91 Why Your Mindset Matters More Than Your Jersey | Shaun Lane

What happens when an elite athlete steps off the field to explore life beyond the game?

Andrew May sits down with NRL Parramatta Eels star Shaun Lane to unpack the lessons behind his new documentary Out of My Lane. Shaun has spent nearly a decade navigating the brutal highs and lows of professional rugby league, all while carrying personal challenges, including his father’s battle with depression. But his journey doesn’t stop at footy. 

Armed with a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology, Shaun is passionate about reshaping the way athletes — and all of us — approach mindset, mental skills, and psychological wellbeing. From his pre-game routines and overcoming doubts, to the massive gap in mental skills in the NRL, to finding his true purpose outside the game, this conversation is raw, reflective, and refreshingly honest.

In this episode, Andrew and Shaun dive into:
- The 3 stages of an athlete's career and how to break the cycle of self-sabotage
- Why footy players live in a "bubble" and how to burst it
- The mental tools Shaun uses to perform under pressure
- Shaun’s vision for his life beyond the NRL — and why it has nothing to do with money or fame

In this episode Andrew and Shaun discuss:

3:00 Shaun started working with Andrew when he first came to the Parramatta Eels.

6:00 Being nervous in new environments.

10:00 Shaun’s pre-performance routines and how he overcame doubts to become the player he is today.

17:30 How to break the cycle of self-destruction, and performing week in and week out.

21:00 The clear 3 distinct stages of an athletes career, and putting mental skills into practice.

23:00 Using all of your senses (multisensory approach) when preparing for a game and visualisation to overcome mistakes during a game.

29:30 Staying curious and the benefits of having hobbies and other interests outside of your main job.

35:30 Shaun’s belief that there is a massive gap in the NRL when it comes to mental skills, and what he wants to do in the future. 

41:15 Realising footy players live in a bubble.

43:30 Why Shaun was able to make his documentary.

45:15 Shaun realising what his purpose is, and finding it easier talking about his father's depression.

55:45 Why Shaun’s parents are so important to him.

58:00 What stood out to Shaun during his interview with Matty Ryan.

1:02:00 What stood out to Shaun during his interview with Jeremy Snape.

1:04:15 What stood out to Shaun during his interview with Aaron Walsh.

1:07:30 Owen Eastwood challenging Shaun’s concept of culture and belonging.

1:13:30 Shaun’s Vision Board and the importance it has to him.

1:16:50 The leaps and bounds he has made in the last 3 years.

1:20:50 Not being motivated by money or fame, and choosing a career in dancing 

1:24:35 Shaun’s newly minted speaking career.

You can find the resources mentioned in the podcast here: https://www.andrewmay.com/all-episodes/

You can find Shaun at his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slane_94/?hl=en

Or send him an email at: Slane_1994@hotmail.com

Watch the Out Of My Lane Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5MIhqGRbYo&t=1447s

Use Code "PIPODCAST10" to get 10% off your Lumo Coffee order:https://lumocoffee.com/

Interested in sharing your story? Email Producer Shannon at support@performanceintelligence.com today with your story and contact details.

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