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  • 5 Common Words Coaches Use That Hurt Athlete Confidence (and What to Say Instead)
    Feb 16 2026

    NEXT STEPS:

    I’d love to hear what mindset shifts, tips, or encouragement stood out most for you—leave a comment and let me know.

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    • Free Quiz for Parents

    • Mental Block Journal for Athletes

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    If your athlete is struggling with a mental block, fear, or competition anxiety and you want real answers and a clear plan 👉 Book a No-Cost Intro Session with Our Team

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    Summary:

    In this episode of the Mind Over Mental Block podcast, Mandy Patterson discusses the importance of language in coaching and how simple word swaps can empower athletes to build confidence and resilience. She emphasizes the impact of words on athletes' mental states and provide practical alternatives to common phrases that may reinforce negative beliefs. The episode serves as a guide for coaches to enhance their communication and foster a more supportive environment for their athletes.

    Takeaways:

    • The importance of language in building athlete confidence is highlighted.
    • Coaches can directly impact athletes' beliefs and self-worth through their words.
    • Simple word swaps can transform negative language into empowering phrases.
    • Instead of asking 'why', coaches should ask 'what' to encourage athletes.
    • Focusing on the process rather than the outcome helps reduce anxiety.
    • Avoid using 'don't' and instead guide athletes on what to do.
    • The word 'should' is a judgment word that can harm athlete confidence.
    • Encouraging athletes to focus on what works fosters a positive mindset.
    • Mandy provides actionable tips for coaches to implement immediately.


    Chapters:

    00:00Introduction to Mental Performance Coaching

    01:35Empowering Coaches with Word Swaps

    03:39The Power of Language in Coaching

    08:56Practical Word Swaps for Coaches

    Keywords:

    mental performance, coaching, athletes, confidence, resilience, word swaps, mental blocks, cheerleading, gymnastics, sports psychology




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    13 Min.
  • 10 Competition-Week Practice Tips for Coaches to Build Confident Athletes
    Feb 9 2026

    Next Steps:

    If you want help overcoming mental blocks, pushing past fear and anxiety, and building real confidence, make sure to:

    • Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.

    • – get an email when new episodes drop plus extra tips & tools.

    If your athlete is struggling with a mental block, fear, or competition anxiety and you want real answers and a plan:

    👉Book a no-cost session with us today!

    SummaryCompetition season brings pressure, emotions, and expectations—for athletes and coaches. In this episode of the Mind Over Mental Block Podcast, Mandy Patterson speaks directly to cheer and gymnastics coaches about how to prepare athletes for competition in a way that builds confidence, trust, and resilience instead of fear and overwhelm.

    These 10 coaching strategies focus on mindset, communication, and environment—what truly helps athletes perform their best when it matters most. This episode is perfect when you’re in the gym every day preparing for a big competition coming. You will learn practical, grounded guidance to help you lead with clarity, confidence, and impact that benefits your athletes far beyond the mat.

    Takeaways

    • Mental blocks are common in athletes and can be overcome.
    • Coaches play a crucial role in athlete development beyond just skills.
    • Limiting last-minute changes helps athletes build trust and confidence.
    • The language and emotions of coaches significantly impact athletes' performance.
    • Mimicking competition conditions in practice prepares athletes mentally.
    • Setting goals with athletes fosters ownership and reduces pressure.
    • Focusing on controllables helps athletes feel empowered and confident.
    • Practices can be approached functionally to encourage learning and growth.
    • Resetting rather than fixing during warm-ups reduces stress and anxiety.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Mental Performance Coaching

    00:57 The Role of Coaches in Athlete Development

    01:49 Preparing Athletes for Competition

    02:55 Building Trust and Confidence in Athletes

    05:42 The Importance of Language and Emotions

    07:58 Mimicking Competition Conditions

    09:30 Setting Goals and Defining Success

    13:33 Focusing on Controllables

    15:38 Approaching Practice Functionally

    19:27 Resetting Instead of Fixing

    22:24 The Importance of Enjoyment in Coaching

    Keywords

    mental performance, coaching, athlete development, competition preparation, trust, confidence, language, emotions, goal setting, practice, reset, enjoyment

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    26 Min.
  • Dreading Practice Because of a Mental Block? [Drive-Time Pep Talk for Athletes and Parents]​
    Jan 26 2026

    Next Steps:

    If you want help overcoming mental blocks, pushing past fear and anxiety, and building real confidence, make sure to:

    • Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.

    • – get an email when new episodes drop plus extra tips & tools.

    If your athlete is struggling with a mental block, fear, or competition anxiety and you want real answers and a plan:

    👉Book a no-cost session with us today!


