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The Truth About Self-Talk in High-Pressure Situations

The Truth About Self-Talk in High-Pressure Situations

You may have seen Portuguese professional footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo whisper something to himself before taking…
3 Strategies to stop overthinking

3 Strategies to stop overthinking

Ever wonder how to ignore the bad and focus on what works? It's a common…
Find Your Ideal Zone of Optimal Functioning Today!

Find Your Ideal Zone of Optimal Functioning Today!

Explore methods to manage emotions and reach your peak. Sometimes, for some people, emotions like…
World Champion Sydney McLaughlin’s Tips for Ongoing Success

World Champion Sydney McLaughlin’s Tips for Ongoing Success

I'm learning from World Champion Sydney McLaughlin today. She sticks to her trusted strategies and…
Patrick Mahomes’ Mindset and Mental Toughness Post-Super Bowl 2025

Patrick Mahomes’ Mindset and Mental Toughness Post-Super Bowl 2025

A synopsis up of Patrick Mahomes post Super Bowl 2025 interview including five mental toughness…
Positive Thinking Overload? Try This Twist Instead

Positive Thinking Overload? Try This Twist Instead

We all hear 'think positively' but sometimes it's just too hard. Try this performance psychology…
Use Their Achievements to Reach Your Goals

Use Their Achievements to Reach Your Goals

Find motivation in the progress of others and conquer your challenges Even if you're physically…
Performance Psychology: It’s Not Just Mental Health!

Performance Psychology: It’s Not Just Mental Health!

Discover the real essence of performance psychology and mental health As a sport performance psychology…
Find out what I do instead of new year resolutions

Find out what I do instead of new year resolutions

Forget resolutions. Here's my secret to purpose. As a sport performance psychology expert, I'm often…
Stay Motivated and Avoid Burnout

Stay Motivated and Avoid Burnout

Stay Motivated and Avoid Burnout Discover ways to stay driven and achieve your goals without…
Push Harder or Ease Off? Finding Your Flow

Push Harder or Ease Off? Finding Your Flow

Push Harder or Ease Off? Finding Your Flow For today's Mental Toughness Moment we're diving…
Improve Performance with Key Patterns

Improve Performance with Key Patterns

Improve Performance with Key Patterns Our patterns count much more than the one-offs. This principle…
From Couch to Conqueror: Power Words Inside!

From Couch to Conqueror: Power Words Inside!

From Couch to Conqueror: Power Words Inside! Here's a little secret, not of my own…
Boost Productivity With This Tip

Boost Productivity With This Tip

Boost Productivity With This Tip Ever had one of those days where distractions pop up…
Real Examples of “NOW” Goals to Guarantee Results

Real Examples of “NOW” Goals to Guarantee Results

Real Examples of "NOW" Goals to Guarantee Results Hello! We've got an exciting new Mental…
Need to better focus? Follow these two steps

Need to better focus? Follow these two steps

Need to better focus? Follow these two steps Achieving the level of focus comparable to…
Unlock Your Full Potential: Master Decision Power for Success!

Unlock Your Full Potential: Master Decision Power for Success!

Ready, Set, Achieve - Decision Power Unleashed! Every choice you make can steer the course…
Master the Art of Productive Boredom: It’s Your Secret Weapon!

Master the Art of Productive Boredom: It’s Your Secret Weapon!

Master the Art of Productive Boredom: It's Your Secret Weapon! Think of boredom as a…
Overcoming Life’s Unfairness

Overcoming Life’s Unfairness

Overcoming Life's Unfairness Today, I was excited to read articles about the top tennis stars…
Exploring Perfectionism: Unveiling its Connection to Mental Toughness

Exploring Perfectionism: Unveiling its Connection to Mental Toughness

Exploring Perfectionism: Unveiling its Connection to Mental Toughness We must change our story around perfection…
Unlock Your Health Goals: Proven Strategy to Achieve Success Your Way!

Unlock Your Health Goals: Proven Strategy to Achieve Success Your Way!

Unlock Your Health Goals: Proven Strategy to Achieve Success Your Way! Welcome to today's Mental…
Unbelievable Olympic Moments | How Mental Toughness Turned ‘I Can’t’ into Gold

Unbelievable Olympic Moments | How Mental Toughness Turned ‘I Can’t’ into Gold

Unbelievable Olympic Moments | How Mental Toughness Turned 'I Can't' into Gold Today's Mental Toughness…
Empowerment from Sheryl Crow and Michael Jackson (and me)

Empowerment from Sheryl Crow and Michael Jackson (and me)

Accountability is fundamental, but the decision of who to trust on this path is crucial.…
Accountability is fundamental, but the decision of who to trust on this path is crucial

Accountability is fundamental, but the decision of who to trust on this path is crucial

Accountability is fundamental, but the decision of who to trust on this path is crucial.…
Boost Your Day with Positive Vibes: A Powerful Motivation Technique for Everyone!

