Why You Can’t Perform in Competition (Even If You’re Good in Training) | Chloe McNally Ep. 025

In this episode of Game Plan, we sit down with Chloe McNally,  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, coach, and competitor,  to break down the mindset behind high-level performance. We dive into flow state, visualization, and why so many athletes struggle to perform in competition the same way they do in training, along with how mental training can transform results, build real confidence in BJJ, and prevent burnout from overtraining. We also get into coaching, athlete development, and creating a positive training environment that actually helps people improve long-term. If you’re into jiu-jitsu, grappling, or leveling up your mindset as an athlete, this one’s packed with practical takeaways.Topics covered:- Jiu-jitsu mindset and mental training  - Flow state and peak performance  - Visualization techniques for athletes  - Competition anxiety and performance pressure  - Building confidence in BJJ  - Coaching philosophy and athlete development  - Avoiding burnout in jiu-jitsu0:00:00 Why She Stayed Off Social Media for Years0:03:45 The Moment Content Creation Became a Trap0:08:10 The Dark Side of Posting & Constant Validation0:12:30 Why She Keeps Quitting Instagram (And Comes Back)0:16:45 How Social Media Actually Builds a Coaching Business0:22:10 The Coaching Philosophy Most Athletes Get Wrong0:28:20 Why Copying Techniques Is Holding You Back0:33:15 The Visualization Trick That Changed Everything0:38:40 How She Went From Losing to Dominating at Black Belt0:44:10 Flow State Explained (And Why You Can’t Force It)0:49:55 The Mental Training Most Athletes Ignore0:55:30 Why Overtraining Is Killing Your Progress1:01:10 The Real Reason You Freeze in Competition1:06:45 How to Train Your Nervous System for Winning1:12:20 The Psychology Behind Competition Anxiety1:18:05 The Biggest Mistake Coaches Make at Tournaments1:23:40 Why “Fun” Is the Secret to Elite Performance1:29:15 The Harsh Reality of High-Level Training Rooms1:35:30 Why Most Athletes Burn Out (And Don’t Know Why)1:42:00 The Truth About Confidence, Losing, and Longevity