Raising Elite Competitors

Latest Episodes:

ATHLETE SPECIAL - Your Mental Game = Your Biggest Competitive Advantage Jan 30, 2022

Show notes

Athletes - I'm going to let you in on a secret to playing better, leveling up, enjoying your sport, and maybe even being the best athlete on your team.

It's something that all the professional and olympic level athletes use. You already have within you, and you use it every day.
It's your mental game.

It's the key to you playing your best and getting to the "next level" if you have goals to do so.

I'm going to key you in on what mental training is (and isn't), why you need it if you have plans to level up, and how you can start working on this part of your game (like yesterday..)

What is Mental Training:

Training our response to situations.

Average athletes react. Elite athletes respond.

A reaction is taking you away from playing in the 'zone' or flow. It will never allow you to perform how you want.

When it comes to Elite Performance you need three things:

-Knowledge of the Sport

-Physical Training

-Mental Training

Some strategies that Elite Athletes use:

-Learning to control their breathing

-Visualizing

-Knowing how to shift out of negative thinking

-Knowing how to come back from a mistake

-Having routines so they perform under pressure

Mental Training is NOT:

Mental training is not: counseling, therapy, or trying to "fix" something that's wrong with you.

There is a place for counseling and therapy in your life.

Mental training simply allows you to pull out what's already in you. It allows your hard work to pay off.

Why You Need to Have Good Mental Skills to Level Up:

Your mindset is your biggest competitive advantage. It will either up-level you, or it will hold you back from what you want if you aren't intentional.

Some athletes haven't figured this out yet. YOU are getting an advantage by doing it now.

It doesn't matter how much talent you have. If you can't perform when it matters, the one that is performing is the one that will win. Mental training helps you be that athlete!

How You Can Get Started Now:

You have to learn and practice the skills, have accountability, and be surrounded by other mentors/athletes who are doing the same thing.

That's exactly what the Elite Competitor Program is.

ECP is for athletes who understand that their mental game is their biggest competitive advantage. They want to be great, level up, and allow their hard work to pay off.

So, if you're ready to do that, then we're ready for you!

Everything you need is within you already, I'm here to help you bring it out.

*********

Helpful Links:

Athletes: Learn more about The Elite Competitor Program
Moms: Get all the Elite Competitor Program Details
Visit our podcast website for more on this episode
Download the free resources we've created for you
Join us inside our FREE Facebook Group - The Elite Competitor Society - for weekly Q&A, periodic trainings and challenges, and the support of an amazing community of moms, coaches, and the men who partner with us!

The BEST way to help us spread the word and get this information into the hands of millions of parents, coaches, and female athletes is by leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission!

How To Get Your Daughter to 'Buy-In' To Mental Training Jan 28, 2022

Show notes

You understand that your daughter's mental game is her biggest competitive advantage.

Whether it's to level-up, become more confident, or start playing to potential (or all 3!), you likely know that it's not just the physical skills that will get her far.

It's the mental skills that makes the difference.

It's what separates average athletes from elite athletes.

It's the difference-maker when it comes to having the skills and actually being able to execute when the stakes are high.

It's the difference between athletes that react to events vs those that respond.

It's everything! Maybe you know this, and you want your daughter to join The Elite Competitor Program with the other athletes who get it too.

But, she's not quite convinced yet.

Maybe she thinks it's like counseling and she'll have to 'talk about her feelings.'

How do you bring it up in a way that makes her feel like something isn't 'wrong' with her?

The simple strategies that we'll be talking about today will help open your daughter's eyes to the power of mental training while taking the burden off of you to get her to 'buy-in.'!

#1: Connect it to her larger goals

Ask her what her goals are.

People are much more open to feedback/information once they know we have their best interest at heart.

Connect "mental training" to her stated goals.

"You have really dedicated a lot of time to basketball. I can tell you really love it and want to go far. I'm here to help and support you in your goals. Because you've said that you want to play in college (or make the varsity team, etc), I think that the mental side of the game is something we can hone in on to allow you to reach your goals."

#2: Show her examples of other athletes using mental training

If you need a little more credibility, ask her who her favorite athletes are.

Google those athletes, find YouTube videos/Podcasts of them speaking on how they became great. Guaranteed they will talk about the mental side of the game.

#3: Have her listen to the special athlete podcast!

Leave it to me! I just recorded a podcast episode that is dropping on Sunday Jan 30th that is specifically for your daughter.

She will hear straight from me why mental training is her biggest competitive advantage.

No trying to convince - just put me on in the background and walk away! 🙂

#4: Release the burden of getting her to buy-in

You have two things that are 100% in your control:

-Shaping the environment

-Providing opportunities

If you're doing that work, then you've done your part. Keep showing up for her, doing the work yourself, and providing her the opportunities. I bet she'll come around.

