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Arizona
Mental Performance
Training



The Power of the Exhale: Teaching Young Athletes to Breathe for Performance
Teaching young athletes to "stay calm" isn't enough. The real skill lies in controlled breathing—especially the exhale—which activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reduces stress, and sharpens focus. Learn how deliberate breathing helps athletes regulate emotions, recover from mistakes, and perform at their best.
Neil Wattier
Apr 204 min read
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“Just Stay Calm”: Why That Advice Isn’t Enough for Young Athletes
“Stay calm” sounds simple, but it’s not a strategy. Young athletes need more than advice—they need skills. This article breaks down why emotional regulation is so challenging and offers practical tools for parents and coaches to help athletes manage frustration, reset after mistakes, and build true mental resilience.
Neil Wattier
Apr 204 min read
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Put Your Flag in the Ground and Let People Know Who You Are
Put Your Flag in the Ground and Let People Know Who You Are
Neil Wattier
Apr 104 min read
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Ditch the Doom Talk: Why Positive Pre-Game Messaging Helps Athletes Thrive
Positive pre-game talk boosts performance. Fear-based messages spike stress. Choose words that build confidence, not anxiety.
Neil Wattier
Apr 64 min read
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I’m Glad My 11-Year-Old Was Ejected: A Lesson in Emotional Regulation, Character Development, and Personal Growth in Youth Sports
Stop chasing gear to boost performance. True growth comes from mindset, skill development, and consistent effort—not flashy equipment.
Neil Wattier
Mar 274 min read
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The Illusion of Improvement: When Gear Becomes a Distraction
Stop chasing gear to boost performance. True growth comes from mindset, skill development, and consistent effort—not flashy equipment.
Neil Wattier
Mar 274 min read
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Pursue Your Pain Before Pain Pursues You: Resilience Through Proactive Discomfort
Pain is inevitable—prepare for it. Teach young athletes to face discomfort now, so they’re ready to thrive when adversity shows up later.
Neil Wattier
Mar 233 min read
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The Impact of Sleep on Athletic Recovery and Performance
Sleep is the ultimate performance enhancer. Prioritize rest for faster recovery, sharper focus, and peak athletic performance.
Neil Wattier
Mar 164 min read
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The Power of Process-Oriented Coaching: Shifting Focus from Outcomes to Effort
Success isn’t about the scoreboard—it’s about effort, consistency, and growth. Focus on the process, and the results will follow. #Mindset
Neil Wattier
Mar 94 min read
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Fostering Team Resilience: Insights for Parents and Coaches
Strong teams don’t avoid adversity—they overcome it together. Build resilience with leadership, trust, and a shared vision.
Neil Wattier
Mar 23 min read
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The Attention Advantage: Strengthen Focus and Ignore the Noise
Elite athletes train their minds like their bodies—focus is a skill. Learn how to block out distractions and stay locked in under pressure.
Neil Wattier
Feb 235 min read
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The Role of Serotonin in Anxiety and Optimal Sport Performance: Insights for Athletes, Parents, and Coaches
Champions don’t fear pressure—they train for it. Master your mind, control anxiety, and turn stress into your greatest advantage.
Neil Wattier
Feb 155 min read
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Overcoming Mental Blocks: Strategies for Athletes
Mental blocks aren't permanent. Shift focus, reframe thoughts, and trust your training. Break through barriers and perform with confidence!
Neil Wattier
Feb 154 min read
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Breaking Through Fear: How Your Brain Learns to Perform Under Pressure
Fear is natural, but confidence is a skill. Train your brain to stay calm under pressure and perform at your best when it matters most.
Neil Wattier
Feb 95 min read
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Sleep, Emotions, and Performance: The Science Behind Better Learning in Sports
Better sleep and positive emotions boost memory and performance. Train smarter by understanding how your brain learns best!
Neil Wattier
Feb 94 min read
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The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Athletic Performance
Emotional intelligence fuels resilience, focus, and teamwork. Master your emotions, and you master the game. #MentalPerformance
Neil Wattier
Feb 32 min read
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Embracing Failure: How Setbacks Can Propel You Forward
Failure isn’t the end; it’s a stepping stone to greatness. Embrace setbacks, learn, and rise stronger than ever.
Neil Wattier
Jan 204 min read
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You Are Guaranteed Nothing: Put Away Your Entitlement and Work for It
Success is earned, not owed. Put away entitlement, embrace hard work, and take ownership of your journey. #NoShortcuts #HardWork
Neil Wattier
Jan 123 min read
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The Blurry Line of Expertise: Recognizing and Overcoming Knowledge Complacency
Complacency is a common challenge experts in any field may face, and it can have detrimental effects on performance. It occurs when...
Neil Wattier
Dec 20, 20234 min read
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Unlocking the Power of Small Actions: Shaping the Future from the Present
Time travel has captivated the imagination for centuries, fueling dreams of rewriting history or revisiting moments that shaped our...
Neil Wattier
Nov 12, 20234 min read
23 views
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