High Performance Mindset | Learn from World-Class Leaders, Consultants, Athletes & Coaches about Mindset

Dr. Kay Porter owns Porter Performance Systems, a sports and organizational counseling firm in Eugene, Oregon. She teaches mental training techniques to athletes, teams, businesses, and school districts. She has also worked as a sport psychology consultant to the University of Oregon Athletic Department, USA Track and Field, and the U.S. Tennis Association. She is the author of The Mental Athlete: Inner Training for Peak Performance and Visual Athletics (my favorite imagery book!). In this interview, she talks extensively about her philosophy of using energy psychology within the framework of mental training. She also shares her refocusing technique which includes 3 parts: 1) blinking, 2) 3 deep breaths, and 3) looking left to right. You can follow Kay on Twitter @KayPorter or find her at thementalathlete.com.

Gritty people know what they want. In the face of adversity and setbacks, they go after their goals with deep commitment. They have passion, perseverance and purpose that drives them toward long-term goals. Are you gritty? In this episode, Cindra talks about 3 Signs to know if you are gritty! This week's affirmation: "I am gritty. I have a deep commitment to my long-term goals. I put in the hours necessary for success."

Dr. Vernice Richards is the Director of Mental Conditioning and Peak Performance at the Evert Tennis Academy. She is originally from Trinidad and Tobago. She is a certified by the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP-CC #505), received her Masters in Counseling specializing in Sports Psychology from Boston University and her PhD in Sport Psychology from Florida State University. In this interview, she discusses her pyramid of success, how she teaches breathing and mindfulness, and how we can "compete" to be the best we can be. Full shownotes are available at cindrakamphoff.com/vernice.

Last weekend I went to an event called "Unleash the Power Within" with Tony Robbins. This episode is about 3 things I learned. High performers don't believe their 2 million year brain. They choose to condition themselves to be happy and grateful. What is wrong is always there, and so it what is right. They focus on love, gratitude and appreciation when they are fearful. And they hang around with outstanding people to raise their game. Today's affirmation: "I raise my game. I step up. I master myself to create the future that I want."

Dr. Larry Lauer is the Director of Player Development for the US Tennis Association. In this role, he is also a mental skills specialist working with the most elite tennis players in the U.S. to help accelerate them from juniors to pros. He works with athletic coaches to help them support and develop their athletes. In this interview, he talks about how three things separate the best in the world: 1) an unbelievable work ethic focused on always getting better, 2) a commitment to the process that doesn't bear fruit for some time, and 3) passion for what they do. We talk about how the best are almost solely focused on the process (about 95% of the time), but they check in with their outcome goals periodically throughout the season – perhaps every quarter, he suggests. Or, they use their outcome goals to stay motivated and pushing themselves during training. Other topics discussed: His "Breath and Believe" Strategy 3 Steps to Command the Moment 3 Things the Best Coaches Do Get a description and summary at cindrakamphoff.com/Larry. You find Larry on twitter at @LarryLauer or email him at Lauer@usta.com.

High performers break free of mental barriers. They dream big. They play big. They continuously push themselves and their limits. They realize fear will always be there if they are growing and learning. They choose to stay present moment focused and make a decision to be confident. This week's affirmation: "I dream big. I play big. I continuously push myself past my limits to find a new level."

High performers don't play small. They play big. They continuously push themselves and their limits. They go after their big dreams. And each day, the work to reach their best and their greatest potential. They ask themselves, "what would the best in the world do right now?" This week's affirmation: I play big. I move forward towards my dreams and goals with passion. I do what the world's best do!

Gloria Balague is a sport psychologist who currently works with the elite athletes and teams including the Chicago Bears, USA Gymnastics and USA Track and Field. She taught at the University of Illinois, Chicago starting in 1988 and retired just a few short years ago. Gloria has attended several Olympic and World Championships helping athletes with the mental game. She says that the world's best have two distinguishing characteristics: 1) they have a clear picture of where they are right now and 2) have an unshakeable belief in themselves and belief they can get there. She describes the unique environment of the NFL and how this creates difficulties in helping athletes with the mental game. The NFL is the only environment where new athletes can be signed throughout the season. She also talks about her experiences as a female working in the NFL. You can find a full description and summary at Cindrakamphoff.com/gloria.

"All stress begins with one negative thought." Rhonda Byme High performers take control of their thinking. They notice their ANTS and talk back to their ANTS (automatic negative thoughts) in a powerful and productive way. They drive their CAR by catching it, addressing it, and releasing it. This Week's Affirmation: "Successful people don't believe everything they think – so I don't have to either."

"Negative Thoughts stick around because we believe them, not because we want them or choose them." Andrew Bernstein High performers recognize that their thoughts are the most important factor in reaching their greater potential. But they don't believe everything they think! They decide to reduce their ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) and take command over their thinking. This Week's Affirmation: I don't believe everything I think. I talk to myself in a powerful and productive way.