**********

Helpful Links:

Learn more about The Elite Competitor Program
Visit our podcast website for more on this episode
Download the free resources we've created for you
Join us inside our FREE Facebook Group - The Elite Competitor Society - for weekly Q&A, periodic trainings and challenges, and the support of an amazing community of moms, coaches, and the men who partner with us!

Join our FREE live training for sports parents: The Do's and Don'ts of Strengthening Your Athlete's Mental Game! -> REGISTER HERE

BONUS: Building Confidence in Her Daughter w/ Lisa, a Mom, Teacher & Sports Performance Coach Jan 27, 2022

Show notes

This is an eye-opening interview with Lisa, a mom, teacher, and sports performance coach, about her experience in building confidence in (and with!) her daughter.
There's even a part where I tear up a little... it really touched my heart.
We hope you enjoy the interview!
**********
Helpful Links:

Learn more about The Elite Competitor Program
Visit our podcast website for more on this episode
Download the free resources we've created for you
Join us inside our FREE Facebook Group - The Elite Competitor Society - for weekly Q&A, periodic trainings and challenges, and the support of an amazing community of moms, coaches, and the men who partner with us!

Join our FREE live training for sports parents: The Do's and Don'ts of Strengthening Your Athlete's Mental Game! -> REGISTER HERE

What Age Should Your Athlete Daughter Start Mental Training? Jan 25, 2022

Show notes

I have been giving my daughter mental training lessons since she was 2 years old.

Every day, we practice affirmations:

I am strong.
I am confident.
I can do hard things.
I am unique.

Every day, we practice using our breath to help us through moments of frustration, anxiety, or fear.

Every day, we plan and imagine how we want our day to look like (and what we want to feel like).

Yep, these simple skills are absolutely training my daughter's mind.

And that's exactly what Mental Training is!

The training of our thoughts, behaviors, and actions to navigate any situation.

It's deciding that we have control over our thoughts and reactions.

It's declaring ahead of time through affirmation and visualization the athlete (and person) we want to be.

It's the ability to sit with uncomfortable emotions knowing that they are okay.

Mental training is using our minds to work for us to get us closer to our goals.

When is the perfect age to start this type of training in athletes? Here are some considerations:

Mental Training Should Be Started As Early As Possible

It's just like her sport. She starts learning body awareness. Ball handling skills. Dribbling in open space. Then around cones or with other people. Each stage of the game levels up her knowledge and experience, building on what was previously learned.

The parents of the younger athletes in our program report that they are so relieved that their daughters are learning these skills now, not later.

Mental Training Will Look Different At Each Stage of Their Journey

As athlete's grow, they apply these skills to situations as they level up. It's backwards to think that "once they get to a certain level, then they will develop the confidence they need."

They need to develop the skills first so they can then use them at those levels!

At Whatever Age, The Best Time To Work on Mental Skills Was Yesterday

The next best time is now.

You'll never regret teaching your daughter the power of her mind.

The ability to see that she has power to respond to situations, change how she thinks about things, and create the reality around her is a skill that can start at a young age.

Practicing awareness of self-talk and how to regulate nerves using breath and imagery is a key skill that experienced, high level athletes use.

If your daughter is between the ages of 10-18 specifically, then the Elite Competitor Program can be a useful tool to help build her foundation of mental skills. We find the sweet spot is between 12-15 years old.

Remember - your daughter's mindset is her biggest competitive advantage.

*********
Helpful Links:

Check out our signature mental training program for female athletes: www.kristinabreanne.com/ecp
Visit our podcast website for more on this episode
Download the free resources we've created for you
Join us inside our FREE Facebook Group - The Elite Competitor Society - for weekly Q&A, periodic trainings and challenges, and the support of an amazing community of moms, coaches, and the men who partner with us!

Join our FREE live training for sports parents: The Do's and Don'ts of Strengthening Your Athlete's Mental Game! -> REGISTER HERE

What To Do If Your Daughter's Coach Doesn't Teach The Mental Game Jan 21, 2022

Show notes

In a recent poll we did in the Elite Competitor Society, 87% of moms reported that their daughter’s coach does not incorporate mental skills as a part of their training.

Which is too bad!

But, before you start blaming, it’s not all their fault.

As much as we expect coaches to be (almost) everything for our daughters, most get into coaching and know one thing: the physical skills.

Most lack their own training on the mental side of the game. They don't feel qualified to teach it or know how to incorporate it into their practices and routines.

Many coaches are left seeing mental training as an afterthought "when their team starts struggling."