    Summary

    In this episode of the Mind Over Mental Block podcast, Mandy Patterson discusses the challenges athletes face with mental blocks and fear, particularly in cheerleading and gymnastics. She emphasizes that these feelings are not a sign of laziness but rather a natural response of the brain trying to protect itself from failure and embarrassment. Mandy provides actionable strategies to help athletes overcome these mental barriers, including visualization techniques, setting achievable goals, and focusing on progress to build confidence. The episode aims to empower athletes, parents, and coaches to navigate the complexities of mental performance and foster a supportive environment for growth.


    Takeaways

    • You are not lazy; your brain is trying to protect you.
    • Mental blocks are a natural response to fear and pressure.
    • Avoiding a skill is not the solution; facing it is essential.
    • Progress builds confidence, which is crucial for performance.
    • Visualization can help athletes prepare mentally for challenges.
    • Setting small, achievable goals can enhance motivation.
    • Music can create a positive atmosphere for practice.
    • Understanding the struggle is the first step to overcoming it.
    • Resilience is built through facing difficult skills and challenges.
    • You are capable of hard things and can overcome mental blocks.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Mental Blocks

    01:49 Understanding Fear and Mental Blocks

    09:23 Strategies to Overcome Mental Blocks

    20:04 Building Confidence and Progress


    Keywords

    mental blocks, cheerleading, gymnastics, fear, confidence, performance, coaching, athletes, motivation, resilience

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    22 Min.
  • You had a bad practice, now what? Hit play.
    Jan 12 2026

    Next Steps:

    If you want help overcoming mental blocks, pushing past fear and anxiety, and building real confidence, make sure to:

    • Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.

    • – get an email when new episodes drop plus extra tips & tools.

    If your athlete is struggling with a mental block, fear, or competition anxiety and you want real answers and a plan:

    👉Book a no-cost Intro Session with us today!


    Summary

    In this episode of the Mind Over Mental Block podcast Mental Performance Coach, Mandy Patterson discusses the challenges athletes face during bad practices. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and processing negative emotions, understanding the sources of frustration, and shifting perspectives to focus on growth and progress. Mandy encourages athletes to acknowledge their achievements, let go of perfectionism, and embrace the journey of improvement. The episode serves as a pep talk for cheerleaders and gymnasts, providing tools to navigate tough days and build confidence.


    Takeaways

    • The podcast aims to support cheerleaders, gymnasts, parents, and coaches.
    • Bad practices can stem from various sources, including pressure and external emotions.
    • It's crucial to identify what made a practice feel bad to address it effectively.
    • Every athlete experiences bad days, even the best in the sport.
    • Recognizing progress is key to building confidence.
    • Athletes can choose to focus on the positive aspects of their practice, not just the negatives.
    • Letting go of perfectionism can lead to a more enjoyable experience in sports.
    • Growth is the ultimate goal, not perfection.
    • Mandy encourages listeners to celebrate their achievements and move forward.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Mental Performance Coaching

    01:09 Understanding Bad Practices

    03:29 Identifying Sources of Frustration

    07:38 Shifting Perspectives on Bad Days

    09:46 Recognizing Achievements

    15:25 Letting Go and Moving Forward


    Keywords:mental performance, coaching, cheerleading, gymnastics, overcoming mental blocks, athlete mindset, practice pep talk, confidence building, emotional resilience, sports psychology

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    16 Min.
  • Practice Pep Talk: A Practice Mindset for Athletes to Avoid Bad Practices Before they start​​
    Jan 5 2026

    Next Steps:

    If you want help overcoming mental blocks, pushing past fear and anxiety, and building real confidence, make sure to:

    • Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.

    • – get an email when new episodes drop plus extra tips & tools.

    If your athlete is struggling with a mental block, fear, or competition anxiety and you want real answers and a plan:

    👉Book a no-cost intro coaching session today!





























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    16 Min.
  • Performance Pep Talk: How to Turn Competition Nerves Into Excitement & Confidence
    Dec 29 2025

    Next Steps:

    If you want help overcoming mental blocks, pushing past fear and anxiety, and building real confidence, make sure to:


    Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.

    – get an email when new episodes drop plus extra tips & tools.


    If your athlete is struggling with a mental block, fear, or competition anxiety and you want real answers and a plan:

    ⁠👉Book a no-cost intro coaching session today!⁠


    Summary:

    In this episode of the Mind Over Mental Block podcast, host Mandy Patterson discusses the common experience of nerves among athletes before competitions. She emphasizes the importance of reframing nervousness into excitement and provides actionable tips for athletes and parents to navigate these feelings. The conversation aims to empower listeners to anticipate positive outcomes and support each other through the challenges of competitive sports, especially cheerleading and gymnastics.Takeaways

    • Mandy Patterson shares her personal experience with mental blocks.
    • The podcast is designed for athletes, parents, and coaches.
    • Nervousness is a common feeling before competitions.
    • Reframing nervousness as excitement can change your mindset.
    • Visualizing positive outcomes can enhance performance.
    • Parents can support their athletes by understanding their feelings.
    • Mandy encourages listeners to embrace imperfection.
    • The importance of communication between athletes and parents is highlighted.
    • Anticipating good things can boost confidence.
    • Mandy believes in the strength and capability of every athlete.