Boost Your Day with Positive Vibes: A Powerful Motivation Technique for Everyone!

Boost Your Day with Positive Vibes: A Powerful Motivation Technique for Everyone! Feeling down or…
The Most Important Lesson from Roger Federer’s Commencement Address at Dartmouth

The Most Important Lesson from Roger Federer’s Commencement Address at Dartmouth

The Most Important Lesson from Roger Federer's Commencement Address at Dartmouth - Don't miss this!…
Overturn Your Setback and Take a Lead from Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois

Overturn Your Setback and Take a Lead from Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois

Overturn Your Setback and Take a Lead from Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois Thibaut Courtois suffered two…
Master the Yoga Chair Pose to Overcome Life’s Struggles / Empower Your Mind and Body

Master the Yoga Chair Pose to Overcome Life’s Struggles / Empower Your Mind and Body

Master the Yoga Chair Pose to Overcome Life's Struggles / Empower Your Mind and Body…
Reclaiming Resilience: Essential Mental Toughness Tool for Comebacks

Reclaiming Resilience: Essential Mental Toughness Tool for Comebacks

Reclaiming Resilience: Essential Mental Toughness Tool for Comebacks Afraid you won't be as good as…
Overcoming Irrational Unnecessary And Silly Fears With A Helpful Tip

Overcoming Irrational Unnecessary And Silly Fears With A Helpful Tip

Overcoming Irrational, Unnecessary And Silly Fears With A Helpful Tip Sometimes it's best to use…
Achieve Top Performance With This Aha!

Achieve Top Performance With This Aha!

Achieve Top Performance With This Aha! What is the point of having a top performance?…
Boost Your Motivation And Confidence In 60 Seconds Or Less

Boost Your Motivation And Confidence In 60 Seconds Or Less

Boost Your Motivation And Confidence In 60 Seconds Or Less Follow this exercise to boost…
Unlocking The Power Of Negative Emotions: Novak Djokovic’s Surprising Belief!

Unlocking The Power Of Negative Emotions: Novak Djokovic’s Surprising Belief!

Unlocking The Power Of Negative Emotions: Novak Djokovic's Surprising Belief! Novak Djokovic has a surprising…
Don’t Believe Your Own Thoughts – Here’s Why!

Don’t Believe Your Own Thoughts – Here’s Why!

Don't Believe Your Own Thoughts - Here's Why! Don't listen to yourself in these types…
Unveiling The Navy Seals’ Secrets: The Power of Intense Training

Unveiling The Navy Seals’ Secrets: The Power of Intense Training

Unveiling The Navy Seals' Secrets: The Power of Intense Training For today's Mental Toughness Moment,…
Unleashing the Incredible Impact of Motivational Quotes

Unleashing the Incredible Impact of Motivational Quotes

Unleashing the Incredible Impact of Motivational Quotes When you're feeling down, defeated, tired, or just…
Loss Does Not Have To Be A Catastrophe

Loss Does Not Have To Be A Catastrophe

Loss Does Not Have To Be A Catastrophe Don't let the loss and failure get…
Mikaela Shiffrin Is One Of Time Magazine’s Most Influential People Of 2023!

Mikaela Shiffrin Is One Of Time Magazine’s Most Influential People Of 2023!

Mikaela Shiffrin, one of Time magazine's most influential people of 2023, has a quote to…
Returning from hip surgery and playing with a new team, Detroit Red Wings Patrick Kane knows how to stay confident. Watch this video for two confidence-building exercises that will help us all keep moving forward and striving for great things!
The Confident Patrick Kane: What We Can Learn From Him

The Confident Patrick Kane: What We Can Learn From Him

The Confident Patrick Kane Returning from hip surgery and playing with a new team, Detroit…
How To Be A Better You: Tips For Self-discipline

How To Be A Better You: Tips For Self-discipline

We all want self-discipline. Watch this video for specific tips on how to be a…
Mastering ‘What If’ Thoughts: Taking Control of Your Mind’s Narrative

