athletes get to spend quality time with their families. However, it can also pose significant challenges to training consistency, fitness maintenance, and mental focus. As a menta

Written by: Allison Meyers, Psy.D., LP., MGCP Infrastructure often refers to the structures in place in an environment that support the success of the residents and ultimately society as a whole. For example, the roadways, the sewer system, the hospitals, electrical grid, and the technology integration. All these pieces allow for residents to navigate and function with more ease in society. When I work with parents, coaches, and organizations supporting athletes, I often talk

Written by: Allison Meyers, Psy.D., LP., MGCP Significant components of leadership involve mental skills and can be trained. True leadership in sport doesn’t begin with giving orders; it begins with understanding yourself. Self-aware athletes recognize their strengths, values, triggers, and how their behavior affects others. Self-awareness leads to emotional intelligence and is a sought-after leadership skill from the C on the jersey to the C-suite in the office. This awarene

Written by Allison Meyers, Psy.D., LP, MGCP Team culture is defined by the shared values, behaviors, and attitudes within a group and plays a major role in shaping an athlete’s mental performance. When coaches speak about team chemistry and a “good locker room,” they are often drawing from their team culture. A supportive, focused culture helps athletes feel psychologically safe, trust their teammates, and stay engaged even in high-pressure situations. When athletes know they

Written by: Allison Meyers, Psy.D., LP., MGCP NBA star Lebron James, elite U.S. Soccer player Carli Lloyd, and U.S. Olympic Swimming legend Michael Phelps have all been open about enhancing their performance with mental skills training. Physically, these athletes are dominant yet sought the help of Sports Psychologists and Mental Performance Coaches to further their competitiveness. In recent years, collegiate athletic programs have been adding Sports Psychologists or Mental

Written by: Allison Meyers, Psy.D., LP, MGCP The Importance of Confidence in Performance This Huddle post might feel more like an intermission speech than a quick chat between plays. However, given the importance of confidence in performance, we thought it deserved a deeper dive. Confidence isn’t something athletes are born with; it’s something they build through preparation, repetition, and belief in their ability to improve. Just like a muscle, confidence grows stronger th

Written by: Allison Meyers, Psy.D., LP, MGCP Mental performance coaching focuses on developing mental skills such as tools like focus, confidence, emotional regulation, and composure under pressure. These skills help athletes perform at their best, especially in high-stress moments. Just like physical strength or agility, mental skills can be trained, improved, and integrated into an athlete’s routine to enhance consistency, resilience, and enjoyment in sport. Mental health,

Written by: Allison Meyers, Psy.D., LP, MGCP Mental performance coaching helps athletes train their minds just like they train their bodies. In fact, when working with athletes individually or in groups, we often stress their mental training is as important as their physical skill training. It focuses on building skills like focus, confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience to improve performance in practice and competition. Through guided exercises, reflection, and evi