Does this sound like you?

You’re grinding at practice, showing up for every workout, and giving it your all. You’re serious about your sport, but now you’re starting to realize something: everyone else is, too. The higher you go, the more you see that every athlete is putting in the work. So, how do you stand out? How do you separate yourself from the pack when the competition is just as dedicated?

If you’ve been asking yourself this, I’ve got you! As a coach and mental performance specialist, I’ve seen firsthand what sets the best athletes apart. Spoiler: It’s not just talent. It’s about doing the things others aren’t willing to do. Today, I’m sharing simple but powerful tips to give you that extra edge.

Going Beyond the Basics

Let’s get one thing straight: showing up to practice isn’t enough. Everyone is doing that. Working hard at practice? Also not enough because everyone is doing that too. If you really want to separate yourself, you’ve got to put in extra, intentional work. But don’t freak out! I’m not saying you need to spend five extra hours a day grinding until you burn out.

Here’s what I mean:

✅ Put in a Little Extra Effort. Show up 15 minutes early or stay 15 minutes late to refine a skill you’re struggling with. Maybe it’s juggling a soccer ball, perfecting your serve in volleyball, or shooting a few extra free throws. Small, consistent efforts like this make a huge difference over time.

✅ Focus on Weak Spots. What’s one thing that could improve your game? Footwork? Accuracy? Strength? Use this extra time to zero in on areas where you can improve, instead of just going through the motions.

Watch Film Like A Pro

Ever heard of athletes studying game film? It’s not just for the pros. Watching yourself (or others) play is a secret weapon. Here’s how to use it:

✅ Watch Yourself Play. Pay attention to what you’re doing right and where you can improve. Are your movements clean? Is your form solid? This is where you spot habits you might not even realize you have.

✅ Learn from the Best.  Watch athletes at the top of their game. What do they do well? How do they handle tough situations? Copy what works and adapt it to your style.

Pro tip: Don’t fall into the “I look so bad” trap when watching yourself. Mistakes are just feedback. Instead of cringing, focus on what you can do better next time.

Practice Smarter, Not Just Harder

Showing up to practice is great. But are you really making the most of that time? Here’s how to turn every session into an opportunity to grow:

✅ Have a Game Plan. Don’t just show up and wing it. Set a goal for what you want to improve during practice. Maybe it’s getting your serves more consistent or communicating better with teammates.

✅ Give Full Effort. It’s easy to give 100% when things are going smoothly. But what about when you’re having an off day? Pushing through tough practices with focus and effort is where real growth happens.

✅ Be a Leader. Even if you’re not the loudest person on the team, you can lead by example. Cheer on your teammates. Be positive. Show that you’re there to support the team, not just yourself.

Mental Training: The Secret Sauce

If you take one thing away from this, let it be this: Mental training is the ultimate game-changer. At higher levels of competition, everyone is physically skilled. What separates the good athletes from the great ones is their mindset.

Here’s how to level up your mental game:

✅ Handle Pressure Like a Boss. Big games, match point, the final seconds – these moments are make-or-break. Do you rise to the occasion or freeze up? Practice staying calm under pressure with pre-game routines or simple breathwork.

✅ Bounce Back Fast. Mistakes happen. The quicker you can shake it off and get back in the game, the better. Have a reset routine, something as simple as taking a deep breath and repeating a positive phrase like, “Next play,” can help.

✅ Self-Talk Matters. What you say to yourself during tough moments can make or break your performance. Are you tearing yourself down, or are you hyping yourself up? Choose words that build confidence, not fear.

Visualization: Think It, Do It

If you’ve never tried visualization, now’s the time. Top athletes swear by it for a reason: it works.

✅ Picture Success. Close your eyes and imagine yourself playing at your best. Visualize the details: how it feels, what it looks like, even the sounds around you. Your brain doesn’t know the difference between real and imagined practice, so this technique prepares you to crush it in real life.

✅ Do It Often. Make visualization a habit before games or practices. It’s a simple way to build confidence and get your mind in the zone.

