About the Episode
In the first of a special two-part series on the power of mindset and working on our mental skills, Jeremy chats with performance mindset coach Lindsey Wilson. They spend most of the conversation talking about mindset, working on our thoughts, and how to shift and manage them with the help of things like visualization, meditation, and journaling. Lindsey also shares her opinions on mental toughness and dealing with fear of failure. In part two (Episode 15), Jeremy and his second guest will focus on self-confidence, the power of self-talk, and the important role that habits play in our personal and professional growth.
Key Takeaways
- Mindset Drives Success: Our subconscious beliefs play a pivotal role in shaping reality; working on mindset is as critical as physical preparation.
- Simple Tools Create Big Change: Techniques like journaling, guided breathing, visualization, and positive affirmations can make significant shifts in mental performance.
- Failure Fuels Growth: Mental toughness comes from reframing failure as a necessary and normal step on the path to success.
- Self-Awareness is a Superpower: Recognizing and managing your thoughts objectively is essential for personal and professional growth.
- Curiosity Over Criticism: Approach mistakes with curiosity and critique, not criticism, to enable constructive self-reflection.
Episode Summary
Why Mindset Matters
Lindsey Wilson kicks off the episode by highlighting the invisible force behind success: mindset. She explains that while everyone consciously wants success, deep-seated subconscious beliefs often limit progress. Developing mental performance skills helps align intentions with actions, enabling people to unlock their full potential.
Early Lessons in Mental Performance
Lindsey recalls pivotal moments that shaped her understanding of mindset, from learning visualization techniques at 12 years old to working with a hypnotist as a professional athlete. These experiences taught her that mindset isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a game-changer for personal and professional success.
Actionable Techniques for Building Mental Strength
For those overwhelmed by where to start, Lindsey suggests:
- Visualization and Guided Breathing: Great entry points for calming the mind and tapping into the subconscious.
- Journaling: A tool for separating thoughts from identity, fostering self-awareness and clarity.
- Reframing Thoughts: Transform negative beliefs like "I don’t have enough time" into empowering statements, such as "I have just enough time for what’s important."
These practices are the building blocks of mental toughness, allowing individuals to move from reactive thinking to intentional action.
The Importance of Failure in Growth
Lindsey emphasizes that failure is an inevitable part of progress. The key is shifting how you perceive it. Instead of fearing failure, normalize it as a necessary component of growth. For instance, in sports, the physiological experience of nervousness is indistinguishable from excitement. Reframing nerves as readiness can improve performance and reduce stress.
Mental Toughness is a Practice
Mental toughness, Lindsey explains, is rooted in self-awareness, resilience, and the ability to manage one’s thoughts in challenging situations. Whether it’s bouncing back from a mistake or staying focused during high-pressure moments, mental toughness is about cultivating habits and mindsets that enable consistent growth.
Practical Tips for Improving Mindset
- Start Small: Use simple tools like journaling or breathing exercises to build a foundation.
- Shift Your Narrative: Reframe negative thoughts into constructive ones that serve your goals.
- Embrace Curiosity: Analyze mistakes with curiosity rather than criticism to uncover valuable lessons.
- Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge small wins to build confidence and momentum.
- Normalize Failure: View setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than reasons to stop trying.
This episode is brought to you by Gecko - a student engagement platform offering multiple modules to help institutions better engage with students and lighten the load for their staff.
About the Enrollify Podcast Network
Mission Admission is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Mickey Baines, Zach Busekrus, Jaime Hunt, Corynn Myers, Jaime Gleason and many more.
Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!
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