High Performance Mindset | Learn from World-Class Leaders, Consultants, Athletes & Coaches about Mindset

In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful mindset tools high performers use: reframing.   You'll hear the inspiring story of Spanx founder Sara Blakely and how her father helped her see failure as a sign of courage and growth.   We break down how reframing allows you to reinterpret challenges with strength and optimism—turning setbacks into comebacks and adversity into fuel.   You'll learn: What reframing really is and why it's essential to high performance. Practical questions and tools to help you shift your perspective in real-time. Everyday examples—from tough conversations to public speaking—where reframing can give you an edge. Whether you're an athlete, coach, educator, or executive, this episode will help you see challenge through a new lens—and move forward with clarity and confidence.   Power Phrase: “I see challenge through the lens of growth. I flip the frame to fuel my strength and stride forward.” Quote of the Week: “When you change your story, you change your power.” – Brené Brown

In this powerful episode, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with internationally respected sport psychologist Dr. Richard Thelwell to explore the psychology behind high-performance coaching. Drawing on decades of research and applied practice, Dr. Thelwell shares why coaches must see themselves as performers and how their emotional intelligence, communication, and self-awareness directly shape athlete performance and team culture. Richard is a Professor of Applied Sport Psychology and currently serves as the Executive Dean at the University of Portsmouth. He's a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society and his groundbreaking research has helped shape how we understand the coach-athlete relationship, emotional intelligence in sport, and how coaches thrive under pressure.  You'll learn: Why the coach-athlete relationship is central to consistent performance The surprising impact of nonverbal cues on athlete engagement and confidence How coaches can manage pressure, burnout, and organizational volatility Why rest is a psychological skill—and how coaches can develop a rest strategy Practical strategies to help coaches stay composed, reflective, and effective under pressure Dr. Thelwell also offers insights from his research on coach stress, organizational change, and the powerful role of emotional regulation. Whether you're on the sideline or in the boardroom, this conversation will help you lead with more purpose, presence, and performance. HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE LISTEN TO OUR CONFIDENCE FOR ATHLETES FREE WEBINAR CONNECT WITH RICHARD HERE  MENTIONED RESEARCH DOCUMENT (Psychology of Rest in Athletes) REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.    

In this episode of the High Performance Mindset Podcast, Dr. Cindra explore the impact of setting stretch goals - ambitious, meaningful targets that push us out of our comfort zones and closer to our potential. Backed by research from Harvard Business School, they explain how high-effort goals can fuel innovation, focus, and sustained performance when they're supported by belief and purpose. You'll also learn why writing down your goals matters, how to break the habit of playing small, and how to shift your thinking when self-doubt shows up. Power Phrase of the Week: “I pursue bold goals because greatness lives just beyond my comfort zone.” Quote of the Week: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.” — Norman Vincent Peale

Today's episode features a powerful conversation with two standout leaders in sport and performance—Melissa Hager and Brock Thompson. Melissa is one of the only women in Minnesota coaching boys high school basketball and brings a wealth of insight on leadership, resilience, and building trust with athletes. Brock is the Head Women's Soccer Coach at South Dakota State University and a seasoned leader with over 25 years in college athletics. Both are certified Mentally Strong Coaches and bring real-world perspective on what it takes to develop confident athletes and teams. Together, we discuss: Why confidence is the most fragile and most essential performance skill How to help athletes recover after a setback or tough feedback The different ways confidence shows up in male and female athletes What mentally strong coaching really looks like—and how to model it Why relationships are foundational to performance and growth We'll also share a sneak peek into our upcoming free webinar on June 10—Building Confidence for Athletes and Coaches—and the exciting launch of the Mentally Strong Academy for Athletic Coaches, starting June 19. To register for the webinar or learn more about both opportunities, visit mentallystronginstitute.com. If you're listening after June 10, head to confidenceforathletes.com to catch the replay. REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COACHES ACADEMY

In this episode of the High Performance Mindset podcast, Dr. Cindra shares how the way we talk to ourselves can shape our confidence, performance, and leadership. Drawing from Serena Williams' affirmation practice before winning Wimbledon in 2015, we explore how powerful self-talk can override doubt and pressure—especially when things aren't going perfectly. You'll learn how thought patterns are formed early in life to protect us, and how those same patterns can now limit us unless we choose to rewire them through consistent mental conditioning. This episode covers four tools you can use to shift your mindset, respond to challenges with intention, and talk to yourself in a way that builds strength instead of stress. Power Phrase of the Week: “Speak louder than your doubt.” Quote of the Week: “I am strong. I am a champion. I've got this.” – Serena Williams