In this episode, we'll:

✅ Learn how to spot the difference between a coach or program that teaches mental skills and one that doesn’t

✅ Uncover what you can do to support your athlete if her coach does not prioritize the mental game

✅ Discover how to set your daughter up for success even if she is playing for a coach that has rocked her confidence

Let's start with how to spot the difference between a program that doesn't teach mental training vs one that does.

Talking about the importance of being mentally tough vs integrating time into practice to teach mental skills
Telling them to focus vs giving skills like breath-work, visualization, and routines to help
Random books, articles, guest speakers (which is better than nothing!) vs a proven system or someone trained who can work with the team

Regardless of the coach's actions, as the mom you have a couple major things that are in your control in how to build confidence and influence her mental game: shape the environment and provide the opportunities.
Here's what to do if your daughter's coach doesn't prioritize the mental game:

The first thing I want you to focus on is to be her example.

Your actions are very, very loud.

Think about what mental toughness is. I'm referring to an athlete's ability to respond rather than react to situations. So they can respond and decide how they're going to control their response and what they're going to do rather than just reacting to everything that's going on.

So how can you model these things for your daughter?

Next, encourage what you want to see more of.
When she's encouraging her teammates - point it out.
When she has good body language after a mistake - point it out.
When she takes risks - point it out.
Finally, if your daughter's coach is not teaching the mental side of the game (and really, even if they are), you need to take matters into your own hands.

Get her connected with a program and a community that teaches these skills in a system. This isn't something to wait on.

Don't be like the parents that hope she "picks it up with time." If you're not intentional, it won't happen. The best athletes know how to use the power of their mind to level up and play to their potential. This starts with you providing her the opportunity.
**********
Helpful Links:

Visit our podcast website for more on this episode
Download the free resources we've created for you
Join us inside our FREE Facebook Group - The Elite Competitor Society - for weekly Q&A, periodic trainings and challenges, and the support of an amazing community of moms, coaches, and the men who partner with us!

The BEST way to help us spread the word and get this information into the hands of millions of parents, coaches, and fem

Join our FREE live training for sports parents: The Do's and Don'ts of Strengthening Your Athlete's Mental Game! -> REGISTER HERE

Developing Confidence in Your Athlete Daughter: 3 Things to Start Now Jan 18, 2022

Show notes

Research tells us that a daughter's confidence is closely tied to her mom's confidence.

Everything from what you think, say, and do can influence your daughter's perception of herself.

I don't know about you, but this can feel really daunting to me!

It's most obvious when it comes to body image -

What we say and do (even if it's about ourselves), comes back to become our daughter's inner self-talk.

I'll never forget when I saw the Dove commercial that compared a daughter's comments about what she loves and hates about her body with what her mom loves and hates about her body.

They were almost identical, even though the mom had not said anything about her daughter's body!

It was the comments that she was making about her own body that left a huge impression on her daughter.

At the end, the commercial said "The way a girl feels about her beauty...starts with how you feel about yours."

This goes beyond her body image, though.

It also impacts the way she shows up on the court/field.

The way your daughter feels about her capabilities starts with how you feel about yours.

The way your daughter feels about her self-worth starts with how you feel about yourself.

The way your daughter feels about her ability to overcome challenges starts with how you feel about yours.

This might feel overwhelming; so, here are three things that you can focus on now:

Separate who she is from what she does
1. Highlight her strengths beyond her accomplishments
2. Outward vs Inward attention
3. Don't training your daughter to look externally for their validation.
4. Teach her to trust their own feelings and look internally for their validation.
Shape the environment (model by how you show up)
1. Set a great example for her in your own self-talk, what you say about your body and abilities, and the habits you engage in daily.
2. We go deep into this in our 5 Day Building #RealConfidence Challenge for moms (kicking off January 24th!)
Provide the opportunities
1. Surround with positive influences and mentors who will echo what you're saying
2. Provide her with chances to develop her confidence through programs, teams, opportunities
3. The best thing is to equip her with the skills to navigate those challenges on her own and have a community of mentors, other inspiring athletes, and support she can count on

When it comes down to it, you as her mom play an enormous role in your athlete daughter's confidence both in how you shape the environment, but also in the opportunities you provide her.

Keep being what she needs, even if it feels like it's not making a difference.
**********
Helpful Links:

Join our Building #RealConfidence FREE 5 Day Challenge
Visit our podcast website for more on this episode
Download the free resources we've created for you
Join us inside our FREE Facebook Group - The Elite Competitor Society - for weekly Q&A, periodic trainings and challenges, and the support of an amazing community of moms, coaches, and the men who partner with us!