Mastering ‘What If’ Thoughts: Taking Control of Your Mind’s Narrative

If you have ever thought "what if things go wrong", this video is for you.…
Empower Yourself: Overcoming Intimidation and Achieving Victory

Empower Yourself: Overcoming Intimidation and Achieving Victory

If you have ever been intimidated or envious of someone, watch this video. Use this…
Self-Compassion: Overcoming Self-Criticism and Embracing Self-Acceptance

Self-Compassion: Overcoming Self-Criticism and Embracing Self-Acceptance

Judging yourself is bad. Stop judging with self-criticism and learn these tips to evaluate yourself…
Visualization To Combat Anxiety And Stop Negative Thoughts

Visualization To Combat Anxiety And Stop Negative Thoughts

Visualization To Combat Anxiety And Stop Negative Thoughts
Evaluate Or Judge: Which Is Better For Performance?

Evaluate Or Judge: Which Is Better For Performance?

The difference between evaluating and judging performance. Stop judging your performance and start evaluating it!
What My 100 Year Old Grandmother Taught Me About Life And Commitment To Our Choices

What My 100 Year Old Grandmother Taught Me About Life And Commitment To Our Choices

What My 100 Year Old Grandmother Taught Me About Life And Commitment To Our Choices
How To Make Confident Decisions And Stop Doubting Yourself

How To Make Confident Decisions And Stop Doubting Yourself

If you have trouble making decisions because you're doubting yourself, follow this tip. You'll make…
The Secret To Breaking Bad Habits And Getting Results

The Secret To Breaking Bad Habits And Getting Results

Breaking a bad habit is tough. The secret tip in this video might be exactly…
Mindset Shift: When Things Are Tough, Try This (It’s Not Thinking Positive)

Mindset Shift: When Things Are Tough, Try This (It’s Not Thinking Positive)

Sometimes positive thinking doesn't work. In fact, I don't even try to think positive during…
You’re Thinking Of Mental Toughness All Wrong!

You’re Thinking Of Mental Toughness All Wrong!

Think you know what it means to be Mentally Tough? Watch this to make sure.
Get A Competitive Advantage Just Like David Goggins, Brock Bowers, And Legendary Coach John Wooden

Get A Competitive Advantage Just Like David Goggins, Brock Bowers, And Legendary Coach John Wooden

David Goggins, Georgia Bulldogs Brock Bowers, and Coach John Wooden believe in this method to…
Get Excited For Tomorrow With This Inspirational Quote!

Get Excited For Tomorrow With This Inspirational Quote!

This inspirational quote helps me get excited about tomorrow. Whether I'm having a good day…
It takes guts to be confident

It takes guts to be confident

Do you have the guts to be confident? In this blog, I discuss one of…
Choose your best person to hold yourself accountable

Choose your best person to hold yourself accountable

Accountability is key to staying true to your goals. But are you choosing the best…
Self Care FIRST!!! Stop Putting Yourself Off

Self Care FIRST!!! Stop Putting Yourself Off

If you've ever been in a bad mood, need time for yourself, but feel guilty,…
Find your pain cave and thrive just like ultra runner, Courtney Dauwalter

Find your pain cave and thrive just like ultra runner, Courtney Dauwalter

I love symbolic imagery as a mental toughness too. Watch and learn what top athlete,…
Cracking the mindset code with Rory Mcllroy

Cracking the mindset code with Rory Mcllroy

In this Mental Toughness Moment, Rory Mcllroy is our example, but you are the person…
Spring HUGE results

Spring HUGE results

The smallest simplest things are the everythings! You'll understand when you watch today's Mental Toughness…
Mental training for your fears

Mental training for your fears

We all have fears. I experienced a big fear of mine recently. This is what…
Mental toughness from NBA 69ers PJ Tucker

Mental toughness from NBA 69ers PJ Tucker

NBA start, PJ Tucker, is being praised for his mental toughness as well as his…
Stress awareness is stress appreciation

Stress awareness is stress appreciation

Stop wishing you had no stress in your life. Do this instead https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZqFyx5IrxE
Best quote and advice from Mikaela Shiffrin

Best quote and advice from Mikaela Shiffrin

I have never believed you can practice as you compete and compete as you practice.…
A new perspective on coping with the pressure to perform

A new perspective on coping with the pressure to perform

Anxious because of all the pressure you are under? ​Trust me, you don't want the…
Having a bad day? Use this tip to gain perspective

Having a bad day? Use this tip to gain perspective

When we change our physical state we can often change our mental and emotional state.…
How to suffer a loss without losing heart

How to suffer a loss without losing heart

You must know how to lose so you can increase your chance to win! Losing…
Set an outcome goal that will actually work

Set an outcome goal that will actually work

This one tip will make or break your ability to achieve your goal. Goal setting…
These are the most important goals you can set for optimal success!