    Chapters

    00:00

    Introduction to Mind Over Mental Block

    02:50

    Understanding Competition Nerves

    06:23

    Reframing Nervousness to Excitement

    10:37

    Anticipating Positive Outcomes

    Keywords:

    Keywords

    mental blocks, competition nerves, excitement, athletes, coaching, support, mindset, encouragement, cheerleading, gymnastics


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    12 Min.
  • Why Athletes Avoid Working On Blocked Skills
    Dec 19 2025

    Next Steps:

    If you want help overcoming mental blocks, pushing past fear and anxiety, and building real confidence, make sure to:

    • Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.

    • Join Mandy’s MVP List – get an email when new episodes drop plus extra tips & tools.

    If your athlete is struggling with a mental block, fear, or competition anxiety and you want real answers and a plan:

    👉 Book a no-cost 30-minute Intro Coaching Session

    Summary

    In this episode of the Mind Over Mental Block podcast, Mandy Patterson discusses the challenges athletes face with mental blocks and the tension that arises between parents and athletes.

    She emphasizes the importance of understanding the root causes of mental blocks, including negative self-talk and perfectionism, and offers strategies for overcoming them.

    Mandy encourages athletes to shift their mindset and highlights the need for support from parents and coaches to navigate these challenges effectively.


    Takeaways

    • Understanding the source of tension can help alleviate frustration.
    • Negative self-talk can hinder an athlete's performance.
    • Perfectionism can create unrealistic expectations for athletes.
    • Competition pressure can lead to avoidance of challenging skills.
    • Finding joy in practice is essential for athletes.
    • Support from parents and coaches is crucial during tough times.
    • Creating a plan can help athletes overcome mental blocks.
    • It's important to address mental blocks head-on for progress.

    Chapters

    00:00 Understanding Tension in Sports

    04:23 The Athlete-Parent Dynamic

    07:50 Mental Blocks and Their Impact

    11:29 Navigating Competition Pressure

    14:13 Building Supportive Relationships

    15:51 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode

    16:14 Resources and Support for Listeners

    mental blocks, sports psychology, athlete mindset, performance coaching, overcoming fear, self-talk, competition pressure, parent support, gymnastics, cheerleading

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    17 Min.
  • The Mindset Shift That Makes Overcoming Mental Blocks Easier
    Dec 9 2025

    Next Steps:

    If you want help overcoming mental blocks, pushing past fear and anxiety, and building real confidence, make sure to:

    • Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.

    • Join Mandy’s MVP List – get an email when new episodes drop plus extra tips & tools. ⁠⁠Click here to become an MVP!⁠⁠

    If your athlete is struggling with a mental block, fear, or competition anxiety and you want real answers and a plan:

    👉 Book a no-cost 30-minute Intro Coaching Session⁠⁠ [Click here to schedule]⁠⁠

    Mental blocks don’t mean you’re broken, behind, or doomed to stay stuck. They’re a sign your brain is working — and with the right tools, you can come out stronger, more confident, and more resilient on the other side.

    Overview:In this episode of the Mind Over Mental Block podcast, Mandy Patterson dives into the concept of mental blocks, particularly in the context of athletes in cheerleading and gymnastics. She explains how the term 'mental block' can create a heavy burden for athletes, making them feel stuck and resistant to progress. Mandy emphasizes the importance of shifting the mindset from viewing mental blocks as personal failures to seeing them as challenges to overcome. By reframing the narrative, athletes can regain their confidence and joy in their sport, ultimately leading to better performance and personal growth.


    Takeaways:

    • Mental blocks are often described as a heavy burden for athletes.
    • The term 'mental block' can create resistance and tension in performance.
    • Changing the phrasing from 'my mental block' to 'a challenge I'm working through' can shift perspective.
    • Mental blocks are built up over time from pressure and fear.
    • Athletes should not take ownership of their mental blocks as personal failures.
    • Mental blocks can be seen as opportunities for growth and improvement.
    • A growth mindset can help athletes navigate challenges more effectively.
    • Recognizing mental blocks as challenges can reduce anxiety and pressure.
    • Support from coaches and parents is crucial in overcoming mental blocks.
    • Mental performance coaching can provide valuable tools for athletes.


    Chapters:

    Introduction to Mental Blocks

    Understanding Mental Blocks

    Shifting Perspectives on Mental Blocks

    Overcoming Mental Blocks and Finding Joy


    mental blocks, athletes, cheerleading, gymnastics, performance coaching, mindset, overcoming challenges, mental performance, sports psychology, confidence



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    15 Min.