I'm incredibly excited about today's guest—Sylvie di Giusto—who is a globally recognized expert in personal branding, leadership presence, and first impressions. Sylvie helps professionals and organizations explore how people make decisions about them—and what they can do to influence those decisions effectively. With a background in corporate training and a multicultural career across Europe and the United States, she brings a unique and powerful perspective to leadership development. She is the author of The Image of Leadership and Fair Advantage, and she's worked with some of the world's top organizations, from the U.S. Air Force to Google, McDonald's, and the NBA. Sylvie is also a CSP—Certified Speaking Professional—and a highly sought-after keynote speaker who combines psychology, strategy, and practical tools to help leaders take ownership of their personal brand. In today's conversation, we talk about how to craft a powerful presence, why first impressions matter more than we think, and what it means to lead from the outside in.

In this episode of High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra dives into the science of worry—and how to take back control of your mind and energy. Drawing on research from Dr. Robert Leahy, she shares that 85% of what we worry about never actually happens. Even more powerful: when our fears do come true, we tend to handle them better than expected.   Cindra unpacks why our brains are wired to worry—usually about the people and priorities we care most about—and how unchecked worry can steal our joy, drain our energy, and keep us stuck in the future. She then shares three practical strategies to reduce worry: Notice and label your thoughts instead of reacting to them. Schedule a “worry window” to contain anxious thinking. Let go of perfectionism and the need to plan for every possible outcome. The episode closes with a calming power phrase to carry with you: “I quiet my mind and return to the present.” REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.

I'm thrilled to bring you a high-energy, insight-packed conversation with the dynamic and fearless Anne Bonney. After moving 27 times, attending 13 different schools, living on four continents, and navigating six distinct careers, Anne has turned change into her comfort zone.  She's a keynote speaker, leadership trainer, and emotional intelligence expert who helps individuals and organizations embrace discomfort, lead courageously, and ignite positive momentum in their teams. In this episode, Anne shares her personal journey of mastering change, along with actionable strategies to lead through transition, elevate emotional intelligence, and conquer tough conversations.  How to turn discomfort into a leadership advantage The three steps every leader needs to navigate change What emotionally intelligent leadership looks like during tough transitions How to handle difficult conversations without avoiding or escalating them Ways to build a fired-up team culture that performs under pressure Anne's energy is contagious, her insights are practical, and her message is clear—growth comes when we get uncomfortable on purpose. HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE CONNECT WITH ANNE HERE REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.  

This week when you notice yourself overthinking or believing a thought that doesn't serve you, use The Truth Meter. Your mind tends to lie to you to keep you safe and small. Instead, take control of your mind and choose a different thought that would serve you right now. Your mind does not control you, you can control your mind! Quote of the Week: "You don't have to believe every thought you think." — Byron Katie Power Phrase of the Week: “I choose my thoughts. I create my reality."

Dr. Amy Climer teaches teams and organizations how to increase their creativity so they can maximize innovation. She works with forward-thinking organizations such as the Mayo Clinic, Stanford University, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Amy is the author of the best-selling book Deliberate Creative Teams: How to Lead for Innovative Results. She is also host of The Deliberate Creative Podcast, where she shares practical advice and strategies to help leaders build innovative teams. Amy has a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change and is a Certified Speaking Professional. In this episode, Amy shares her powerful “Deliberate Creative Spectrum,” and she unpacks her three-part model explains how psychological safety fuels innovation.  Cindra and Amy discuss: Why creativity is essential for organizational relevance and survival The Deliberate Creative Spectrum: from destructive to scalable teams The three essential elements of creative teams Brainstorming guidelines for creativity: suspend judgment, combine ideas, aim for wild ideas, prioritize quantity Tips for fostering psychological safety and handling conflict in teams The leadership insight: to do something new, leaders must intentionally let something go HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE CONNECT WITH DR. AMY CLIMBER  REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.    