These are the most important goals you can set for optimal success!

We are creatures of habit. This Mental Toughness Moment helps us all develop positive habits…
Unusual goal setting tip: don’t miss other opportunities

Unusual goal setting tip: don’t miss other opportunities

As you pursue your goals, be sure to stay open to opportunity There is a…
Set goals to conquer performance barriers

Set goals to conquer performance barriers

To achieve success, you need to ask yourself two questions: (1) what do you want…
The best tip for exercising consistently

The best tip for exercising consistently

The research says to exercise 3-5 days each week. I have different advice for you…
Be different to gain a competitive advantage

Be different to gain a competitive advantage

When everyone is doing one thing, you can do something different for the win! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dVE_NWWNuw…
What we can learn from Karen Khachanov and Nick Kyrgios’ emotional resilience

What we can learn from Karen Khachanov and Nick Kyrgios’ emotional resilience

We can all learn from these two professional athletes. Watch and listen closely https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2UuwYIvCHw  
The best mindset for overcoming challenges

The best mindset for overcoming challenges

Watch this video and start seeking the thrill of the challenges you are facing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCGqONc6cQM…
Gain confidence and remove some fear with these three strategies

Gain confidence and remove some fear with these three strategies

Experiment with one or more of these three confidence building strategies and I promise you…
Don’t do it alone!

Don’t do it alone!

Who are the people that can truly help you achieve your goals? We cannot do…
How to motivate when days are darker, colder, and shorter

How to motivate when days are darker, colder, and shorter

The month of November is the beginning of darker, shorter, colder days. When it's easy…
What Tiger Woods and Andre Agassi used to help them be great (and we all have access to it)

What Tiger Woods and Andre Agassi used to help them be great (and we all have access to it)

I was watching the new Tiger Woods documentary and, although Tiger has always been a…
The sweet spot of high performance and peak experience

The sweet spot of high performance and peak experience

A talented college runner asked contacted me wondering if they have a safe mindset. They…
How to make the most of a rival and win

How to make the most of a rival and win

Rivalries can help us to stay motivated, confident, and focused. Use them wisely to realize…
How to reframe the win and stay motivated

How to reframe the win and stay motivated

  How an athlete changed her story about success to stay motivated and excited for…
No matter how chaotic or challenging life gets, take a moment to look around

No matter how chaotic or challenging life gets, take a moment to look around

Today I share a story of how I needed to take moment for appreciation in…
The truth about mental health and how to be your best

The truth about mental health and how to be your best

Mental health is gaining a lot of recognition. Please allow me to share my thoughts…
Is perfectionism a sign of mental toughness?

Is perfectionism a sign of mental toughness?

Why do we feel a need to perfect all the time? Here are three conversation…
This lie will not help you cope with anxiety

This lie will not help you cope with anxiety

Trying to just enjoy the ride and have fun during competition might seem like a…
How to feel the fear and do it anyway

How to feel the fear and do it anyway

One of the things I love about sport psychology, mental toughness training, and performance psychology…
Are you recovering the right way?

Are you recovering the right way?

For professional athletes, recovery is a key component of their performance routine. If you want…
Someone will win, it might as well be you!

Someone will win, it might as well be you!

No matter how intense things get, we can still use mental grit to persevere Watching…
Is Simone Biles brave and mentally tough to have pulled out of the Tokyo 2021 Olympics?

Is Simone Biles brave and mentally tough to have pulled out of the Tokyo 2021 Olympics?

In my consulting practice, one of the most common reasons athletes come to me is…
Bring back play and then achieve your goals

Bring back play and then achieve your goals

I’m always talking about peak performance, how to reach your full potential, and how to…
Mental toughness for returning to sport

Mental toughness for returning to sport

Change of seasons so change of activities. This is my first real bike ride of…
Deep breathing on purpose

Deep breathing on purpose

Because of what I do, I often get to go and watch athletes perform. I…
The only two ways to prevent and treat burnout

The only two ways to prevent and treat burnout

Today I want to talk about burnout and specifically how to treat and prevent burnout.…
How Tiger Woods and Andre Agassi climbed their way back to the top

How Tiger Woods and Andre Agassi climbed their way back to the top

I was watching the new Tiger Woods documentary and, although Tiger has always been a…
What emotions have to do with the 2021 Euro Championship, Wimbledon, Stanley Cup, and Olympics

