Mindset Matters

Review of my Book Pure Unadulterated Guts

Hey guys, let’s keep it real today — somebody asked me the other day: ‘What does resilience actually FEEL like?’ And I was thrown off a little bit, because that’s a fantastic and DEEP question. Because here’s one thing everyone gets wrong: We all think resilience feels and looks like a Rocky montage, slow-motion running, music, sweat dripping over us, looking heroic… right? NOPE. Resilience actually feels like absolute garbage in the moment. Straight-up messy, ugly, “why am I doing this to myself” vibes. When you’re grinding, when you’re stuck, when you’re NOT performing yet… it does NOT feel good. It feels like frustration city. And I used to hate that. I’d think to myself, ‘If I’m frustrated, I must be failing.’ But then it hit me… frustration is literally the address of the Learning Zone. Think about it: • A baby learning to walk falls 400 times…screams…then tries again. Frustrated. • You learning to drive, cook, dance, code, post on TikTok without cringing… same deal. • Me trying to hit a new PR or nail a skill on the field is usually equated to pure frustration. Frustration isn’t the sign something’s wrong. Frustration is the sign something is HAPPENING. Growth is loading… So now when I feel that tighntess in my chest, that “I’m the suckiest suck of all sucks” voice, I literally smile and go: ‘Ohhh we’re in the Learning Space, let’s go! The magic isn’t speeding through the frustration to get to the ‘performing’ side faster. The magic is how LONG you’re willing to chill in the chaos. That’s what separates the people who quit from the people who end up unstoppable. So next time you’re frustrated, don’t run from it. Give it a high five. Say: ‘Thank you for showing up — this means I’m exactly where I need to be.’ Drop a note in the comments if you’re in the Learning Space right now. And tag a friend who needs to hear that frustration is really just growth in progress. Let’s learn to embrace the the grind, not just the glory. Love your guts! — see you in the messy chaos that is performance!

Hey everyone, welcome back to the Mindest Matters Podcast. I am your host Riley Jensen, and today, we are discussing the 5 Things I’d Tell You as a Mental Performance Coach If I Wasn’t Afraid of Hurting Your Feelings Stop coaching your kid from the bleachers. When you yell instructions during the game, you’re not helping—you’re creating triangulation. Your kid now has two coaches with two different agendas, and guess whose voice suddenly matters more? Yours. Because you sign the checks and tuck them in at night. That means they tune out the actual coach—the one who’s with them 5 days a week—and start scanning the stands for Dad’s head nod or Mom’s thumbs-up. You’ve just split their attention and tanked their performance. Your athlete should love you the most… but they should listen to their coach the most in competition. Keep your mouth shut or sit in the parking lot. Those are the only two options that don’t hurt the team. Quit telling them “how could anyone miss that play?” That’s the spotlight effect on steroids, and you’re pumping it straight into their veins. 99% of the crowd is thinking about their own kid, their phone, or where they parked. Nobody is replaying your daughter’s missed serve in slow-motion except you. Every time you say “everyone noticed,” you add 10 pounds of invisible pressure. Tell them the truth: “Literally no one will remember that tomorrow except you… and me, because I’m obsessive. Let it go.” The car ride home is either medicine or poison. You’re choosing poison. That 12 minutes after the game is sacred. It can refill their tank or drain it for the entire next week. If you launch into critique the second the door shuts, you’ve turned the car into a coffin. They’re trapped. Seatbelt on, nowhere to run, while the most important voice in their life dissects everything they did wrong. New rule: First person to talk about the game buys ice cream for the whole family next Friday. Watch how fast everyone shuts up and starts saying “I’m proud of you” instead. Stats are crack, and you’re the dealer. Batting average, goals, points—those numbers light up the same part of your brain as slot machines. But they’re a terrible measure of your kid’s actual contribution 90% of the time. The hustle plays, the screens, the decoy runs, blocks, the locker-room energy, noticing when there are a good teammate—none of that shows up on the stat sheet, but it’s usually why the team wins. When you only celebrate the numbers, you teach them that invisible work is worthless. Then watch them stop doing it. Congratulate the process louder than the points, or don’t be shocked when they become selfish stat-padders. Never, ever let them hear you talk about how much this is costing. The second money enters their brain during competition, performance dies. “I didn’t want to mess up after that $600 tournament fee” … “We drove six hours for this, you better play well” … those sentences are performance assassins. If you can’t afford it without guilt-tripping them, don’t sign them up. Simple. Your kid already feels pressure to justify your sacrifice. Don’t make them carry the receipt in their head while they’re trying to hit a backhand. Here’s the bottom line: Your athlete doesn’t need another coach, another critic, or another accountant. They need one safe adult who lets them play without fear, without shame, and without owing anybody anything. Be that adult. Everything else is noise. Like this if it stung a little. Save it and watch it again next Friday night when you’re tempted to open your mouth in the fourth quarter. See you on the field. And keep your coaching voice in the trunk where it belongs. Please like and share this post so the parents that need to see it, do.

#PureUnadulteratedGuts #GrowthMindset #MentalPerformance #AthleteMindset #LeadershipGrowth #SportPsychology #ResilientMindset

"Your mindset is the ceiling on your performance—or the fuel that breaks through it. In Chapter 14 of my book, Pure Unadulterated Guts, we dive into cultivating a growth mindset—what it means, how to apply it, and why it’s the difference between average and elite. This week’s podcast expands on these ideas with real-world examples you can apply today. Tune in and level up your thinking."

Sleep isn’t just recovery—it’s your hidden performance enhancer. Inspired by Chapter 6 of my book, Pure Unadulterated Guts, this episode of Mindset Matters dives into the science of sleep extension and its direct impact on athletic performance, focus, and mental resilience. If you want to sharpen your edge—on the field, in the gym, or in life—start by mastering your nights. 📖 Grab Pure Unadulterated Guts for more insights. 📘 Grab the Book Here: Pure Unadulterated Guts, https://www.amazon.com/PURE-UNADULTERATED-GUTS-Insights-Vulnerability-ebook/dp/B0CM42P3F5 🎙 Listen now, and let’s get better together.

This episode dives into the power of a growth mindset — how setbacks aren’t failures, but stepping stones. Inspired by Chapter 14 of my book, Pure Unadulterated Guts, I share real-world strategies athletes and leaders can use to reframe challenges and unlock performance. Want to go deeper? Subscribe to this podcast or check out my book here: 📘 Grab the Book Here: Pure Unadulterated Guts, https://www.amazon.com/PURE-UNADULTERATED-GUTS-Insights-Vulnerability-ebook/dp/B0CM42P3F5

What if the way you see adversity matters more than the adversity itself? In this episode, inspired by Chapter 13 of my book Pure Unadulterated Guts, I break down the power of reframing — turning setbacks into fuel, doubt into determination, and obstacles into opportunities. 📘 Grab the Book Here: Pure Unadulterated Guts, https://www.amazon.com/PURE-UNADULTERATED-GUTS-Insights-Vulnerability-ebook/dp/B0CM42P3F5 📖 Listen. Reflect. Reframe.

This episode of the Mindset Matters podcast is inspired by Chapter 13 of my book, Pure Unadulterated Guts. We’re diving into the power of reframing—how shifting your perspective in the face of setbacks can transform obstacles into opportunities. 📖 Want to go deeper? Grab a copy of Pure Unadulterated Guts and learn how reframing challenges can change your game, your mindset, and your life. 🎧 Listen now.

Title: 🎙️ The Power of the Reframe – Pure Unadulterated Guts Podcast Ever told yourself “Don’t mess up” right before a big moment? That’s your brain serving up a pink elephant — and it’s sabotaging your performance. In this episode, inspired by Chapter 13 of my book Pure Unadulterated Guts, we explore how reframing your thoughts can turn fear into focus, anxiety into action, and pressure into opportunity. Learn how a simple shift from “Don’t strike out” to “Solid contact” transformed one athlete’s game — and how you can apply the same mental flip to sports, business, and life. 🎧 Listen now and start rewriting your mental script.

What makes a good team great? In Chapter 12 of my book Pure Unadulterated Guts, I share the exact principles elite athletes and coaches use to create trust, cohesion, and resilience. This podcast episode breaks down those strategies so you can apply them — whether you’re on the field, in the locker room, or leading a business team.

“Turn Down the Volume” — Inspired by Chapter 11 of my book, Pure Unadulterated Guts, we break down how enthusiasm can outmaneuver anxiety and elevate your performance. Whether you’re an athlete, a leader, or just someone chasing better — this episode will shift your mindset and give you tools to win. 💥 This is the mental edge. Let’s go get it.

This episode dives into Chapter 11 of Pure Unadulterated Guts—exploring how enthusiasm isn’t just energy, it’s a competitive edge. We break down the science, stories, and mindset shifts that can turn enthusiasm into your greatest tool. Featuring insights on Philip Rivers, NBA studies, and ancient Greek wisdom on en-theos. 🎙️ Listen, reflect, and refuel your fire. 🟡 Subscribe to the series 📘 Grab the book: Pure Unadulterated Guts

In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked but game-changing mental tool—enthusiasm. Inspired by Chapter 11 of my book Pure Unadulterated Guts, we dig into why enthusiasm isn't just emotion—it's a strategic mindset. Whether you're a coach, athlete, leader, or parent—this episode will show you how enthusiasm becomes a catalyst for excellence. 🔥

This episode is inspired by Chapter 11 of my book Pure Unadulterated Guts. In it, I explore how enthusiasm isn't just hype—it's a tool that creates momentum, fosters resilience, and sparks meaningful connection. If you’re looking for a mental edge, or just want to reignite your spark, this one’s for you. Listen now and get fired up with purpose.