In this episode of the High Performance Mindset podcast, Dr. Cindra explores the power of belief and how it shapes our future. Using Simone Biles' inspiring story as a launch point, we discuss how your vision for your life begins with what you choose to believe about yourself. When you get clear on your vision, you can align your daily actions and mindset to match that future. This episode encourages you to replace self-doubt with empowering beliefs and reminds you that your potential is limitless when you believe it before you see it.  Power Phrase of the Week: “I am becoming the person my dreams require.”   Quote of the Week: “Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe.” – Oprah Winfrey

Robyn Hatcher is a powerhouse keynote speaker and communication expert who once created drama for a living as a soap opera writer and actor. Now, she's on a mission to eliminate drama from the workplace and help leaders and professionals communicate with clarity, confidence, and purpose. With a rich background that includes writing for All My Children and One Life to Live, acting on TV and stage, Robyn brings a unique perspective to communication and leadership. She's a Certified Speaking Professional, a Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner, and the author of Standing Ovation Presentations, where she introduces her transformative ActorTypes communication-style system. In this episode, Robyn and I talk about:  How to Own Your Power Her Drama Triangle,  Why we Experience Drama Her LOVE Formula for Reducing Drama Other Strategies to Reduce Unnecessary Drama  HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM CONNECT WITH ROBYN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.  

In this episode, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff unpacks the power of optimism and why training your brain to spot opportunity in the face of difficulty is essential to building grit. Drawing from legendary moments like Michael Jordan's “Flu Game,” she explains how mindset shifts fuel resilience. Cindra introduces a simple mental tool called the Three Ops Strategy to help you find fresh paths forward, even in the middle of setbacks. Power Phrase of the Week: “I choose optimism. I train my mind to see the opportunity.” Quote of the Week: “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity. An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” - Winston Churchill  

On today's episode, we're joined by a truly inspiring guest—Frank Kitchen, a Certified Speaking Professional and High-Performance Motivation Expert. Frank is known for helping individuals and organizations think, act, and perform at their highest level.  Frank's journey as a speaker began with a major life pivot—he was fired from his job on Father's Day weekend. Instead of letting that setback define him, Frank made a courageous choice: he pursued his dream of becoming a full-time professional speaker. Today, his story of resilience and mindset mastery captivates audiences. In our conversation, Frank shares how he teaches others to: How to “Flip Your Mindset”  Ways to “Cook Up the Results You're Hunger For”  How to live his Live F.R.E.S.H. philosophy And other powerful strategies to stay motivated, overcome challenges, and live with purpose Frank is also a bestselling author, mentor, and community leader—and his passion for helping others grow shines through in every word. This is a conversation full of energy, insight, and practical tools to help you elevate your performance and impact.  HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE CONNECT WITH FRANK KITCHEN HERE REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.  

In this episode of the High Performance Mindset podcast, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff explores the concept of flow, a mental state of complete absorption and peak performance, drawing on insights from sport psychologist Dr. Sue Jackson, who collaborated with Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the pioneer of flow research. The episode highlights how flow occurs when we are fully engaged in meaningful tasks, using our skills to the fullest while staying present in the moment. Cindra outlines three key barriers to flow and encourages you to identify activities where you naturally lose track of time and feel energized, while learning to trust the process and stay focused on the present.  The episode wraps with a motivating reminder that flow, like a muscle, strengthens with mindful practice. This Week's Power Phrase: "I will stay in the present trusting that everything unfolds perfectly."

Joining us is Alex Hodgins, a visionary mental performance consultant and inspiring speaker who's spent his career helping athletes, teams, and leaders rise to the occasion when it matters most. Alex specializes in building high-performance systems that don't just withstand pressure, they thrive in it. For eight years, Alex was the Head of Mental Performance for the Canadian Women's National Soccer Team, guiding them to Olympic bronze in Rio 2016 and an unforgettable gold in Tokyo 2020. Currently, he brings his expertise to the NHL as the Head of Mental Performance for the Vancouver Canucks, and he's also working with the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy, Canada's Ski Cross Team, and elite performers across both sport and corporate arenas. He's a lifelong learner, passionate about helping others tap into their potential, and he calls the beautiful Pacific Northwest home. In this episode, Alex and Cindra discuss: The key ingredients behind high-performing team cultures Practical strategies for staying composed under pressure Why talent alone isn't enough to ensure success at elite levels How corporate leaders can leverage sports psychology principles to boost team outcomes What the highest-achieving teams consistently do differently HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.  

