The Daily Stoic

Dr. Nate Zinsser on Restraining Ego and Building Confidence

Jan 29, 2022

Dr. Nate Zinsser, the Director of West Point's Performance Psychology Program, discusses his book on cultivating unshakable confidence. He emphasizes the distinction between true confidence and ego, particularly under pressure. Zinsser advocates for building confidence through tangible experiences and a mental bank of positive memories. He also explores the importance of resilience in sports and life, and the need for moral courage in leadership. Insightful anecdotes illustrate how mindset shapes performance and highlights a growth approach to success.

55:42

Episode guests

Nate Zinsser

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Humility vs. Confidence

02:05

Intro

3min

Building Confidence Through Evidence

8min

Navigating Confidence and Overcoming Barriers to Mental Health Support

4min

Redefining Confidence

10min

Navigating Hiring Challenges and Building Inner Confidence

5min

Cultivating Resilience Through Mindset

15min

The Courage of Convictions

13min

Building a Digital Community around Stoicism

3min

On today’s episode of the podcast Ryan talks to performance psychologist Dr. Nate Zinsser about his new book The Confident Mind: A Battle-Tested Guide to Unshakable Performance, the difference between confidence and evidence, how to think about the moments in your life selectively to cultivate confidence, looking for the positive aspects of your life while maintaining objective awareness, and more.

Dr. Nate Zinsser is the director of West Point’s Performance Psychology Program. He has been the lead performance psychologist at West Point since 1992. Dr. Zinsser is the author of Dear Dr Psych, the first sport psychology guidebook for youth sport participants, six textbook chapters on building confidence, and an advice column to Sports Illustrated for Kids which ran for 5 years. Originally from New Jersey, Dr. Zinsser lives in Fishkill, NY with his wife of 35 years.

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