In this episode, we dive into the message of Chapter 10 of my book Pure Unadulterated Guts: BEING PRESENT. If you're constantly thinking about what's next or regretting what’s behind, you're missing the most important moment—this one. Learn how presence can change your performance, your relationships, and your life. 🎙️ Listen now. 📘 Inspired by Chapter 10 from Pure Unadulterated Guts.

In this episode of Mindset Matters, we explore Chapter 10 – The Power of Presence from my book Pure Unadulterated Guts. When the world screams for multitasking and constant hustle, the real edge comes from presence — being fully in the moment. Whether you're under the lights, in the boardroom, or at the dinner table with your kids… presence wins. 🎧 This episode is a call to slow down, lock in, and be where your feet are. 📘 Book: Pure Unadulterated Guts 🎙️ Host: Riley Jensen 💡 Topic: Chapter 10 – The Power of Presence

This episode dives deep into Part 4 of my book Pure Unadulterated Guts, exploring what it really takes to unlock elite mindset and motivation. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or anyone chasing growth, this is your wake-up call. Tune in and tap into the mental toughness it takes to go all in.

The Power of Connection – Pure Unadulterated Guts Chapter 9 Description: In this episode of Mindset Matters, we dive into Chapter 9 of my book Pure Unadulterated Guts — where we explore the strength that comes from relatedness and social support. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or everyday warrior, knowing who you lean on could be the difference between burnout and breakthrough. Listen, reflect, and take inventory of your support system. Because guts aren’t just about going solo — they’re also about going together. 📖 Book: Pure Unadulterated Guts 🎙️ Host: Riley Jensen 💡 Topic: Chapter 9 – Relatedness and Support

In this powerful episode, I dive deep into Chapter 9 of Pure Unadulterated Guts — exploring the science and soul behind why human connection and support systems are absolutely essential for high performance. Whether you’re a coach, parent, athlete, or high performer — your relationships are your rocket fuel. Listen now to learn: Why isolation kills momentum How to build true support systems What elite performers do to stay connected

🔥 New Episode Out Now 🔥 In this week’s episode of Mindset Matters, we dive into Chapter 8: Competence from my book Pure Unadulterated Guts. Competence isn't about perfection—it's about preparation, repetition, and owning your craft. Whether you're a QB, CEO, or student, this chapter is for anyone trying to master their arena. 🎧 Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/riley-jensen-425842551/episode-257-competence-beats-confidence?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&si=17802094051f45e89d5c1b35e1c98522 📘 Grab the Book Here: Pure Unadulterated Guts, https://www.amazon.com/PURE-UNADULTERATED-GUTS-Insights-Vulnerability-ebook/dp/B0CM42P3F5

Competence > Confidence. In this week’s Mindset Matters podcast, we’re breaking down what really separates the greats from the average. Confidence? It’s a feeling. Competence? It’s earned. From Messi’s left foot to Rodman’s rebounds to Brady’s focus—this episode (inspired by Chapter 8 of my book Pure Unadulterated Guts) dives deep into how you build competence and lean on it when the lights come on.

Scotty Edwards | Faith, Football, and the Power of Perseverance” In this episode of Mindset Matters, Riley sits down with Stanford safety Scotty Edwards for a powerful conversation about football, faith, and the mental game of life. Scotty opens up about returning from an LDS mission, the challenges of chasing athletic and academic goals, and the importance of effort—even when results don't come easy. From handling social media pressure to finding motivation through Rocky Balboa and Rick Ross, Scotty’s story is a blueprint for perseverance, balance, and self-belief. A must-listen for athletes, parents, and anyone pursuing excellence on or off the field.

5-Minute Podcast Script: Title: Competence Over Confidence—Why Your Past Victories Matter More Than You Think Welcome back everybody, you’re listening to the Mindset Matters podcast, I’m your host Riley Jensen and today I want to talk about past victories matter more than you think. Today, I want to talk about something that I believe changes everything—not just in sports, but in business, relationships, and life: Competence. Not confidence. Competence. A lot of people confuse the two. Confidence? It comes and goes. One day you wake up feeling like you can conquer the world. The next day—maybe after a bad game, a rough meeting, or just a sleepless night—you wonder if you’ve got what it takes. But competence—competence is different. Competence is knowing deep down, “I’ve done hard things before. I can do hard things again.” It’s not about a feeling—it’s about evidence. Here's a quick exercise for you—if you’ve ever worked with me one-on-one, you’ve heard this before: Grab a pen. Write down three things—three moments where you faced something tough and came out stronger. It could be a game-winning moment. It could be bouncing back from injury. It could even be how you handled a tough family situation. That list? That’s your competence list. It’s your receipt that you’ve overcome challenges—and you can do it again. I’m reminded of one of my favorite movie scenes from Gattaca. Vincent, the underdog, beats his genetically superior brother in a swim out in the ocean. His brother asks, “How did you do it?” And Vincent says something very important to his brother in this moment: “I never saved anything for the swim back.” That right there—that’s competence in action. It’s the refusal to be defined by limitations—whether those are external labels or the doubts in your own head. Here’s where it gets interactive: I want you to think of one area in your life right now where you’re hesitating. Maybe you’re waiting to feel “motivated” before you start something. Maybe you’re doubting your ability because you’ve had some setbacks. Now, ask yourself: ✅ Have I ever overcome something hard before? ✅ Have I ever succeeded when the odds weren’t in my favor? ✅ Have I ever surprised myself with resilience? If the answer is yes—and for most of you it is—then you don’t need to wait for motivation. You need to lean on your competence. In sports, we talk a lot about “the zone”—that magical state where everything feels effortless. But let me tell you something I’ve learned working with elite athletes: No one lives in the zone. No one can replicate it perfectly every time. What separates the great from the average isn’t that they’re in the zone all the time—it’s that they can win with their B or C game because they trust their competence. I’ll leave you with this challenge: Write down a competence list. Choose one thing this week where you’ll act—not because you’re 100% confident—but because you’re competent. You don’t need perfect conditions. You don’t need to be the biggest, fastest, strongest. You need to remember: You’ve done hard things before. You can do hard things again. You don’t need permission to be great. So stop waiting, and get to work! This episode is inspired by Chapter 8 of my book, Pure Unadulterated Guts. If this resonated with you, I’d love for you to check out the book and share this episode with someone who could use a reminder of their own greatness.

“Commitment Is More Than a Choice” Welcome back everybody, you’re listening to the Mindset Matters podcast, I’m your host Riley Jensen and today I want to talk about how commitment is more than a choice. Have you ever wondered why some people seem to rise to the top, while others—equally talented—stay stuck in place? The answer often isn’t talent or luck. To me, It’s commitment. Let me tell you a story I often share with my athletes and business clients. There was once a young man with a dream job—he got his foot in the door at a prestigious company. For five years, he worked harder than anyone: first one in, last one out, always making sure the boss noticed. He was motivated. He was determined. And when a supervisor position finally opened up—he applied with confidence. But he didn’t get it. The job went to someone who had only been there six months. Fuming, he stormed into his boss’s office demanding to know why. The boss paused, then asked him to do something simple: go buy some oranges for his wife. Frustrated but obedient, the man came back with a bag of oranges—any kind, didn’t matter to him. Task done. Then the boss gave the same task to the man who got the promotion. That employee made a call to the boss’s wife to ask what the oranges were for. Found out she was making juice. Asked the grocer which oranges were best for juicing—Valencia, by the way—negotiated a bulk discount, and even dropped the oranges off at her house on the way back. See the difference? Both followed instructions. Only one committed to the task. The truth is: motivation gets you started, but commitment gets you results. And commitment isn’t just about making a choice—it’s about owning that choice. 👉 Think about your own life for a moment: Are you just going through the motions? Are you waiting to “feel motivated” before you take action? Or are you willing to choose your path—and then commit to it fully? This is where Autonomy, one of the three pillars of Self-Determination Theory, comes into play. Autonomy is what I call the “I Choose” factor. And the more you actively choose your path, the more likely you are to stay the course when it gets hard. I often say: ✅ Choose your love—and then love your choice. It’s easy to choose something when it’s exciting. But real commitment is shown when it’s no longer new or easy. Here’s how to build deeper commitment in your life starting today: Stop overthinking. Over-analysis kills action. Get clear, get moving. Know yourself. Strengths, weaknesses—own them all. Growth starts with honesty. Write it down. A goal unwritten is just a wish. Tell someone you trust. Accountability fuels follow-through. Care—genuinely. Care about your work. Care about others. Care about your impact. And here’s the key: Be authentic. When you make choices that align with who you really are—your values, your passion, your intuition—you tap into a powerful fuel source. You don’t need motivation when your choices are authentic. You need commitment. I think of my grandfather, Clark Owen Thompson—a man who wore many hats, from grocery store owner to insurance salesman. He wasn’t the wealthiest man. But he was authentic. He chose his path, he loved his choices, and he left a legacy of kindness, humor, and hard work. Ten of his great-grandchildren now carry his name. That’s impact. That’s a life well-lived. So today, I’m challenging you: ✅ Challenge 1: Pick two things you want to get done this week. Give yourself a reasonable deadline. Then do them. Small wins build momentum. ✅ Challenge 2: Start aligning your words with your actions. If you say you’re going to do something—show up and do it, with excellence. Don’t just grab any oranges. Find the best ones. Remember: Motivation comes and goes. Commitment is a choice you make—and keep—every single day.