In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra explores the power of positivity and how cultivating positive energy creates a psychological advantage in teams, businesses, and relationships.   Research shows that positivity enhances engagement, problem-solving, and resilience, with high-performing teams and successful relationships maintaining a strong positive-to-negative interaction ratio.   To harness this power, Dr. Cindra suggests shifting focus to strengths, building a culture of positivity from the top down, and priming yourself for positivity each morning through gratitude, visualization, and Power Phrases.   By choosing positivity intentionally, we rewire our brains for success, motivation, and deeper connections.    This Week's Power Phrase: "I am a source of positive energy. I inspire, uplift, and bring out the best in myself and those around me. My mindset fuels success and possibility."   Quote of the Week: "When you focus on the good, the good gets better." – Abraham Hicks

Today we have an incredible guest who embodies leadership, influence, and the power of storytelling—Ty Bennett. Ty is a dynamic entrepreneur, CEO, bestselling author, and world-renowned speaker who has built three multi-million dollar businesses across different industries. As the Owner & CEO of the largest Ninja Warrior Gym in the world, he knows a thing or two about resilience, strategy, and high performance. Ty's entrepreneurial journey started in his 20s when he and his brother built a direct sales empire, generating over $20 million in annual revenue and impacting leaders across 37 countries. As the founder of Leadership Inc., Ty is on a mission to help leaders cultivate influence, build exceptional relationships, and challenge the status quo. His books—including Partnership is the New Leadership and The Power of Storytelling—are shaping the next generation of business leaders, even being used in courses at MIT. In this episode, Ty shares: The latest results of his newest study on high performance including his secrets to high-performance leadership. 7 reasons that high performance is important. 4 drivers of high performance, and the barriers to high performance. His personal journey—what drives him, how he navigates challenges, and his best advice for leaders looking to level up. HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE CONNECT WITH TY HERE REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.  

Dr. Cindra explores the power of self-discipline and how understanding dopamine can help us build better habits. Sharing her own experience of struggling to finish her book Beyond Grit, she explains how visualizing her audience reignited her motivation. Self-discipline, she says, is the ability to take action even when we don't feel like it—yet our brains are wired for instant gratification, making it difficult to stay on track. To make discipline easier, Dr. Cindra suggests attaching small, immediate rewards to challenging tasks, using habit tracking, and visualizing success to stimulate dopamine release. By training our brains to associate discipline with rewards, we can turn self-discipline into second nature and overcome procrastination for good. Quote of the Week: "We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret." — Jim Rohn

In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra highlights the crucial role of self-compassion in achieving success, using Serena Williams as an example of how elite performers embrace setbacks with kindness rather than self-criticism.   Drawing on Dr. Kristen Neff's research, Dr. Cindra outlines three key elements of self-compassion: self-kindness, recognizing common humanity, and practicing mindfulness. By making self-compassion a habit, you can bounce back stronger, reduce stress, and enhance performance.    Power Phrase this Week: “I am kind to myself. I am doing the best I can. I got it next time!”   Quote of the Week: "Self-compassion is not a luxury; it's a necessity for growth. Embracing our imperfections is what helps us rise stronger." — Kristin Neff

Welcome back to the High Performance Mindset Podcast! Today, we're diving deep into the world of mental performance with a special guest who works at the highest levels of sport and business. Joining us is Michael Urban, the Director of Mental Performance for the L.A. Clippers. With a career dedicated to coaching elite athletes, coaches, and corporate leaders, Michael specializes in evidence-based mental skills training to help individuals sharpen their focus, enhance resilience, and unlock their full potential. Before working with the Clippers, Michael played a key role in developing the mental performance program at Clemson Athletics, where he worked closely with student-athletes and coaches to strengthen their mindset for success. Beyond sports, he also brings his expertise to the corporate world, guiding executives and CEOs to build a high-performance mindset in business. With a Master's in Kinesiology with a focus on Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior from the University of Tennessee and his certification as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), Michael is passionate about helping others achieve their biggest goals and become the best version of themselves. In this episode, we'll explore the strategies and techniques that fuel high performance—whether on the court, in the boardroom, or in everyday life. Get ready to take notes because Michael is here to share game-changing insights on mental toughness, resilience, and peak performance. Let's dive in! HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HERE EMAIL MICHAEL AT mjurban16@gmail.com REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.