What emotions have to do with the 2021 Euro Championship, Wimbledon, Stanley Cup, and Olympics

Sometimes we are so afraid of feeling pain and sadness, we take away the opportunity…
Emotional Resilience: A New Approach

Emotional Resilience: A New Approach

At the time of this blog post, some amazing things have happened in sports. Novak…
The most important tool to have in your mental toolbox

The most important tool to have in your mental toolbox

This mental toughness tool will not only help you feel good, it will help everyone…
How Rafael Nadal shows mental toughness for the French Open & 20th Grand Slam title

How Rafael Nadal shows mental toughness for the French Open & 20th Grand Slam title

Dr. Haley Perlus discusses the post-match interview of Raphael Nadal and how he approaches things…
Do you compare yourself today with your old best self?

Do you compare yourself today with your old best self?

Do you get frustrated when you're not as good as you once were? Sometimes our…
Struggle to overcome negative thinking? This will help!

Struggle to overcome negative thinking? This will help!

Visualization is one of the most used mental toughness tools among professional athletes. There are…
Formula for positive thinking

Formula for positive thinking

Legendary head baseball coach, George Horton, used this success formula with his team. All we…
Jordan Spieth wins Texas Open with these two mental toughness tools

Jordan Spieth wins Texas Open with these two mental toughness tools

Jordan Spieth won the Texas Open Golf Tournament this past weekend. It was his first…
Tip for getting in the zone

Tip for getting in the zone

The Oregon State Beavers basketball team created their own Cinderella story and became the Pac-12…
How to stay mentally tough even with failure

How to stay mentally tough even with failure

This tool worked for an athlete I coached last week and it just worked for…
How Australian cricketer Steven Waugh won the inner battle between positive and negative self-talk

How Australian cricketer Steven Waugh won the inner battle between positive and negative self-talk

Here's a quote from a professional athlete you may have never heard of, but who…
Need more time to get things done? Here’s how

Need more time to get things done? Here’s how

Better than time management skills, here's how to free up more time in your day.…
Harry Potter’s JK Rowling on failure and mindset

Harry Potter’s JK Rowling on failure and mindset

Can The Need To Be Perfect Increase Your Fear of Failure? Better than demanding perfection,…
An easy 1-minute activity for visualization, concentration, mindset and burnout

An easy 1-minute activity for visualization, concentration, mindset and burnout

The next time you go for a walk, do this activity for burnout, mindset, visualization,…
The Mental Toughness Behind Drew Brees’ Decision to Stay in the NFL or Retire

The Mental Toughness Behind Drew Brees’ Decision to Stay in the NFL or Retire

To Stay or Leave - that is the Question for Us All Drew Brees might…
How Free Solo Alex Honnold controls his fear and stays confident and focused

How Free Solo Alex Honnold controls his fear and stays confident and focused

Fear is all around us. And instead of moving forward, sometimes our minds tell us…
Conquering Nevis Bungy: Preparation, Motivation, Confidence & the Jump

Conquering Nevis Bungy: Preparation, Motivation, Confidence & the Jump

Now, the the video: Exactly one year ago, I chose to face my fear and…
Michael Jordan and LA Dodgers Enrique Hernandez live by this mantra (the best I’ve ever heard!).

Michael Jordan and LA Dodgers Enrique Hernandez live by this mantra (the best I’ve ever heard!).

Enrique Hernandez used this to help the LA Dodgers get to the World Series. It's…
Mental grit from a NBA star

Mental grit from a NBA star

In this video I share two ways Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler demonstrates mental grit and…
What Bryson DeChambeau and Frank Sinatra have in common

What Bryson DeChambeau and Frank Sinatra have in common

Last week, Bryson DeChambeau won the U.S. open. As I was researching his success, I…
Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr.’s back-to-back home runs: Celebrating and learning from them

Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr.’s back-to-back home runs: Celebrating and learning from them

Today is the anniversary of Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr.'s back-to-back home runs.…
The best way to push through a fitness challenge

The best way to push through a fitness challenge

This mental toughness tip is for the most difficult fitness challenges. If you have ever…

"Perform with Heart, Win with Mind"

Haley Perlus is a Doctor of Performance Psychology, speaker, author and coach. She specializes in applying sport specific techniques to help athletes, business leaders, and high achievers optimize their mental game. To discuss consulting sessions, speaking appearances or media projects (including virtual sessions!), don’t hesitate to get in touch with Haley.

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