5-Minute Podcast Script: “Autonomy: The Power of ‘I Choose’” Welcome back everybody, you’re listening to the Mindset Matters podcast, I’m your host Riley Jensen and today I want to talk about Autonomy and the power of the phrase “I choose” Let me ask you something like I always do. Do you love what you do? Like, deep down… do you still love it? One of my favorite sports movies of all time is The Rookie, starring Dennis Quaid. If you’ve seen it, you know it’s more than just a baseball story—it's a story about rediscovering purpose. In the film, Jim Morris, a high school baseball coach who long ago gave up on his dream of the majors, gets pushed by his students to try out one last time. Along the way, he wrestles with doubt, fear, and the question that many of us face at some point: Is this still worth it? And in a pivotal moment, his wife simply asks him: “Do you still love it?” That question changes everything for him. So here’s my question for you: 👉 Do you love it? 👉 Even if you’re not winning every time, do you still love the process, the game, the journey? Because you won’t always be at 100%. You won’t always feel like you’re crushing it. But when you have Autonomy—when you choose your path—something powerful happens: you start to show up differently. 💡 In sport psychology, we call this Self-Determination Theory. It’s built on three simple but profound ideas: Autonomy – I choose Competence – I can Relatedness – I belong Today, I want to focus on Autonomy: the power of “I choose.” The truth is, when you’re doing something because someone else told you to—whether it’s your parents, your boss, or society—you’re less likely to stick with it when adversity hits. But when you’ve made the decision for yourself—when you choose it—you’ll fight for it longer, you’ll have more grit, and you’ll stay more resilient. This is true in sports. It’s true in business. It’s true in relationships. Here’s a quick exercise for you right now: 📌 Think of something in your life that’s weighing you down. Maybe it’s a job you don’t love, a role you didn’t really choose, or a goal that doesn’t feel like yours. Now ask yourself: ✅ Did I choose this? ✅ Do I love it? ✅ Is there a small decision I can make today to bring more choice and control back into my life? Sometimes, it’s the tiniest choices that shift everything. In one study, nursing home patients were simply given the freedom to adjust their own room temperature, pick their meals, or move furniture. The result? They became happier, more active, and more alive. You don’t need to quit your job or move across the country today. But you can: ✔ Choose how you respond. ✔ Choose one activity that fills your cup. ✔ Choose to say “no” to one thing that drains you. And here’s the other truth: Stop chasing motivation. Start building commitment. Motivation comes and goes. Commitment? That’s what makes greatness. It’s not about waiting until you feel like it. It’s about showing up because you chose this. So today, ask yourself: 👉 Where in my life can I say, “I choose”? 👉 Where can I move from should to want? And if you’re stuck—start small: ✅ Write down one thing you’re grateful for. ✅ Take one small action that’s truly yours. ✅ Say “no” to something that doesn’t serve you. That’s how you start living your “I choose” life. 👉 I’d love to hear your thoughts—DM me on Instagram @rileysjensen or tag me with your biggest takeaway from today’s episode.

Dreams Don’t Produce (But Plans Do)" Welcome back everybody, you’re listening to the Mindset Matters podcast, I’m your host Riley Jensen and today I want to talk about turning dreams into plans. Let me ask you a simple question: Are you dreaming… or are you planning? Listen, having dreams is awesome. I’m all for dreaming big. I’m a dreamer—I’ve always been one. But here’s the truth most people won’t tell you: 👉 Dreams don’t produce. Plans produce. Dreams are free. They live in your mind. They feel good. But they don’t move the needle. What moves the needle? A plan. Let’s break it down: Dreams are unlimited. They’re vague. They can last forever in your mind. But a plan? A plan has a deadline. A plan demands effort. It costs you time, energy, discipline… sometimes even money. Dreams can motivate you… but a plan will actually transform your life. Here’s a question for you right now—wherever you’re listening: Do you have a real plan? Or are you just hoping? I see it all the time with athletes, entrepreneurs, and high performers. We say things like: “I dream of being mentally tough.” “I dream of being the starting quarterback.” “I dream of losing weight or getting that promotion.” But when I ask, “What’s the daily plan?” …crickets. No judgment. Just awareness. Because here’s the deal—your dreams are valid. They matter. But without a plan, they’re just decorations for your imagination. 🔥 Let’s Get Practical. Here’s Your Challenge Today: #1 – The Gratitude Reset. Tonight, before you go to bed, write down three things you’re grateful for. Seriously. Grab a notebook, or the Notes app on your phone. It could be simple: Health My family The opportunity to compete Or go deeper if you want. Gratitude isn’t fluffy—it’s tactical. Research shows it resets your brain, improves sleep, boosts performance, and literally makes you more mentally tough. #2 – Write a Gratitude Letter. Pick someone who’s made a difference in your life—a coach, a teammate, a parent, a mentor. Send them a text, a DM, or—if you’re old school—write a handwritten note. Something like: “Hey, I just wanted to thank you. You’ve made an impact on my life, and I appreciate you.” Two things happen when you do this: 1️⃣ You make their day. 2️⃣ You reset your own mindset toward growth instead of comparison. 🎯 Final thought: It’s easy to get caught in “dream mode.” But what wins? Execution. Dreams inspire. Plans transform. So today, audit your life: What’s the dream? Where’s the plan? And what are three things you’re grateful for today that prove you’re already making progress? This is Pure Unadulterated Guts. Let’s go to work.

🎙️ Title: Tools to Crush Unrealistic Expectations Good morning everybody, you’re listening to the Mindset Matters podcast, I’m your host Riley Jensen and today I want to talk about tools that can crush unrealistic expectations. Question for you... When was the last time you felt like you were behind in life? Behind in your career, behind in your sport, behind in… everything? Yeah… me too. Way too often. We chatted in a past episode about the one toxic little word: “should.” I should be further along. I should have figured this out by now. I should be perfect. It’s a dangerous word. However, his episode is all about crushing those unrealistic expectations—and replacing them with tools that actually move you forward. Tool #1: Gratitude—The Ultimate Reset Button I work with a high-level golfer named Taitum Beck. She uses a tool that’s ridiculously simple but insanely powerful. At the end of each round, no matter how she plays, she writes: ✍️ 3 things she’s grateful for ✍️ 1 thing she learned That’s it. Simple. But you wouldn’t believe how it transforms her mindset. When you're grateful, it’s nearly impossible to beat yourself up the same way. Gratitude grounds you in reality, not in some imaginary, perfect version of yourself. And it’s not just a warm, fuzzy idea. ✅ Gratitude improves sleep. ✅ Reduces anxiety. ✅ Improves resilience. ✅ Boosts performance. Science backs it. Stanford research shows that improving sleep alone from 6.6 to 8 hours a night improved athlete performance across the board—faster reactions, better shooting percentages, and fewer mistakes. Want to be clutch? Want to show up better for yourself? Start with gratitude. Tool #2: Humor—Laugh at the Crazy Sometimes you just have to stop and go… “Well, THAT’S a ridiculous expectation.” Call it out. Laugh at it. Take its power away. “I should be perfect today.” Really? Since when did anyone master life in a day? Tool #3: The Double Standard Test Ask yourself: “If my best friend were in this exact same situation… what would I say to THEM?” Chances are, you’d be kind. You’d be supportive. You’d remind them of how far they’ve come—not how far they “should” be. Why not talk to yourself the same way? Tool #4: The Impact Check Here’s an exercise: Write this down. What is the COST of my unrealistic expectations? Do they make me better… or just miserable? Do they push me toward growth… or toward burnout? Sometimes, just seeing the damage they cause is enough to start shifting them. Tool #5: Forgiveness—Out Loud This one’s big. When the pressure is mounting, I literally say out loud to myself… “It’s okay, Riley. You’re doing the best you can with the tools you have.” Forgiveness isn’t weakness. It’s fuel for the next step forward. Tool #6: Flexibility—Let Go of Perfect Life doesn’t follow your perfect plan. Neither does growth. Being flexible isn’t giving up. It’s adjusting. It’s pivoting. It’s learning that change isn’t failure—it’s just… change. 🔥 Challenge for You Today: Pick one of these tools. Just one. Start a gratitude journal. Try the double standard test. Forgive yourself—out loud. Then ask yourself this: “What expectation have I been carrying… that I can finally let go of today?” [Closing Thought] We often create pictures of how we think our life should look right now. And typically we get angry or frustrated when it doesn’t look the way we think it should. Tear up that picture. Live YOUR life, not the imaginary one in your head. You didn’t come this far just to come this far.

Cody Hagen | Faith, Football, and Finding Balance” In this episode of Mindset Matters, Riley sits down with BYU wide receiver Cody Hagen for a candid conversation about the highs and lows of being an elite athlete. From overcoming injuries and balancing life after his LDS mission to mastering the mental side of football, Cody shares powerful lessons on mindset, preparation, and handling pressure on and off the field. Plus, hear fun behind-the-scenes stories from the locker room, his best advice to young athletes, and why finding joy in the game matters most.

Title: “Stop ‘Shoulding’ All Over Yourself” Good morning everybody, you’re listening to the Mindset Matters podcast, I’m your host Riley Jensen and today I want to talk about how the word “should” is dangerous, and it should be handled carefully. Let me ask you something: When was the last time you didn’t meet your own expectations? Be honest… how did that feel? If you're like most high performers I work with—athletes, entrepreneurs, parents—you felt like you were failing. And the wild part is, you weren’t even failing… you just set yourself up with unrealistic expectations. I work with athletes who will PR in three events, but they’ll go home upset because they “should have” done better in the 4th one. Sound familiar? We carry around this invisible scoreboard in our minds—built from other people’s voices, Instagram highlight reels, and our own brutal self-talk. We get stuck in the loop of: “I should be further along.” “I should have more wins.” “I should be better by now.” Let’s stop shoulding all over ourselves. Ok let’s do a quick check in: Grab your phone or a pen and write down one thing you’re proud of that you used to dream about but now take for granted. Pause this for 10 seconds if you need to. Do it. It matters. Why? Because when we don’t acknowledge progress, our goals become weapons instead of motivation. There’s a quote that I think originates from Socrates, but I am not sure. “What screws us up most is the picture we have in our head of how it’s supposed to be.” Let that sink in. You thought your career would look different by now. You thought you'd be more confident, more successful, more stable. But the gap between where you are and where you thought you'd be? That’s not failure—that’s the space where growth happens. You’ve heard me share this before. Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena” speech still hits hard: “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena… who errs… who comes short again and again… who fails while daring greatly…” Let me ask: Are you in the arena right now? If so, you're already winning—even if you’re bloody and bruised and still chasing the win. It’s important to understand: Unrealistic expectations often come with unrealistic timeframes. You want to write the book, start the business, win the starting job… this year. But maybe that goal needs three years. Maybe that dream is a marathon, not a sprint. And when you don’t hit it right away, you punish yourself for no good reason. I call it mental masochism. We beat ourselves up because we “should be” further along—based on a clock no one else is even watching. So here’s your challenge this week: Catch yourself “shoulding.” When you hear “I should be further along,” replace it with: “I’m learning.” “I’m progressing.” “I’m doing the work.” Set a realistic timeframe. Ask yourself: What’s the goal? What’s truly in my control? What’s a realistic time frame for that outcome? Remind yourself: failure is fertilizer. Not poison. Your stumbles today are the soil where greatness grows. Look—dreaming big is never the problem. Expecting yourself to sprint a marathon with no water breaks? That’s what burns people out. Be honest with where you are. Be flexible with how you get there. And most importantly, stop shoulding all over yourself. Your story’s still being written—and it’s going to be a good one.