In this episode of the High Performance Mindset Podcast, we dive deep into the power of self-awareness and how to silence your inner critic. That disempowering voice—often fearful, judgmental, or angry—holds many of us back. But here's the truth: your inner critic lies to you. Instead of accepting its negativity, we can train ourselves to challenge it. By consciously replacing limiting thoughts with empowering and truthful statements, we shift our mindset toward confidence and success. This week, we challenge you: Every time you hear your inner critic, pause. Acknowledge it. Then replace it with the truth. Growth starts with self-awareness—let's rewire our thinking and unlock high performance from the inside out! Power Phrase of the Week: “I talk to myself powerful instead of listening to my inner critic.” Quote of the Week: “Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” - Brene Brown

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Alan Chu, a leading expert in sport psychology, mindfulness, and self-compassion. As an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Dr. Chu helps athletes, executives, and high performers unlock their full potential by leveraging positive psychology approaches. We explore the science and application of self-compassion—why it matters, how to practice it, and how it enhances motivation and resilience. Dr. Chu also shares insights on mindfulness, self-determination theory, and strengths-based approaches to managing stress, overcoming setbacks, and improving performance. If you're looking for practical strategies to lead with self-compassion, sharpen your mindset, and sustain motivation, this episode is for you! Tune in for game-changing insights that will help you perform at your best—both in sports and life. HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE CONNECT WITH DR. CHU HERE: MatchupPerformance@gmail.com  REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.  

In this episode, Dr. Kamphoff shares why we experience compassion and how to break free from it. Power Phrase of the Week: "I focus on my own journey and growth. I celebrate my progress." Quote of the Week: "A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms." – Zen Shin

Welcome to High Performance Mindset, the podcast where we dive into mental strategies to help you be your best more often. Today, we have a truly special guest—someone who plays a pivotal role in helping elite athletes navigate the mental side of the game. Joining us is Kerry Guest, the Mental Health Specialist for the Arizona Diamondbacks, a leader in the field of sport psychology and mental well-being. Kerry's work is all about helping athletes understand and master their emotions so they can perform at their best—both on and off the field. In a high-pressure sport like baseball, mental resilience can be the difference between good and great. And that's where Kerry comes in, guiding players through the ART of emotions—a model built around Acknowledging, Regulating, and Tolerating emotions. In this conversation, we'll dive deep into: ✅ Where emotions come from and why they matter ✅ The power of emotional awareness in high performance ✅ How athletes and leaders can buy into the process of understanding their emotions ✅ Practical strategies like “Say, See, and Do” to develop emotional mastery And of course, we'll wrap up with Kerry's best advice for all of you—high performers looking to level up your mindset. This is going to be a fascinating and insightful discussion, so let's jump in! HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE CONNECT WITH KERRY HERE  REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.  

The World's Best choose courage instead of fear. They feel the fear, but don't let it keep them from doing what they want to, have to, or were designed to do. This Week's Power Phrase: “I embrace my fear and choose courage.” Quote of the Week: “Risk more than others think is safe. Dream more than others think is practical.”—Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbuck

New beginnings – like New Years Day, your birthday or even Mondays – are a great time to restart. That is why people like to set resolutions or goals at the beginning of the year. You are extra motivated to turn the page and reset. But, in general, we want to set goals this year – not resolutions. Dr. Kamphoff shares with us strategies to consider what we really want in 2025, and provides 3 tips on how to get to there. Power Phrase of the Week: “I am focused on my goals to crush it this year.” Quote of the Week: “When you set a goal, your brain opens up a task list.” - Mel Robbins

Welcome to High Performance Mindset, the podcast where we dive into mental strategies to help you be your best more often. Today, we're thrilled to have a powerhouse guest—someone who's left his mark on the NFL with grit, determination, and sheer talent. Our guest is none other than Chris Reed! As a versatile offensive lineman, Chris has played for multiple NFL teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, and my favorite, the Minnesota Vikings. Known for his incredible athleticism, Chris's journey from his college days at Minnesota State, where he excelled in football and track and field, to the pros is nothing short of remarkable.  But there's more to Chris than just his football career. Off the field, he's a dedicated family man cares about mental health, and a testament to resilience, having climbed the ranks as an undrafted free agent in 2015 to become a reliable presence on some of the league's toughest offensive lines. In this episode, Cindra and Chris discuss:  Chris's 10-year NFL career, outlasting most players and playing for seven teams His focus on strength, conditioning, and football strategy to achieve longevity How mental performance coaching helped him stay present and control the controllables Overcoming negative self-talk and breaking challenges into actionable steps A powerful visualization experience that felt like "magic" HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.