Join our FREE live training for sports parents: The Do's and Don'ts of Strengthening Your Athlete's Mental Game! -> REGISTER HERE

Top 5 Characteristics of a Mentally Tough Athlete - Does Your Daughter Have All 5? Jan 14, 2022

Show notes

Mentally tough athletes do things differently. They think, speak, and behave in a way that stands out and allows them to be confident on the court/field and in their life.

Here's the deal - all athletes are guaranteed to face similar challenges. it's part of being an athlete.

But what separates the mentally tough, confident athletes from the ones that aren't is how they respond to these common experiences.

Today we'll talk about 5 characteristics of mentally tough, confident athletes:

#1: They Move Past Mistakes Quickly

Mentally tough, confident athletes have tools to be able to move past their mistakes and be ready for the next play quickly.

They know that time spent dwelling on mistakes is taking away from playing in the present moment.

They have adjusted their mindset to know that mistakes are necessary for growth, have pre-rehearsed their reaction to mistakes, and can quickly move past them in the moment.

#2 They Can Perform Under Pressure

Mentally tough, confident athletes also have routines that help them play well when the stakes are high.

Therefore they have the mindset that they want the ball to come to them, that they can be counted on, and they can perform through the nerves.

They see nerves as excitement rather than something to avoid.

#3 They Focus on What Is In Their Control

These athletes know what is in their control and what is not and they don't waste a second ruminating on the things they have no influence over.

They also stay away from complaining and complainers.

What we focus on expands, so they keep their focus on their own attitude, effort, behavior, and preparation.

#4 They Are Intentional With Their Self-Talk

Mentally tough, confident athletes know that their thoughts become their reality.

They are intentional with what they say to themselves, especially when it gets hard, the pressure is on, or they are making mistakes.

They have mantras and affirmations on repeat and challenge the negative thinking that comes into their mind.

#5 They Are Not Afraid of Success (In Themselves and Others)

Mentally tough athletes don't hold back (especially for fear that others might not like them).

They don't dim their light or anyone else's. They can be seen lifting their teammates up and celebrating their successes (rather than tearing them down or talking behind their backs).

Mentally tough, confident athletes don't just happen by accident. These type of athletes also won't just develop "with time" or experience.

We have to provide the opportunity for our athletes to develop these skills and build their confidence, just like any other skill in their sport.
**********
Helpful Links:

Join our upcoming Building #RealConfidence FREE 5 Day Challenge for Moms
Visit our podcast website for more on this episode
Download the free resources we've created for you
Join us inside our FREE Facebook Group - The Elite Competitor Society - for weekly Q&A, periodic trainings and challenges, and the support of an amazing community of moms, coaches, and the men who partner with us!

Join our FREE live training for sports parents: The Do's and Don'ts of Strengthening Your Athlete's Mental Game! -> REGISTER HERE

Troubleshoot Confidence Issues In Your Athlete Daughter Jan 11, 2022

Show notes

Have you ever played the game “Whack-A-Mole” at an arcade?

That's the exact image that comes to mind when I’m talking to parents, coaches, and athletes about common struggles that they are having while trying to compete and achieve peak performance in their sports!

Most want a quick-fix to what’s going on. Make it go away! And when we do find the “fix,” it usually only works temporarily. The real issue is deeper.
In this episode, we talk about the 3 most common symptoms of low confidence and their underlying root causes:

Common Symptom #1: Inability to Come Back From Mistakes

This is probably one of the most common symptoms of confidence that athletes, coaches, and parents report.

Athletes make one mistake and their confidence is rocked. Pretty soon, they are making more and more mistakes and can’t seem to “get out of their own head.”

We teach tools that can be very useful in this situation (for example we use a tool called the Mistake Ritual in our programs!)

However, the tool is only effective if the deeper work has been done to address the underlying cause of this symptom - we'll talk about this!

Common Symptom #2: Falling Apart Under Pressure

This symptom comes in two main forms:

- Playing well in practice or training, but not competing to potential in a match.

- Or “choking” when the stakes are high.

Both of these symptoms are common, and often athletes want quick fixes to help them suddenly perform well. There are tools and strategies available to help.

However, falling apart under pressure is usually a symptom of underlying confidence issues. We'll get into what these are.

Common Symptom #3: Not Playing To Potential

This common struggle among athletes is a general feeling that they are not playing how they could be or "should" be.

This is a symptom of a deeper confidence issue as well, and we'll get into it.

Treat the Cause, Not Just the Symptoms

Spiraling after mistakes, folding under pressure, and not playing to potential are three of the most common struggles among female athletes.

Most athletes, parents, and coaches want simple tools and strategies to fix these things.

