As a mom, we all want to see our children thrive and flourish in their chosen passion, whether that's sports, music, or any other performance-related field. Of course, it's important to invest in their technical skills, but what about their mental skills? As someone who's invested in my own kids mental performance skills with WishWell’s Coach Celeste Alvarado, I've seen firsthand the remarkable difference that mental performance coaching can make in enhancing a child’s skills and unlocking their full potential. In this post, I'll be sharing why mental performance coaching is a game-changer for any aspiring athlete or performer and how it can give them the edge they need to excel.

Focus and Concentration:

Just as a racecar driver wouldn't dare attempt to race without a solid engine, athletes and performers need to have a sharp mental focus to succeed in their craft. Mental performance coaching teaches kids to hone their focus and concentration and eliminate external distractions that can disrupt their performance. This is particularly true for young athletes and performers who may struggle with maintaining their attention span during high-pressure situations. By improving their focus, they'll be able to stay in the moment and perform at their optimal level.  Having our kids learn focus and concentration is a valuable life skill that can them in so many other areas in their life as well.

Mental Toughness:

Resilience is the key to success, but resilience isn't just a trait that some people are born with. It's a skill that can be learned and developed with practice. Mental performance coaching helps individuals build their mental toughness, which is especially crucial for athletes and performers who face repeated setbacks, failures, and injuries in their line of work. It teaches them coping mechanisms and techniques to deal with adversity and bounce back stronger than ever. 

Pre-Performance Routines:

We've all heard the phrase, "you play like you practice." Mental performance coaching helps kids establish consistent pre-performance routines that set them up for success. This includes techniques such as visualization, breathing exercises, and positive self-talk that help prepare them mentally for any challenge they might face. A strong pre-performance routine can make all the difference between a good performance and a great one. It’s certain that investing in mental performance for our kids also helps foster a deep sense of self-assurance because they have developed a sense of self-awareness which will serve them well when they are under pressure.

Goal Setting and Motivation:

It's important for athletes and performers to have a clear sense of direction and purpose in their work. Mental performance coaching works to help them set attainable goals and develop the motivation to achieve them. This means identifying one's strengths and weaknesses, setting concrete targets, and developing an action plan to get there. A motivated athlete or performer is a force to be reckoned with!

Confidence:

Last but not least, perhaps the most significant benefit of mental performance coaching is the development of self-confidence. Confidence is what separates the good from the great performers. Mental performance coaching works to build an individual's self-belief by teaching them techniques to stay calm under pressure, eliminate negative self-talk, and focus on their strengths. When an athlete or performer has confidence in themselves, they can truly unlock their full potential and take their performance to the next level.  In a society that is constantly shaming our kids for not being the societal image of perfection, mental performance coaching provides an opportunity for kids to build up their confidence and increase their self-esteem. The result is a more confident, capable individual who can take on any challenge with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.  Ultimately, mental performance coaching helps individuals realize that they are capable of anything they set their minds to – no matter how big the challenge may seem!l

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As parents, we need to invest in our children's mental well-being as much as their physical well-being. Mental performance coaching is an invaluable tool for any aspiring athlete or performer looking to take their skills to new heights. WishWell believes that by building their focus, resilience, pre-performance routines, motivation, and confidence, athletes and performers can unlock the power within and become the best versions of themselves. With the right mindset and tools, anything is possible.

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