High performers see stressful situations as a challenge they can overcome instead of a threat to their performance or confidence. This improves their health and their performance. They remember it's all about our perception of a situation and they talk to themselves powerful when experiencing stress – reminding themselves they can handle anything.   Power Phrase this Week: “I adopt a challenge mindset. I can handle anything that comes my way.” Quote of the Week: “Challenges are an opportunity to test you and rise to the next level.” -  Angelica Montrose

Kelly Clements is the creator of The Entreprenewer, a marriage centric coaching program for entrepreneurs. Her professional experience working for world class coaching programs like Strategic Coach and Lifebook have taught her how to work with driven entrepreneurs, but it was her personal experience that underscored why it was so important for both the entrepreneur and the spouse to have a coach. Kelly can seamlessly help bridge The Ambition Gap that many entrepreneurial couples experience, as well as giving relevant perspective changes to help couples connect at a deeper level. Her Relationship Spectrum™ helps couples identify ways to create a healthier power dynamic, and her Presence Principles™ will help both parties get more enjoyment and intimacy out of the relationship. Author of The Power of Play, Praise, and Purpose, and Grow Your Business Without Growing Apart, Kelly provides actionable strategies to help entrepreneurs WIN at work and home.  In this episode, Cindra and Kelly discuss:  The 6 Presence Principles Her DANA Acronym and how it relates to you How your Reticular Activating System impacts relationships  Her “Alpha-Omega Spectrum” and why you should understand it  Most importantly, how to grow your business without growing apart HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KELLY   TO GET 10% OF KELLY'S COURSE, USE THE CODE: “MINDSET” AND CLICK HERE REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.    

High performers set goals and they consider who they can become in the process. They get clear on what they want and reflect on their wishes and dreams. They write their goals down and keep them in mind during the year. Power Phrase of the Week: “I am committed to myself, my goals, and my dreams.” Quote of the Week: “Your goals are the road maps that guide you and show you what is possible for your life.” - Les Brown

Krista Ryan, PCC, is a highly sought-after business coach, facilitator, speaker, and Workplace Performance expert known for helping clients effectively navigate uncertainty and promoting collaboration, communication, and confidence. Her global clients include C-suite executives, startup entrepreneurs, individual contributors, elite athletes, and performers.  With nearly two decades of experience as a human resources director, Krista is the CEO and founder of KfG Coaching, LLC. She's a Bravely Pro Coach and a Room Tilter with Limitless Minds, a mental conditioning organization that unites personal growth with business success through the power of neutral thinking. She is the author of the new book, Keep Fricking Going: A step-by-step guide to successfully navigate change.  In this episode, Cindra and Krista discuss:  The 3 steps of KFG The importance of accountability and awareness in success How to focus on the next best step How to take action towards who you want to become Ways she is using KFG to battle cancer right now    HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KRISTA   REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.

Regularly practicing gratitude is powerful because it has a lasting impact when doing it regularly. Gratitude is connected to better health, more optimism and resilience. Remember, you can shift your focus at any time to what is good and what you are gratitude for in the situation. Choose to take the perspective of a resilient person and draw the good from a difficulty. Power Phrase for This Week: “I choose to intentionally practice gratitude each day.” Quote of the Week: “Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.”—Oprah Winfrey

Annie Lalla has spent her life studying the world of emotions -mapping the complexities of communication & subtleties of relationships. A philosopher, speaker and a thought leader, Annie is known as the “Cartographer of Love”. In her coaching, Annie helps individuals attract, create and foster extraordinary connections that maximize freedom and minimize shame. She has professional certifications in Coaching, NLP and Clinical Hypnosis. In this episode, Cindra and Annie discuss:  How to minimize shame in relationships  The biggest barrier people experience in building relationships How to upgrade your beliefs about relationships What creates conflict in relationships Her top advice on how to address conflict in relationships    HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE TO CONNECT WITH ANNIE LALLA  REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.  

In this episode, Dr. Cindra shares how the world's best seeing adversity as happening for them, not to them. Adversity helps you grow into the person you are supposed to become to reach your goals and step into your dreams. Everything magnificent that you've likely accomplished required or even perhaps demanded difficulty, struggle, and grit. We can embrace adversity and believe it's a time to learn and grow.   This Week's Power Phrase: “I embrace adversity. I see adversity as happening for me, not to me.” This Week's Quote of the Week: “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” – Napoleon Hill 

Juliet Wright is a branding expert, author, keynote speaker, and parallel entrepreneur who helps authors, speakers, coaches, and entrepreneurs connect the dots in their brand ecosystems. A small-town girl born and raised in Nebraska, Juliet has traveled the world to work with clients one-on-one, helping them clarify their vision, align their messaging, and build brands that ignite their audiences. As the author of Red Thread and Coming In Hot, Juliet brings a unique perspective to storytelling and strategy, empowering her clients to bring big ideas to life. With an entrepreneur husband and four teenagers, there's never a dull moment in her world! In this episode, Cindra and Juliet discuss:  The most important thing you need to know about building a brand  How mindset and branding are related  The difference between branding, advertising, and marketing What people get wrong about branding Her 7 steps of the Red Thread Process HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE CONNECT WITH JULIET WRIGHT  REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.