Winston Reid: From Weber State Walk-On to Cleveland Browns Linebacker | Mindset Matters Podcast Join host Riley Jensen on #MindsetMatters as he interviews Cleveland Browns linebacker Winston Reid! From overcoming two ACL injuries to walking on at Weber State and signing as an NFL free agent, Winston’s journey is packed with resilience and grit. In this episode, we dive into: How Winston bounced back from setbacks to earn an All-American title The mental toughness lessons from his Marine Corps dad His pre-game peanut butter & jelly sandwich ritual Advice for young athletes chasing their dreams Listen to the full episode on [Spotify/Apple Podcasts Link] or watch here! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment: What’s your biggest takeaway from Winston’s story? #NFL #ClevelandBrowns #MindsetMattersPodcast #WinstonReid #MotivationalPodcast #WeberState #FootballJourney

Getting to Neutral: Tools to Fight Perfectionism and Win the Mental Game Good morning everybody, you’re listening to the Mindset Matters podcast, I’m your host Riley Jensen and today I want to talk about tools to fight perfectionism and win the mental game. Let me hit you with something right away—perfectionism isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a burden. But there’s a way out. It starts with what I call “getting to neutral.” This is about interrupting negative momentum—because when perfectionism spirals, it usually sounds like this: “I’m not good enough.” “I always screw this up.” “I can’t compete like they do.” “What if I let everyone down?” Sound familiar? Now pause. And breathe. Let me walk you through one of my favorite grounding techniques: 3-2-1 Breathe. Look around. What are 3 things you can see? What are 2 things you can hear? What’s 1 thing you can feel physically? Then… take one deep diaphragmatic breath. That’s it. That 30-second moment just broke the spiral. I recently heard a story from my friend Justin Su’a, a mental performance coach for the Tampa Bay Rays. He was 16, struggling on the mound, and it happened to be during a super important game. His dad—the coach—called a timeout. Walked up to the mound. But instead of offering advice, he asked: “Are you hungry?” Justin: “Uhhh… yeah?” “What kind of burger do you want?” Cheeseburger. Soda. His dad gives his own order too. Then walks away. That moment gave Justin a mental time out. It was the reset he needed. He refocused. They won the game. Sometimes the best way to reset is not to force yourself to "be great"—but to "just be." Here’s another technique I love: Counterarguments. Your thoughts aren’t always true just because they’re loud. If your brain says, “I don’t belong here…” Push back with: “That’s not necessarily true… I’ve worked hard, and I’ve earned this shot.” Better yet? Make a list before the storm hits—of your wins, achievements, and moments you’re proud of. Keep it close. Use it when perfectionism rears its head. Then there's what I call Caboose Arguments—because some of us are realists. And sometimes, we don’t believe our own hype. So instead of saying, “This game is going terribly,” add the caboose: “…but I’ve gotten out of worse spots.” “…but I’ve prepared for this.” “…but I know how to adjust.” Now we’re not ignoring the challenge—we’re just not letting it define the whole train. And here's one more tool: “Yet.” It’s a single word that shifts everything. “I can’t shoot like them… yet.” “I don’t know how to handle pressure… yet.” “I haven’t figured this out… yet.” That one word keeps the story going. You’re still in the fight. You are a work in progress. Need a physical reset? Build a reset routine. Athletes I work with use all kinds: Re-tightening gloves Re-doing a hair tie Tapping a control circle on their wrist Even flushing a toilet in the dugout like Ken Ravizza’s Fullerton State baseball team (yes, really) It’s all about signaling to your brain: That moment is done. Time to move on. 🎯 Let’s make it real right now. Three quick challenges for you: Practice bravery. Do one thing that makes you uncomfortable today. Apply for that job. Start that project. Ask for help. Challenge your thoughts. Next time you hear your inner critic, say: “That might not be true… because ________.” Flip your self-talk. If you wouldn’t say it to someone else, don’t say it to yourself. Listen: Perfection isn’t required to win. All you need is the courage to reset, the awareness to interrupt the spiral, and the tools to get back to the moment you’re in. You don’t have to be perfect. You just need to breathe. You’ve got this.

Perfectionism: The Performance Killer in Disguise” Good morning everybody, you’re listening to the Mindset Matters podcast, I’m your host Riley Jensen and today I want to talk one of the main performance killers, and how it is the master of disguise. Let me ask you a question—have you ever told yourself… “I can’t.” “I never get this right.” “I always mess up under pressure.” If so, welcome to the perfectionism club. I’m a card-carrying member myself. Perfectionism doesn’t always show up wearing a red flag. Sometimes, it sneaks in dressed as "high standards" or "I'm just super competitive." But here's the truth—it’s not drive, it’s fear. Fear of not being enough. So how do you know if you’re falling into the trap? Here are a few clues: You catastrophize when something small goes wrong. You struggle to finish things because they’re “not quite perfect.” You feel like your self-worth rises and falls with your outcomes. You constantly compare yourself to others and always come up short. You procrastinate because starting imperfectly feels worse than not starting at all. Sound familiar? It did to me too. Now here’s the big lie perfectionism whispers: “If I do it perfectly, I’ll finally be enough.” But perfection isn’t the price of admission to greatness—it’s often the reason we never buy the ticket. Take a second and think: Where in your life right now are you waiting to be perfect before you act? Is it sending the email? Launching your business? Reaching out to that coach? Say it out loud. Now commit to taking imperfect action on it this week. Ever heard of imposter syndrome? It’s that feeling like you're just lucky... like you're one mistake away from being exposed. I’ve been there. Even recording this podcast—there’s a little voice that says, “What if I’m not qualified enough?” But here’s my rule: If someone hands you a ticket to the rocketship, you get on. You figure it out on the way to Mars. Stop telling yourself why you’re not good enough. Prove to yourself that you already are. Let’s talk about flexibility. Water doesn't fight the riverbanks. It adjusts. It twists and turns. It doesn’t force progress—it flows. Your mindset, your self-talk, should work the same way. When we push too hard, we flood. When we hold too tight, we break. But when we stay flexible, we find new ways forward. Case in point: My favorite story from my father being a college tennis coach. A guy named Rob Markosian broke all his rackets during a tournament. I was in charge of restringing the rackets. I couldn’t restring them fast enough. He looked at me and yelled, “Bring me a 2x4—I’ll finish him off with that!” So I handed him a junk racket from another player. It wasn’t ideal, but he won. He didn’t need perfect—he just needed to compete. 🎯 Call to Action So here’s your challenge for this week: Stop waiting to feel ready. Stop waiting to be perfect. Start acting anyway. Start the thing. Send the message. Take the rep. Speak up. Be flexible like water. Perform like Rob with the busted racket. Your job isn’t to be flawless. Your job is to show up and fight. Don’t be afraid to chase perfect in hopes of catching excellence. What’s so wrong with being excellent, anyway? You are not a mistake. You might make mistakes—but that’s proof you’re in the game. Perfection isn’t required to win. Never has been. Let go of needing perfect. Trade it for excellence.. And I promise, your best self will thank you for it.

🎯 Perfectionism Is NOT the Path to Peak Performance Good morning everybody, you’re listening to the Mindset Matters podcast, I’m your host Riley Jensen and today I want to talk perfectionism, and how it is not the path to peak performance.. Let’s do a quick gut check today. Let’s talk about a silent killer of motivation and performance: perfectionism. Are you striving to be your best? That’s honorable. That’s drive. But believing you have to be perfect? That’s poison. And unfortunately, in the world of high-level performance—whether it’s athletics, business, or parenting—perfectionism often gets confused for competitiveness. The truth is, perfectionism is just insecurity with a great work ethic. Let me give you a quick analogy I use with my athletes. Imagine we’re fishing on a calm lake. Storm clouds start forming, and to steady the boat, we throw out one anchor. Smart, right? But if you’re a perfectionist, one anchor isn’t enough. You throw out another 7 anchors. And what happens? The storm passes. But now? You’re sinking. Because too many anchors—too much overthinking, over-prepping, self-criticizing—will pull you down, and it’s been known to sink ships. That’s what perfectionism does: it overwhelms and paralyzes. And it almost always invites its twin to the party—negative self-talk. You know that voice, the one that whispers: "I’m not good enough." "Why did I mess that up?" "I’m probably disappointing people." Here’s the kicker: You don’t need to be perfect to win. Let me tell you about Jim Thorpe. Quite possibly the greatest athlete in the history of the United States. In the 1912 Olympics, someone stole his track shoes. Nowhere to be found. Devastating right? Instead of panicking, Jim Thorpe found two mismatched shoes in a garbage can. One was too big for, so he wore an extra sock. He won two gold medals that day. There’s pictures all over the internet about this day. You can see his mismatched shoes and extra sock in the photo. He didn’t let perfection block performance. That’s the heart of what I want to leave you with today: 👉 Conditions don’t need to be perfect for you to win. 👉 You don’t have to feel 100% to give 100%. 👉 And that little voice in your head? It’s not always telling the truth. We use a rule in sport psychology I love: the 78% Rule. If you’re at 78%—or heck, even 53%—you can still show up, grind, compete, and win. It’s like your smart phone, it gives you 100% functionality until it dips below 5%. You are not your thoughts. You are not your worst mistake. You are your habits. You are your effort. You are your bounce-back. So here’s what I want to challenge you with this week: 🎯 Try this: Catch yourself when you use words like “I always…” or “I never…” Those are red flags for perfectionism. They are catastrophizers that are seldom true. Ask yourself: “What would I say to a teammate who made the same mistake?” (Spoiler alert: You’d probably be more kind to them than to yourself.) Write down one thing you’re proud of from today. Just one. Because guess what? Even the greats miss free throws, forget plays, drop balls, lose deals, or say the wrong thing in meetings. Perfection isn’t required. Guts are. Until next time—stay gritty, stay grounded, and remember: Effort and enthusiasm beat perfection every time. If this resonated with you, this episode was inspired by Chapter 5 of my book, Pure Unadulterated Guts. Grab your copy on Amazon. Let’s keep chasing growth. 1% better—every day.