And there are plenty to go around. However, they will always be a bandaid masking deeper confidence issues. We work on the tools and building that deeper confidence here in The Elite Competitor!

**********

Helpful Links:

Join the Building #RealConfidence FREE 5 Day Challenge for Moms of Female Athletes
Visit our podcast website for more on this episode
Download the free resources we've created for you
Join us inside our FREE Facebook Group - The Elite Competitor Society - for weekly Q&A, periodic trainings and challenges, and the support of an amazing community of moms, coaches, and the men who partner with us!

Join our FREE live training for sports parents: The Do's and Don'ts of Strengthening Your Athlete's Mental Game! -> REGISTER HERE

A Deep Dive Into Healthy Resolutions w/ Meg O'Rourke, Registered Dietician Jan 06, 2022

Show notes

We have Meg O’Rouke back on the podcast to answer your questions around resolutions and how to set goals for yourself while modeling healthy habits for your daughter.

Meg was recently on the podcast talking all about the diet culture and how our resolutions can often do more harm than good when it comes to our success and the unhealthy habits that our daughters pick up on in the process.

She’s coming back to dive deeper into this topic and answer questions from you!

✅Learn why resolutions are often harmful for our daughters

✅Uncover what we can do instead to help model healthy habits

✅Discover ways you can be intentional with your relationship with food to avoid eating disorders in your daughter

Our daughter's confidence in her body, sport, and life is cultivated in large part by the messages she receives from you as her mom. Ensure you are building her confidence through the habits you're modeling!
**********
Helpful Links:

Join Meg's upcoming "Diet Do Over" webinar at www.harmonywithfood.com
Follow Meg on Social @harmonywithfood
Visit our podcast website for more on this episode
Download the free resources we've created for you
Join us inside our FREE Facebook Group - The Elite Competitor Society - for weekly Q&A, periodic trainings and challenges, and the support of an amazing community of moms, coaches, and the men who partner with us!

Join our FREE live training for sports parents: The Do's and Don'ts of Strengthening Your Athlete's Mental Game! -> REGISTER HERE

Diet Culture + Resolutions + Your Daughter with Meg O’Rourke, Registered Dietician Jan 04, 2022

Show notes

"New Year, New Me!!" We've all been there, right?

While the new year is an excellent time to reflect and look forward to the goals we have for ourselves, it can also bring up many well-intentioned "resolutions" that can do more harm than good, especially when it comes to building confidence in our female athletes.

Losing weight, trying out the new diet (Looking at you Keto + fasting...), and over-exercising are among the top offenders when it comes to adopting new habits for the new year.

There is a fine line between developing healthy habits and diving head first into an all-or-nothing, restrictive diet or lifestyle.

This is particularly important when it comes to how we model this for our daughters.

You are the greatest and closest influence in her life right now.

Which is why it's important to examine your resolutions and intentions for the new year through the lens of how your daughter sees them.

Because, all too often I see this:

Athletes who...
-> Are self-critical
-> Struggle with perfectionism
-> Never feel 'good enough'

... are often mimicking adults in their lives who also display these tendencies in one way or another.

And new year resolutions can often trigger some of these things in a big way!

That's exactly why I sat down with Registered Dietician Meg O'Rourke to talk all about the impact of diet culture, resolutions, and our relationship with food has on our athlete daughters.

One big area of concern that Meg speaks into: eating disorders among youth.

Spoiler alert: A mom's relationship with food impact's her daughter's.

And the way the diet industry is set up can lead moms and daughters down the road of eating disorders before they realize what's happening.

So, before you set that intention to do a strict Whole 30, never eat a gram of sugar or a glass of wine again... do yourself (and your daughter) a favor and tune in!

In this episode, Meg and I talk about...

✅ What it means to have 'harmony with food'

✅ What the diet industry doesn't want you to know

✅ Why going on a diet can negatively impact your daughter's relationship with food and what to do instead

✅ How to have a relationship with food that honors your body and sets a healthy example for your daughter

This episode is packed full of information, "ah-has," and tangible tips to help you become more aware of how to develop a healthy and sustainable relationship with food that encourages your daughter to do the same!
**********
Helpful Links:

Learn more from Meg at www.harmonywithfood.com or @harmonywithfood on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
Visit our podcast website for more on this episode
Download the free resources we've created for you
Join us inside our FREE Facebook Group - The Elite Competitor Society - for weekly Q&A, periodic trainings and challenges, and the support of an amazing community of moms, coaches, and the men who partner with us!

Join our FREE live training for sports parents: The Do's and Don'ts of Strengthening Your Athlete's Mental Game! -> REGISTER HERE

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected