Why Caring Too Much Hurts Your Performance (You’re Thinking Too Much) episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 14, 2026 · 5 MIN

Why Caring Too Much Hurts Your Performance (You’re Thinking Too Much)

from Sports Psychology Coaching · host Eli Straw

If you feel like you play worse in games than you do in practice, this is likely why. Caring too much about the outcome—how you play, what people think, whether you succeed or fail—pulls your focus away from the moment and into your head. In this episode, I break down why caring too much creates tension and hesitation, and how to shift your focus so you can play more freely and perform the way you know you’re capable of.Improve your self-talk video: https://youtu.be/S9GI6b-adCc Work with me!🧠 1-1 Mental Performance Coaching for Athletes: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching/👉 Confident Competitor Academy: Go from playing with fear & anxiety to playing with confidence in just 6 weeks!👉 Mentally Tough Kid Course (for youth athletes)📖 Mind Games Book: https://a.co/d/gXZfORN📖 Athlete Mental Training Book: https://a.co/d/bfojamYFree Training: Top 5 Mental Mistakes Athletes Make*This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute psychological or medical treatment. I am a mental performance coach, not a licensed psychologist. For clinical concerns, consult a licensed professional.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Apr 14, 2026

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If you feel like you play worse in games than you do in practice, this is likely why. Caring too much about the outcome—how you play, what people think, whether you succeed or fail—pulls your focus away from the moment and into your head. In this episode, I break down why caring too much creates tension and hesitation, and how to shift your focus so you can play more freely and perform the way you know you’re capable of. Improve your self-talk video: https://youtu.be/S9GI6b-adCc Work with me...

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Why Caring Too Much Hurts Your Performance (You’re Thinking Too Much)

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