🎙️ Podcast Script: “The 1% Rule That Changes Everything” (Inspired by Chapter 3 of Pure Unadulterated Guts) Good morning everybody, you’re listening to the Mindset Matters podcast, I’m your host Riley Jensen and today I want to talk about the one percent rule that changes everything. Let me ask you something. Right now, today—are you just living, or are you getting better? Because there’s a rule I love, and it’s simple: Just get 1% better today. That’s it. Not 50%, not perfection. Just 1%. This idea comes from James Clear’s Atomic Habits, but it’s something I’ve seen over and over in elite athletes, high performers, and resilient people I’ve coached. But how do we measure it? How do you know you’re getting 1% better? We will talk about that today as well. Here’s some simple math for you: 1% better every day for a year? That’s 37 times better at the end of 365 days. 1% worse every day? You basically hit zero. Now, think about that in your life: What if your mindset improved 1% every day? What if your discipline did? What if your self-talk, your confidence, your leadership grew even just a little bit? Steve Young once said: “Compete against yourself. Be better than you were the day before.” And that’s the secret most people miss: You’re not competing against your teammate, your boss, or some random person online. You’re competing against yesterday’s version of you. 🔄 Let’s Interact: Think about today. What’s one small thing you did that made you better? Say it out loud. I’ll wait. (Pause) Maybe it was showing up. Maybe it was doing 10 minutes of focused work when you didn’t feel like it. That counts. But here’s the danger: There’s a mental trap in sport psychology called negativity bias. It’s why you can do five things right today, but your brain only remembers the two you screwed up. Ever been there? Driving home from practice—or work—and only thinking about the mistake? Yeah, Me too. So how do we beat it? Let's flip the script. Here’s a habit I want you to try starting today: At the end of the day, ask yourself this: “What’s one thing I did today that made me 1% better?” That’s it. Write it down. Speak it. Own it. This is called deliberate practice. And here’s the magic: deliberate practice + consistency = elite results. And you can plan to be deliberate or intentional on a calendar long before you get to a practice or a scenario that you need to be better. Now let’s get tactical. Here are 3 quick challenges to bring this to life: 🔥 Challenge 1 – Own Your Intentions Each day this week, pick ONE thing to get better at: Monday: Positive self-talk. Tuesday: Staying locked in during pressure. Wednesday: Gratitude. Thursday: Encouraging a teammate. Friday: Blocking out distractions. Journal it. Reflect on it. Celebrate it. 📱 Challenge 2 – Cut Comparison Try reducing or cutting out social media for a few days. Seriously. Track how you feel. Are you more present? More clear? Social media often fuels negativity bias. Less scrolling = more focus on YOU. ✅ Challenge 3 – Start. Stop. Sustain. What’s one thing you need to stop doing? What’s one thing you need to start doing? What’s something good you’re already doing that you want to sustain, for keep doing? Speak it. Write it. Act on it. Final thought: You don’t need to overhaul your whole life today. You don’t need a miracle. You need a moment. And if you can win just this moment, and then the next one after that? That’s called stacking wins. And you’ll wake up 37x better a year from now—mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. If this resonated with you—even just 1%— 📘 Grab a copy of Pure Unadulterated Guts. 🎧 Share this episode with a teammate, friend, or coach. ✍️ DM me the one thing you’re focusing on today. I actually want to hear from you. Because growth is hard. But it’s worth it. And so are you.

🎙️ Podcast Segment: Chapter 3 – “Comparison is a Thief, Not a Coach” Good morning everybody, you’re listening to the Mindset Matters podcast, I’m your host Riley Jensen and today I want to talk about one of the quietest killers of confidence, motivation, and mental performance: Comparison. Let me ask you something: Have you ever scrolled through Instagram, or TikTok, or maybe just walked into a meeting or locker room… and instantly felt like you weren’t doing enough? Yeah. Me too. Today’s episode is inspired by Chapter 3 of my book Pure Unadulterated Guts, and I’m going to tell you why comparison, when unchecked, can quietly rob you of joy, grit, and presence. Let’s get into it. ⚠️ Part 1: The Comparison Trap Here’s an important point--comparison is for choosing between cars, not character. You’ve probably heard the quote, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Teddy Roosevelt said it. And in all my years coaching athletes, leaders, and teams—it’s never proven false. We compare ourselves constantly. Not just to others' success… but to their highlight reels. And we end up measuring our worst moments against someone else’s best. Let me give you a quick story. When I was in high school, I was the quarterback, point guard, and shortstop. You might think that meant I was going out every weekend. Truth is—there were plenty of Friday nights where I was home, feeling left out. Now imagine if I had social media back then, showing me exactly what I was missing in real time? That’s the world our kids live in. Heck, that’s the world we live in. So here’s a question for you: 👉 How do you feel after you scroll your feed? Do you feel energized? Inspired? Or do you feel behind… like you’re not measuring up? 🔥 Part 2: Flip the Script—From Comparison to Ignition Now, not all comparison is bad. There’s a concept I love from The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle. It’s called "ignition." It’s that moment when you see someone like you doing something incredible—and it sparks your drive. I remember watching Ty Detmer play QB at BYU when I was in high school. He was nothing short of amazing. He was 6 feet tall. He had blond hair. He had similar traits to me. And that lit a fire in me—it ignited something. So comparison can fuel you, if it inspires action. But if it causes self-doubt or paralysis, it’s time to check yourself. Here’s how: Ask yourself: 👉 Is what I’m seeing on social media sparking action? Or is it causing me to shrink? That question alone can reset your relationship with your feed. 🧠 Part 3: Be Where Your Feet Are—Use W.I.N. Here’s a tool that I teach to elite athletes—and I use it myself all the time. It’s called W.I.N. — "What’s Important Now?" Let me break it down real quick. When you’re in a game—or in life—and you make a mistake, or you feel pressure rising, comparison often creeps in. You start time traveling—into the past (“I should have done better”) or the future (“What if I mess up again?”). W.I.N. brings you back to the present. Ask yourself the question: 👉 What’s Important Now? Not 5 minutes ago. Not next quarter. Right now. I’ve had athletes write this on their cleats, gloves, even their mirror at home. The present moment is the only place performance lives. If you can consistently be where your feet are—you’re already winning.

🎙️ PODCAST MINI-EPISODE: “When the Alarm Goes Off – Motivation, Grit & the Brain” Hello everybody, you’re listening to the Mindset Matters podcast, I’m your host Riley Jensen and today we are talking about when the alarm in your head goes off, and how your amygdala can hijack your brain. Let me ask you something: Have you ever felt like you were doing everything right—but your motivation just disappeared? If so, you're not broken. You're wired that way. 💥 In this episode, I want to unpack something powerful from Chapter 3 of my book Pure Unadulterated Guts—the three biggest killers of motivation: Comparison Perfectionism Unrealistic expectations Now before I break these down, I want to tell you a story. A real one. One that shook me. One night, after tucking in my kids with the usual prayers and stories, I crawled into bed thinking the day was done. At 2:47 a.m., our alarm system gave that gentle, terrifying pre-alarm chirp—the one that says: “Get up now or the house is about to sound like a nuclear reactor.” Groggy. Annoyed. Irritated. I got out of bed, walked to the kitchen, and my wife whispered: “Wait... this alarm has never gone off by mistake.” Boom. That’s when the real alarm hit. It was loud. It was terrifying. And it made it hard to think correctly. Suddenly, the college football player in me took over. I sprinted to my kids’ rooms, checked every corner. The alarm system said the back door had been breached. So I sprinted downstairs… And sure enough—it was slightly open. Wind? Kids? I wasn’t sure. But when we checked the security camera in my office, which is right next to that door... what we saw sent chills down my spine. A shadowy figure had come into our home. He stepped into the hallway—then bolted when the alarm went off. By the time I got downstairs... he was already gone. 😳 I share this because motivation, clarity, and grit are never just about mindset. They’re biological. Our brains have an ancient alarm system—the amygdala. It's designed to keep us alive. But in today’s world, it's constantly reacting to things that aren’t life-threatening. 📉 When the alarm goes off, decision-making tanks. We don't think. We react. In sports and life, this looks like: Getting in your own head Losing confidence over one bad performance Forgetting the 100 things you did well, and obsessing over the one thing you didn’t 🎯 Here's where it gets personal. I work with a pro golfer named who recently earned his PGA Tour card. That’s a huge deal. But here’s what most people don’t realize: He didn’t need to overhaul his swing. He didn’t need a miracle. He improved by just 0.79 strokes per round to become a PGA tour member. Less than a stroke! But here’s the kicker: That tiny improvement moved him from rank 90-something to 26th on the Korn Ferry Tour. Just one stroke shy of his dream—and the next year he finished by improving to 19th and received his PGA tour card. 📌 So what does this mean for you? Here’s your gut-check moment: Are you letting comparison steal your joy? Are you chasing perfection instead of progress? Are your expectations so high that you can’t even see your own growth? If the alarm bells are going off in your life right now—it might be time to breathe. To pause. And to recognize that small wins are still wins. 🧠 Here’s a challenge: Track just one small win per day for the next week. It could be: You showed up. You stayed composed. You spoke kindly to yourself when it got hard. Build that muscle. Train that brain. And remember: Motivation doesn’t disappear—it gets drowned out by noise. You can turn the alarm down. You can get back on track. You’ve got Pure Unadulterated Guts. Let’s use it. 🎧 Want to go deeper? Grab Chapter 3 of the book and learn the tools I teach to elite athletes for beating comparison, perfectionism, and unrealistic expectations. Let’s make high performance a habit—not a fluke.