In this episode, Dr. Cindra shares how pre-planned, specific thoughts can address your negative thinking. She also shares the 3 Ps to give yourself an even better chance to be your best today.    This Week's Power Phrase: “I choose powerful, possibility-oriented, and positive thoughts to keep me at my best.” Quote of the Week: "Positive thinking is more than just a tagline. It changes the way we behave". - - Harvey McKay

Paul Juda started gymnastics at the age of five after friends of his parents suggested it to help him burn off his extra energy. He was fortunate to live near the Buffalo Grove Gymnastics Center, where he trained with renowned coaches Leo Krivitsky and Yevhen Vovkiv. These coaches played a key role in both his gymnastics and personal development.  After high school, Paul received a full scholarship to the University of Michigan, where he has been studying since the fall of 2019. He completed a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, earned a Certification in Sales and Marketing from the Ross Business School, finished a graduate program in Real Estate Development, and is now working on a Master's in Accounting, also from the Ross Business School. Paul's career goals focus on entrepreneurship.  Paul is currently the captain of the Michigan Men's Gymnastics Team. He is a three-time NCAA Champion, a World Championship Medalist, and the winner of the prestigious Nissen Emery Award, which is the top honor in collegiate men's gymnastics and equivalent to the Heisman Trophy. 2024 Olympic Bronze Medalist In this episode, Cindra and Paul discuss:  Why he didn't make the Olympic Team for Tokyo How he performed his best when it mattered most to him at the Paris Olympics How the team mentally prepared at the Paris Olympics  The mental skills he uses to perform on demand What he has learned from working with sport psychologists   HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE FOLLOW PAUL JUDA ON INSTAGRAM  REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.  

Our focus determines our feelings. If you want to change how you feel, you can change your focus. Your focus is like a mental spotlight. Your attention is always on something; it's not really ever lost. You can choose to shine your focus on what helps you at any given moment.   This Week's Power Phrase: “I protect my focus. I choose to ask myself powerful focus improving questions to change how I feel.” Quote of the Week: “Only one thing has to change for us to know happiness in our lives: where we focus our attention.” - Greg Anderson

Dr. Laura Gallaher is a professional speaker and organizational psychologist who inspires driven self-starters to transform their relationship with themselves and accomplish more than ever. She combines insights on radical self-acceptance with humor to create a unique connection with her audience.  Despite being a national best-selling author, Dr. Laura stands out from the typical "academic" personality of her PhD peers. Her notable achievements include being hired by NASA to reshape organizational culture after the Columbia accident, leading significant changes in performance management at Disney, and inspiring Yahoo's global teams to pursue transformation from within. In this episode, Cindra and Dr. Laura discuss:  What is radical self-acceptance Why radical self-acceptance is difficult and important to practice  Strategies to grow in your radical self-acceptance How radical self-acceptance relates to culture and leadership    HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. LAURA TO TAKE DR. LAURA'S SELF-ACCEPTANCE QUIZ REQUEST A FREE MENTAL BREAKTHROUGH CALL WITH DR. CINDRA AND/OR HER TEAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.      

Your goals and dreams should be just a little scary – meaning a little outside your comfort zone because when you dream big, you grow into who you can become. Most people dream too small or lose the ability to dream because of limiting beliefs or listening to other people's disbelief. Make dreaming for a living part of your daily mindset practice.   This Week's Power Phrase: “I dream big to help me reach my best and my potential. I have everything inside me to make my dreams happen.” Quote of the Week: “So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.” - Christopher Reeve

John is a marketing enigma, a “direct response customer attraction expert” who thinks way outside the box. His marketing consultancy business is called The Institute Of Wow – & John's mantra is that one's marketing needs to “wow” prospects. He's also the guy who shocked the marketing world some years back when he convinced Jerry Seinfeld to come out of retirement. John helps business owners understand how to exploit platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. His client list includes 7 Eleven, Walt Disney, KFC and BP to name a few. In this episode, Cindra and JD discuss:  What marketing has to do with mindset  How to craft campaigns that grab attention His top 3 strategies for incentive-based marketing offers How he got Jerry Seinfeld to come out of retirement HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE LEARN MORE ABOUT JD TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.  

