Mental performance refers to the use of psychological, self-regulatory, or life skills by athletes or performers to optimize their performance, involvement, enjoyment, or personal development in their performance domain. We can train our craft, our body, our mind. To sustain elite performance, athletes cannot leave the mental side up to chance just by grinding/forcing through the physical. 

Our mind is a muscle, we have to train/practice and flex it just like any other muscle. The objective of mental training is to assist sports participants or other high performers (military, first responders, artists, doctors, business leaders, etc.) in the development of mental skills to achieve performance, success, and personal well-being. The practice may seem simple at times, but mental skills training is a significant part of our entire operating system. Do simple better. Be uncomfortable. Have fun.

There are many related concepts and words that begin with the letter “M”. So, yes, it can be confusing!

Mindset is an active practice and includes the attitudes, beliefs, and assumptions one has.

Mindfulness is a nonjudgemental focus of one’s attention on the present moment. It is commonly associated with “flow” or “flow state”.

Meditation is a form of relaxation and thought control. When practicing meditation, you focus your attention on a single thought, sound, or object. Meditation is a practice that can improve mindfulness.

Clinical mental health works with clients on psychological needs, pre-existing conditions, diagnosis, and treatment (medical). Mental performance coaches work with healthy athletes of any age (or other high performers such as coaches, executives, first responders, military, doctors, etc.) to provide mental skills training to increase performance via a positive psychological model.

Storytelling is at the heart of how we understand ourselves and shape our internal and external identities. In narrative psychology, the stories we tell ourselves can influence how we see our capabilities, face challenges, and pursue growth. When athletes are inspired, whether by role models, personal breakthroughs, or team culture, it can shift their perception of what’s possible.

Storytelling in sport psychology connects directly to mental performance skills like positive self-talk, visualization, self-efficacy, goal-setting, and coping with adversity. Coaches and leaders can use narrative-based approaches to help athletes build confidence, resilience, and purpose before high-stakes moments.

I would argue that we are all athletes, from weekend warriors to elite professionals. However, mental performance coaching can also benefit high performers such as performers can include athletes, business leaders, first responders, military, artists, etc.

Through the lens of performance psych and storytelling, Root.Rise.Shine. offers perspectives on creating strong foundations, navigating challenges, celebrating growth, and embracing authentic potential — empowering athletes to thrive in sport and in life.

Root - We start by focusing on rooting in your training and well-being habits, systems, and processes.

Rise - From there, we lean into that foundation we built and fine-tuned to rise in our performances and work.

Shine - Lastly, we shine as our best and most authentic selves, achieving greatness and creating an impact that ripples beyond ourselves.

For any questions or inquiries, please reach out.