🎙️ PODCAST SCRIPT “Breathe Until You Find Clarity” – Inspired by Chapter 3 of Pure Unadulterated Guts "If you don’t control your breath, you’ll never control your mind. And if you don’t control your mind—you’ll never control your performance.” Let me ask you something: When life hits you in the teeth—what’s your first response? For most of us, it’s panic. Frustration. Freeze mode. But there’s something hiding in plain sight that can help you take back control almost instantly. It’s not complicated. It’s not new. It’s just underused. It’s your breath. 🧠 Part 1: The Breath That Builds Grit I want to teach you something called the physiological sigh—a simple, science-backed breathing technique that resets your nervous system fast. This isn’t just for yogis or monks. It’s for athletes before a game-winning kick... soldiers under fire... parents in the car... and anyone caught in the chaos of everyday life. Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford, explains how this technique taps into the body's built-in stress release valve. It helps you offload carbon dioxide and reclaim clarity when stress hijacks your system. Here’s how to do it: ✅ Inhale deeply through your nose. ✅ Then sneak in a second, quicker inhale on top of the first. ✅ Then exhale long and slow through your mouth. Let’s do it together: Big inhale… Now another quick sip of air on top… Now exhale slowly… like you’re deflating. Again. Double inhale through the nose. Long exhale through the mouth. You feel that shift? That’s your brain and body syncing back up. That’s clarity on demand. Just one to three of these can calm your system down, sharpen your mind, and give you back control. You can use it: In the car before a tough conversation On the sideline after a turnover At work when you feel overwhelmed Or at night when your brain won’t shut off This is mental performance training in real time. 💪 Part 2: Grit Grows When You Breathe Let me tell you a story from my Snow College days. I had a teammate—John South. He was buried on the depth chart behind two NFL-bound receivers. Never traveled. No glamour. No crowd. Just home games and scout team duty. For three straight years. But he never stopped grinding. Never complained. And he out-hustled every single one of us. Every. Day. Late in one blowout game, he finally got a shot—just one play. And he made a great catch. That was his only catch at Snow College. Most people would’ve folded the tent right there. But John kept breathing. Kept believing. Kept working. He walked on at Utah State—got laughed out of the room. Transferred to Adams State. And that’s where the switch flipped: Two-time All-Conference. All-American. Over 1,100 yards in a season. Why? Because he didn’t let his present define his future. Because he had pure unadulterated guts. 🧠 Part 3: Mindset + Purpose = Grit Here’s the truth: grit isn’t magic—it’s muscle. And like any muscle, you can train it. The most resilient people I know do a few key things: They face fear head-on. They lean on faith. They stay physically active. They know their purpose. They keep learning. If you want grit, you’ve got to build it. And your breath is a powerful place to start. 🎯 CALL TO ACTION: Let’s Get Interactive 🔵 Challenge 1 – Breathing Reset Next time you feel rattled—miss a shot, get cut off in traffic, or feel like yelling at your kid—pause. Double inhale through your nose. Long exhale through your mouth. Do it 2 or 3 times. See how it clears the mental clutter. 🔴 Challenge 2 – Do the Work If you're in a funk right now, don’t just sit there. Move. Take one action. Because momentum builds confidence. As I like to say, “The good Lord can’t steer a parked car.” This adversity you're facing? It might just be your launching pad. You’ve got Pure Unadulterated Guts in you. Now breathe... and go prove it..

🎙️ Podcast Script: "What Your Kids Need Most (Especially from Dads)" Hello everybody, you’re listening to the Mindset Matters podcast, I’m your host Riley Jensen and today we are talking about what your kids need the most, especially from Dad’s. With Father’s Day coming up, I’ve been thinking a lot about my favorite job in the world: being a dad. Not only is it my favorite—it’s the most rewarding, most challenging, and probably the most important thing I’ve ever done. Now, as a mental performance coach and someone who studies the psychology of sport for a living, I’ve seen firsthand how much of an impact a parent’s mindset can have on an athlete. So today, I want to share a few insights and practical things I’ve learned—not just from the field or the clinic, but from the front seat of my car driving my kids around. 1. Don’t Turn the Car Ride Into a Coffin Sometimes we’re so busy—school, practice, training, tournaments—that the car ride becomes just another chore. But I’d challenge you to see it as a gift. That car ride? It’s one-on-one time. And it won’t last forever. So instead of rushing through it, use it. 🎯 Ask questions like: “What’s something you’re proud of this week?” “What do you think you’ll be like when you're older?” “What’s your favorite thing about yourself?” Let curiosity lead. Compliment something small. Play their favorite song. Those little things build connection—and that’s what really sticks. 2. What Not to Do in the Car Here’s a few things I don’t recommend in the car ride—or ever, really: Don’t talk about how much money sports are costing. That’s an adult issue. Let them play free from guilt. Don’t make it all about success. Instead, talk about effort. Talk about preparation. Talk about courage. Don’t catastrophize. Avoid words like “always” or “never”—especially when describing your kid’s performance. Keep things in context. Don’t overvalue grades or stats. They matter—but they’re not everything. Some of your child’s most incredible qualities won’t show up on a stat sheet. 3. Don’t Belittle the Coach Whether you agree with their coach or not, your child needs to see the coach as the expert. If you tear the coach down, you force your kid into an unfair position: “Do I listen to my parent or my coach?” It’s not right. And it doesn’t help them grow. Support the process. Let the coach coach. Let the kid be a kid. 4. Teach the Power of Yet This one’s gold. When your child says, “I’m not fast enough,” “I can’t figure this out,” or “I’m just not good at this,” —add one word. “Yet.” “I’m not fast enough… yet.” “I haven’t figured it out… yet.” It rewires the brain. It opens up possibility. And it reminds them that greatness isn’t instant—it’s a constant work in progress. Think about it: Is there anything you’re great at now that didn’t take work?

🎙️ Podcast Segment: “Embrace the Suck” – Inspired by Chapter 3 of Pure Unadulterated Guts Hello everybody, you’re listening to the Mindset Matters podcast, I’m your host Riley Jensen and today we are talking about Embracing the Suck. But we are also talking about how the great one’s don’t stay in the suck. Let me ask you a question. Have you ever felt like you're doing everything right—showing up, putting in the work, staying consistent—but nothing is happening? Like, you're watering the dirt... and all you’re getting is more dirt? That’s what growth feels like most of the time. And that’s why I love the story of the bamboo tree. See, if you plant bamboo, you water it, feed it, fertilize it, give it sunlight—and for five years, nothing breaks the surface. Five years of showing up, of digging in, of zero visible progress. But then—almost overnight—it explodes. In just six weeks, it can shoot up to 90 feet. That’s not magic. That’s how growth works. Quiet. Underground. Relentless. So here's a question for you: Could you keep going for five years without seeing results? Because the great ones do. The great ones embrace the suck. They water the dirt when it’s boring. They show up when it’s uncomfortable. They bet on who they’re becoming, not what the scoreboard says today. You know, people love calling athletes “overnight successes.” But Lionel Messi once said, "I wasn’t an overnight success. It took me seventeen years, six months, twenty-seven days, and four hours to become the player you see today." That quote hits hard. Because we often glorify the outcome and ignore the grind. So let me pause and ask you this: What’s your bamboo forest? What are you tending to—even when it doesn’t show? Are you prepared to keep going when it’s silent, when it’s hard, when the results don’t match the effort yet? You’ve got to train yourself to expect adversity, not fear it. Because when it hits—and it will—you’ll already have a plan. Mental performance isn’t about pretending things are easy. It’s about being ready when they’re not. I’ll leave you with a story my grandfather used to tell—one that always stuck with me. A traveling salesman breaks down on a dirt road out in the country. He’s hot, sweating, frustrated—and realizes he forgot to pack a jack. But in the distance, he sees a farmhouse. So he starts walking toward it, hoping to borrow one. As he walks, he starts thinking, “What if this guy doesn’t help me?” Then, “What if he’s rude?” Then, “What if he slams the door in my face?” By the time he knocks, he’s so worked up that when the farmer opens the door, he shouts: “You can keep your damn jack!” ...and walks away. We laugh, but that’s real life, right? That’s how our minds work when we let frustration take the wheel. Instead of solving the problem, we spiral. That’s why learning to embrace the suck—to lean into difficulty instead of running from it—is one of the most powerful skills you can develop. So here’s your challenge this week: When it’s tough, when it’s frustrating, when it feels like you're just watering dirt—keep going. Show up anyway. That’s how you grow your bamboo forest.