As humans, our default is to focus on the uncontrollables. It is much easier to blame, complain, and make excuses than to take a close look in the mirror and examine ourselves and our actions. In this episode, Dr. Kamphoff shares how to focus on what you can control and the importance of dominating the controllables. Power Phrase This Week: “I dominate the controllables.” Quote of the Week: John Maxwell said, “Life is 10% of what happens to me, and 90% of how I react to it.”

As a certified executive coach, with experience as a change management consultant, Vered has helped hundreds of individuals adapt more successfully to change. She has over 13 years of training and certifications in numerous modalities for change, including HeartMath®, Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), Time Line Therapy®, Hypnosis, Brainspotting®, Havening Techniques®, EFT Tapping, Rapid Transformational Therapy®, and Psych-K®.  Vered is the host of the popular podcast called The Mindset Game® Podcast and CEO of the Momentum Institute.  In this episode, Cindra and Vered discuss:  How emotions impact your results  Her PLAY Framework to increase your resilience  How a leader's mindset impacts the change process How you can navigate change more easily   HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE LEARN MORE ABOUT VERED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.  

If you are not using imagery consistently, you are missing out on a powerful way to improve your performance. Include imagery as part of your daily routine. It will help you think like the world's best and accomplish even more than you thought was possible.   Power Phrase this Week: “I imagine success. I create success in my mind first and then I live it.” Quote of the Week: “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.” — William Arthur Ward

High performers in sport, business and life use pressure to be at their best. They use natural tools inside of them to see pressure as a privilege. They POP the Pressure. This Week's Power Phrase: “I see pressure as a privilege. Pressure leads me to greatness.” Quote of the Week: “I don't feel pressure. I apply it.” Justin Jefferson, Wide Receiver for the Minnesota Vikings

Sam Bishop has a decade of experience working with elite performing athletes and professional sports teams. His client base ranges from Premier League and Women's Super League footballers, to Premiership rugby players, Professional Golfers and Cricket players.  Over the last 5 years, he has also worked as an Executive and Performance Psychology Coach adapting his performance coaching style from the sports fields to the boardroom. He regularly delivers performance psychology keynote talks and masterclasses to companies such as Hewlett Packard, Nestlé, Citibank and Microsoft. In this episode, Cindra and Sam discuss:  The #1 thing holding us back 3 key core principles of performance psychology How change is a personal journey  What the best of the best do differently  With a Master's Degree in Psychotherapy and accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, let's welcome Sam to the show!   HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE LEARN MORE ABOUT SAM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTALLY STRONG INSTITUTE Love the show? Rate and review the show for Cindra to mention you on the next episode.  

Your life is based on the meaning you give it. You want to reframe things that limit you and your future. Choose meanings that empower you not enable you. Choose meanings that make you better not bitter. Choose meanings that help you not hinder you. See everything has happening FOR you not TO you. Power Phrase this Week: “I see difficulties and challenges as happening for me, not to me.” Quote of the Week: Hal Enrod, a Bestselling Author of the Miracle Morning said, “That is our responsibility to choose the most empowering reason for the challenges, events and circumstances of our lives.”

Self-compassion, or the practice of being kind to yourself in times of failure, pain or when you note something you don't like about yourself instead of being self-critical, is key to practice right now to be your best more often. When we show self-compassion, we give ourselves the same kindness as we would to others recognizing that all humans suffer and we are not alone. We can then use tools to stop being so critical of ourselves remembering we are not alone.   This week's Power Phrase: “I am kind to myself. I remind myself I am doing the best I can.” Quote of the Week: "You have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn't worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” - Louise Hay

In this episode, Dr. Kamphoff shares why it is important to remember we have a negativity bias. Still, we can counteract that negativity by choosing not to believe everything we think. Instead, we can remember to see the opportunity in every difficulty.   This week's Power Phrase:  “I choose a good attitude regardless of what I cannot control. I talk to myself not listen.”

In this episode, Dr. Cindra shares with us how we can create psychological safety in a culture in which we are a leader. Psychological safety is important because it leads to higher performance, but also people feel comfortable trying new things, asking questions, and admitting mistakes—all which leads to creativity and innovation. This helps us respond to mistakes in a positive and empowering way. Power Phrase this Week: ”I see failure and mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow.” Quote of the Week: “If you want to succeed, double your failure rate.”  -Tom Watson, CEO of IBM