Real-Life Proof: Mental Training Wins Championships

Let me share a story from my own experience. I coach a high school volleyball team that’s won four state championships in a row. This past season, we weren’t expected to win. We were up against a powerhouse team – players taller, older, and more experienced than us. On paper, they were better.

In the championship match, we found ourselves down two sets to one, with the other team serving for the win. The crowd was on their feet, the pressure was insane, and it looked like our streak was about to end.

But here’s the thing: My team didn’t crumble. They relied on their mental training: deep breaths, reset routines, and a calm, focused mindset. We won that point, and then another, eventually taking the match to five sets. We won the championship, not because we were physically better, but because we handled the pressure better.

The other team? They fell apart under the same pressure. This story is proof that mental training isn’t optional if you want to be great – it’s essential.

How to Start Separating Yourself Today

Ready to level up? Start with these small but powerful steps:

✅ Put in Extra Work. Dedicate 15 minutes outside of practice to improving your skills.

✅ Study Film. Learn from your own games and from the pros.

✅ Be Intentional. Go into every practice with a specific goal.

✅ Work on Your Mindset. Build mental skills like visualization, self-talk, and reset routines.

You’ve Got This

Separating yourself as an athlete isn’t about working harder, it’s about working smarter. You don’t have to be the tallest, fastest, or strongest. You just need to be intentional, consistent, and mentally tough.

You’re capable of so much more than you realize. Start small, stick with it, and watch the results come. Now, go out there and show everyone what you’re made of!

Stay focused, stay confident, and keep crushing it.

Episode Highlights: 

[00:00:00] Welcome to the Episode. I kick things off by addressing the big question: how do you stand out as an athlete? If you’re here, it’s because you’re looking for that extra edge – and this episode is all about helping you find it.

[00:00:31] The Higher You Go, the Harder It Gets. As you level up in your sport, you’ll notice something: everyone is good. So, how do you set yourself apart when physical training alone isn’t enough?

[00:01:12] Pressure Moments Define You. It’s not just about your skills; it’s about how you perform under pressure, bounce back from mistakes, and show up mentally. These are the real game-changers.

[00:01:29] Take the Quiz: Are You Doing These Things? I challenge athletes to reflect on their habits. Are you doing what it takes to separate yourself, or are there areas you can improve?

[00:01:51] Shoutout to Skyler’s Success. Skyler, one of our Elite Mental Game athletes, shares her journey. After just a short time in the program, she’s already seeing results, including her best swim meet of the year.

[00:02:46] More Than Just Showing Up. Newsflash: showing up to practice isn’t enough. I explain how going a little above and beyond – arriving early, staying late, or dedicating just 15–20 minutes to your weak spots – can make a huge difference.

[00:04:22] The Power of Watching Film. If you’re not already studying film, start now. Watching yourself and others play is one of the easiest ways to learn and improve.

[00:05:18] Make Your Practice Count. Not all practice is created equal. I talk about the importance of intentional practice: going in with goals, giving 100% effort, and focusing even when things get tough.

[00:06:00] Be a Loud and Encouraging Leader. Stand out by being a supportive and vocal teammate. Whether or not you’re the team captain, you can lead by example and uplift those around you.

[00:07:00] The Mental Game: Where Champions Are Made. When it’s all on the line, mental training makes the difference. From handling nerves to bouncing back from mistakes, I explain why mindset is key to separating yourself as an athlete.

[00:08:00] Visualization. Train Your Mind. I introduce visualization as a tool to build confidence and mentally prepare for success. It’s a skill that’s accessible to athletes at any level.

[00:08:11] My Volleyball Team’s Championship Story. I share how my high school volleyball team used mental training to win a state championship, even as underdogs. This story shows how the mental side of the game can overcome physical advantages.

[00:13:06] Your Takeaway. Mental Skills Matter. It’s not just about physical reps. Developing skills like visualization, reset routines, and positive self-talk can give you the competitive edge you’re looking for.

[00:14:03] Final Encouragement and Resources. I wrap up by reminding you that the tools I talked about today – like the ones we teach in the Elite Mental Game program – are here to help you succeed. Let’s keep working on your mental game together!

Next Steps:

• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms – How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter’s Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
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