Hey there everybody, your listening to the Mindset Matters Podcast, I’m your host, Riley Jensen—and today I want to talk about something every athlete, every coach, every parent, and every high performer deals with: Adversity. Here’s a truth you need to hear: Every great team, every elite performer I’ve ever worked with—they all hit adversity. Not once a lifetime. Not once in a career. Every. Single. Year. Sometimes it’s a slow burn—a dull pain that drags you down. Other times, it hits like a sucker punch you never saw coming. But the best of the best? They don’t wait to get lucky. They have a plan for when adversity shows up. Let’s pause here for a second. I want you to think: What’s the adversity in your life right now? Is it physical? Emotional? Financial? Something you’re hiding from the world? Got it in your head? Good—hold that thought. Now, here’s where we separate winners from whiners. The elite performers I work with—they manage their body language when things get tough. That might sound simple, but it’s powerful. Why? Because the science is clear: 👉 Body language affects your self-talk 👉 Self-talk affects your body language And vice versa, back and forth, it’s circular in nature. When you’re slouched, sulking, and defeated—your brain picks up on those cues and feeds more negativity. But when you roll your shoulders back, stand tall, breathe deep—you’re telling your brain, “Hey, we’re still in this fight.” Let me give you a simple coaching principle I love: The next play is the most important play. That’s true in football. It’s true in life. Dwelling on the last mistake doesn’t make you tougher. Getting back to business does. And when adversity strikes? Positive people don’t fake it. They work the plan they already made when they were clear-minded. When things weren’t emotional. Here’s one of my favorite quotes. It’s from Thomas S. Monson: “Good timber does not grow with ease. The stronger the wind, the stronger the trees.” That leads perfectly into one of the wildest studies I’ve ever read: 📚 The Biosphere 2 Project at the University of Arizona is fascinating to me. Scientists created this perfect little world in a biosphere—controlled weather, no pollution, no storms. And guess what? The trees inside? They grew exceptionally fast... but collapsed under their own weight. Why? No wind. Turns out, trees need wind to develop what’s called “stress wood”—it’s what makes them strong, resilient, and able to grow toward the light even when things aren’t perfect. No stress means no strength. So let me ask you this: Could the “wind” in your life right now be helping you grow stronger in ways you can’t see yet? Interactive Moment: Reflect or Journal Take a second—or if you're listening while driving, just mentally work through this. Ask yourself: What is this particular adversity trying to teach me? What outcome do I really want from this? Who do I know who’s overcome something like this before? Will this thing I’m stressing over even matter in five years? Write it down. Talk it out. Send this episode to someone who needs to hear it. Here’s my Final thought: Adversity is not the enemy. Adversity is the wind. And if you’re intentional about how you respond to it? You don’t just survive—you grow into something stronger. You develop Pure Unadulterated Guts. Until next time—keep going. Your wind is working.

🎙️ Podcast Segment – Chapter 2: The 90-Second Rule Alright, here’s another question for you. Have you ever said or done something in the heat of the moment—and instantly regretted it? Now… what if I told you the entire field of sport psychology hinges on mastering that exact moment? Today’s episode, inspired by Chapter 2 of my book Pure Unadulterated Guts, is about one of the most powerful concepts I know: 👉 E + R = O Event + Response = Outcome. It’s simple—but not easy. And it starts with a story from one of the most resilient minds in modern history: Viktor Frankl. Frankl survived the Holocaust. He lost his family, his health, his freedom… but not control over his attitude. He famously wrote: “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response.” That’s what this episode is all about—choosing your response. Because in sports, in business, and in life, your response is your super power. Let me break it down: E is for Event. Things you can’t control: the weather, a coach’s decision, a missed call, someone cutting you off in traffic. R is for Response. That’s the choice. Do you lash out? Do you breathe? Or, Do you reset? O is for Outcome. You don’t always control it—but your response can change everything. Let me give you a real-world example that cost two NFL players millions. Less than 3 minutes into a game between the Broncos and Raiders, Aqib Talib and Michael Crabtree threw punches. Why? A chain-snatching incident from a year earlier still festered. What could’ve been handled with a conversation—or even just maturity—erupted into a full-blown brawl. Result? Suspensions. Fines. Damaged reputations. All over 90 seconds of poor emotional control. —Here’s some of the science behind it: Your brain releases chemicals when you're triggered. Those chemicals last about 90 seconds. If you feel anger longer than that? That’s you choosing to stay mad. Let me say that again: After 90 seconds, the emotion becomes your CHOICE. Neuroscientist Jill Bolte Taylor put it like this: “If you’re still angry after 90 seconds, it’s because you’ve chosen to let that circuit continue to run.” That’s wild, right? 🔥 So here’s the big takeaway: The event doesn’t define you. Your response does. Now it’s your turn: I want you to think about your own “E+R=O” moment this week. What was the event that happened to you? How did you respond? What outcome did it create? Even more important: What would you do differently next time? Shoot me a DM, tag me in your post, or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts. I’d love to hear your story—and maybe even feature it in an upcoming episode. 🎯 Want more tools like this? You’ll find this and more in Chapter 2 of Pure Unadulterated Guts. It’s not just a book—it’s a playbook for high performers. And remember: You can’t always control the event. But you can always control your response. That’s Pure Unadulterated Guts.

🎙️ Episode Title: “What’s Your Coconut?” Hi everybody, you’re listening to the Mindset Matters podcast, I’m your host, Riley Jensen, and today, we are talking about coconuts. Let me start this podcast like I always do, with a question. What’s the one thing you’re holding on to right now… that’s holding you back? It might feel important, even necessary—but what if that thing is actually your trap? We live in a world where pressure is everywhere—notifications, deadlines, family drama, politics, uncertainty, comparison. And when we’re feeling pressure, we try to control everything. It feels safer that way, right? But ironically, control is often the very thing that keeps us stuck. Let me explain. There’s this old story that’s been told in villages across parts of Asia and South America— A story about how they trap monkeys. Here’s how it works: A farmer cuts a hole into a coconut. Just big enough for a monkey to slip its hand through. He ties the coconut to a tree, fills it with nuts, berries, maybe even something sweet. The monkey comes along, curious and hungry, and slips its hand inside. Grabs a big ol' fistful of the loot. But here’s the trap: it can’t pull its hand out while holding on to everything. The hole is only big enough for an open hand. And even as the farmer walks up— Even as danger gets closer— The monkey doesn’t let go. It simply won’t let go. Now, here’s the rub: You and I? We do the same thing. We clutch tightly to things—control, perfection, our reputation, that one opinion someone had of us in 2003— Even when they’re hurting us. Even when they’re keeping us stuck. So here's the question for today: What’s your coconut? Is it needing to always be right? Is it a version of success that no longer fits your life? Is it someone else’s approval? Think about it. What's that one thing you're clinging to, believing it'll keep you safe or successful— But it's actually costing you peace… freedom… maybe even joy? (Pause for effect) To help combat this mentality, I ask my clients to use a simple tool called The Control Circle: Draw a circle. Inside the circle, write down everything you can control—your attitude, your actions, your energy, your preparation, and your response to things. Outside the circle? Write the stuff you can’t—other people’s opinions, past mistakes, outcomes, the weather, politics, the market. And then— Let. It. Go. Because freedom comes when we stop fighting battles we were never meant to win. So today— Open your hand. Let go of what’s keeping you stuck. And walk away free. You’ve got the Pure Unadulterated Guts you need to do it. . Now it’s time to use it. Optional Listener Prompt: 🎯 DM me or tag me with your answer to this question: What’s your coconut? I’d love to hear what you’re working to release.

🎙️ Produce Where You’re Planted (Podcast Mini-Talk – 5 minutes) Let me ask you something: Have you ever killed a houseplant? If you’re like most people I speak to, you probably have. When I ask this in group settings, about 90% of the room raises their hand. So I always ask the follow-up: Why? And the answers come flying in: “Too much water.” “Not enough sunlight.” “I forgot about it.” “I wasn’t consistent.” Or my favorite… “I didn’t talk to it.” Houseplants are surprisingly high-maintenance. I’ve been a serial houseplant killer myself. But now let me flip it on you. Have you ever heard of the difference between sweet corn and field corn? If you’re not from the Midwest, maybe not. Here’s the deal: Sweet corn? That’s the stuff you eat off the cob at a BBQ. But get this—only 1% of corn grown in the U.S. is sweet corn. The other 99% is something called field corn—and it’s a workhorse. It feeds livestock. Fuels your car. Turns into syrups, oils, and starches. Field corn isn’t picky. It doesn’t need perfect weather. It grows in rough soil, tough conditions, and with very little praise. It just produces. Year after year. Thirteen billion bushels. $23.5 billion in economic impact. And it keeps going—even when it’s dry, dark, or difficult. So let me ask you a gut-check question: 👉 Are you a houseplant… or are you field corn? Houseplants need ideal conditions to thrive. They need compliments. Consistency. The right environment. But field corn? Field corn wakes up and produces no matter the weather. No excuses. No special treatment. Just grit. We all love encouragement. I do too. Mark Twain once said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” And it’s true—praise feels good. But if your purpose is rooted in vision, not validation, you’ll go farther. A clear, strong vision allows you to produce where you’re planted—even when things aren’t perfect. So here’s your challenge: 🎯 What’s one area of your life where you’ve been waiting for ideal conditions? Waiting for approval… recognition… a “perfect” time? Instead of waiting—produce anyway. Today. Where you are. With what you have. You don’t need a greenhouse. You need grit, vision, and the willingness to show up—every single day. 🗣️ I’d love to hear from you: What’s one way you can produce this week, right where you are? Drop me a DM or tag me with your “field corn moment.” Let’s build a movement of people who grow, regardless of circumstance. You don’t need perfect conditions to be great. You just need Pure. Unadulterated. Guts.

🎙️ Episode Title: “How to Train Without Moving a Muscle (The Power of Mental Reps)” OPENING HOOK (0:00–0:30) “Let me ask you something... Have you ever laid in bed the night before a big game and walked through the whole thing in your head? The warm-up, the noise, the play-call, the snap, the moment... What if I told you—that right there—is actual practice? Yep. Today, I’m gonna show you the science behind mental reps—and how you can literally improve performance… without ever moving a muscle.” “There’s a fatty layer in your brain called the myelin sheath. Think of it like insulation on an electrical wire. The more reps you take—mental or physical—the more this sheath wraps around your neural pathways, locking in those skills and making your brain faster, sharper, and more focused. Now here’s the game-changer: You don’t actually have to move your body to build it. When you visualize an action with detail—your brain lights up as if you were physically doing it. 🧠⚡️It’s not ‘muscle memory’—it’s neural insulation getting thicker, stronger, and more automatic. One study I love—144 basketball players were split into two groups. One group physically shot free throws. The other group mentally rehearsed free throws in detail—same length, same emotion, same focus. At the end of the week? They improved the same amount. Let that sink in. You can use mental reps to get better without burning out your body.” “Alright, let’s make this personal. Think of a moment in your sport—or life—where you wish you’d done something different. 🧠💭 Now close your eyes and mentally walk through that scene. Slow it down. Rewind it. Now play it again—but this time, do it right. Ask yourself: What do I see? What do I hear? What do I feel in my body? What’s the smell in the air, or the taste in my mouth? The more senses you use, the more real it becomes—and the more myelin you build on those brain circuits. This isn’t fantasy. It’s not ‘woo woo’. It’s how elite athletes get extra reps without extra wear and tear.” “Here’s how I start imagery sessions with the athletes I work with. Step 1: Breathe. Inhale for 4… exhale for 6. Calm the mind, calm the body. Step 2: Progressive relaxation. From your toes to your forehead—relax each muscle group and sink into your seat. Step 3: Walk through the moment. Your warm-up. Your cleats hitting the turf. The crowd. The wind. The snap. The shot. The celebration. Use all five senses. And here’s the magic—practice both what’s already happened and what’s coming. Fix the past. Rehearse the future. Do both.” “You don’t need a field. You don’t need a gym. You don’t even need your shoes on. All you need is five minutes… and some guts. Champions see it before they live it. And like Bill Walsh said: ‘Champions act like champions long before they are champions.’ So… what moment are you about to rehearse? DM me your answer or tag me in your mental rep routine. Let’s build this together. Until next time—train your brain, and trust the reps.”

Hey everybody, welcome back to the Mindset Matters podcast, I’m your host, Riley Jensen, and today we are talking about time travel, and how it should be considered an addiction of sorts. Let me ask you something: Right this moment, where are you? Where is your mind right now? Is it replaying a moment you wish you could redo? Or fast-forwarding to a future outcome you're anxious about? You’re not alone. Our minds are expert time travelers. It’s actually what sets us apart from the animals. In any given moment, we’re can either drifting into the past… or sprinting ahead to the future. Now, here’s the problem with that: When we live in the past, it often sounds like a your favorite country song, the words usually include: "Woulda. Coulda. and Shoulda.” I call that Uncle Rico Syndrome—you know, the guy from Napoleon Dynamite still stuck reliving high school football highlights and missed chances. On the flip side, when we jump too far into the future, we run into “What if?” anxiety: What if I’m not good enough? What if I blow my opportunity? What if I my boss doesn’t like my idea? Sound familiar? Let me give you a picture. It’s the 1980 Kentucky Derby. Two horses—Great Prospector and Golden Derby—are neck and neck. They’re flying down the final stretch. Suddenly, Great Prospector leans over... and bites the other horse. You can look this up online, it’s fascinating. Guess who won? Not the biter. Golden Derby did. Why? Because he stayed focused. And focus wins. So here’s the principle: We give power to what we focus on. If you're focused on distractions— like our past mistakes and our future fears—you give those things power over your present moment. Let me say this clearly: Your body lives in the present. So should your mind. You can’t make plays from the past. And you can’t win a game that hasn’t happened yet. Your power lies in the present moment. But—what if we could use the past and future intentionally? In the perfect scenario, your focus is like driving through the canyon. You glance at the rearview mirror to stay aware. You glance at the peaks ahead to know where you’re headed. But you drive looking through the windshield at the road! —in the present moment. So here’s a ratio that works: 5% past. To learn. 5% future. To plan. 90% right here, right now. That way, your lessons from the past and dreams of the future can shape your actions without running you off the road. Can I get personal for a second? When I was stuck in the past, buried in regret, or angry, my mom would look at me and say: “Time to pull out the windshield wipers!” And she’d literally make a swiping motion with her fingers and go, “Erase, erase... move forward.” I still picture it today when I catch myself slipping…. When I was overwhelmed with the future, worried about what might happen, my grandma would just say: “Let’s cross that bridge when you get to it.” That line used to frustrate me... until I realized she was right. Because most of the things we worry about? They never actually happen. If you're chasing success—on the field, in business, in life— stop time traveling. There’s no power in “what was” or “what if.” The magic happens in the right now. And if you forget that… just pull out the windshield wipers. Let me leave you with a few questions. My experience is that the great one’s ask great questions. What’s your version of a mental “windshield wiper?” Will you tag a teammate who helps you stay present? Will you drop a thumbs up emoji in the comments if this hit you at just the right time? Let’s get after today, one present moment at a time.

🎙️ Episode Title: Treat Triumph and Disaster the Same Let me take you back to a football film session in college. These were not always the easiest meetings, but they were definitely fundamental to our progress. We were reviewing a 3rd-and-5 play. I threw the ball. Receiver catches it. Converts the first down. He stands up and pounds his chest a few times toward the crowd. Click. Coach Uperesa freezes the film. He points. “What is that?” A few guys chuckle. Until we saw his eyes. “What… is… that?” Silence. Then he lit into us. “You’re gonna pound your chest for doing what you’re supposed to do? You’re gonna bring attention to yourself because you executed your job?” And then came the line that changed me: “This team has never been, isn’t now, and never will be about you.” That moment hit me like a freight train. Because the truth is, most of us—athletes, professionals, parents—we want credit. We want to show people what we’re doing. It’s part of the reason we love a crowd. The praise of men can be a drug if we aren’t careful. But Coach taught me something that day: 👉 The need to play for something bigger than yourself. He didn’t want me to be the best player on the team. He wanted me to be the best player for the team. There’s a massive difference. 💭 Pause and Reflect for a second. • When was the last time you pounded your chest—literally or metaphorically—for just doing your job? • Are you playing for the people around you—or just trying to stand above them? Now fast forward to one of my favorite poems of all time: “If” by Rudyard Kipling. One line always sticks with me: “If you can meet with triumph and disaster, and treat those two impostors just the same…” What does that mean exactly? I think it means you don’t get too high when things go right. And you don’t lose your mind when things go wrong. Both are temporary. Both are liars. Both will pass. If you score a touchdown in the first quarter, do you coast for the rest of the game? Of course not. So why would you coast after a big win in life? And why would you collapse after a loss? 🛠️ Try This: 1. Embrace the suck don’t stay in the suck. 2. Embrace your wins, don’t stay in that moment too long. 3. Celebrate or mourn your situation—but set a timer. 4. Give yourself 5 minutes, 5 hours, maybe 5 days to feel it fully. Then get back to the work. 5. Use both moments—triumph and disaster—as teachers. What can I learn from this? What’s the next right thing? 6. Ask: Who am I becoming in the peaks and the valleys? That answer reveals your character. I’ll end with this: Success and failure don’t define you. Your response to both does. So the next time you win big—or fail hard—remember what my college Coach Uperesa would say: “This isn’t about you. It never was.” Finally let’s do quick 🧠 Challenge: Before the day ends, take inventory to yourself: • Are you lingering too long in a win? • Are you still dragging around a loss? Set the timer. Acknowledge it. And then, let’s get back to work.

Let me hit you with a crazy stat: 📊 77% of your thoughts today? Negative. Self-defeating. Counterproductive. That’s 50,000+ thoughts working against you. But you’re not stuck. Here’s how to fix negative thinking 🧵 Stop Speaking in Absolutes “I always screw up.” “They never pass me the ball.” That’s not truth—it’s fear talking. Replace it with: “Sometimes I struggle—but I’m growing.” Audit Your Circle Who are you around? Do they bring hope—or drag you down? You don’t need a crowd. You need a crew. Mind Your Mouth Your words shape your mindset. “I can’t do this” → “This is hard, but I’m built for hard.” Feed Your Brain Right Books. Podcasts. People. Get intentional about your input. Control the Controllables You don’t need to carry everything. Focus on: ✅ Sleep ✅ Nutrition ✅ Attitude ✅ Preparation Let go of the noise. Look for the Good Train your eyes to find: Wins. Progress. People doing good. Momentum stacks. Mind the Gap Between stimulus and response is your power. Don’t react. Respond. 💭 Your thoughts are either training you… or draining you. You choose the path.

Ever felt resistance from the people closest to you as you start to grow? That’s not random—it's real. And it can wreck your mindset if you’re not ready. 🎧 Listen in: “Crabs in a Bucket” Mindset Matters Podcast #MindsetMatters #MentalToughness #GrowthMindset #HighPerformance 🧵 Quick Thread 👇 Succeed a little? People change. Push for more? They doubt you. Grow too fast? They pull you down. Why? Because your success challenges their comfort zone. Don’t let their fears become your limits. Stay locked in. Escape the bucket. Let’s go. 🔥

This meeting featured an interview with Dallin Holker, a current NFL player for the New Orleans Saints, discussing his football journey from high school through college to the professional level. The conversation covered various aspects of Holker's career, including his transfer from BYU to Colorado State, his experience during the NFL draft, and the importance of mental toughness in sports. Additionally, Holker shared insights into the life of a professional football player, offering advice for young athletes and reflecting on the lessons he learned throughout his career.