In this captivating podcast episode, I sit down with Megan Ray, a remarkable third-year Division One gymnast at UC Davis. Megan's story offers a refreshing perspective on the lives of elite athletes. She candidly shares her experiences with insecurity, reminding us that even the best athletes face moments of self-doubt. Megan's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief, as she reflects on her path to learning to trust herself. One of the key takeaways from our...

On today's PerformHappy Podcast, we've got a truly special interview that you won't want to miss. We're diving into the world of mental blocks with one of my past clients and her mom, as they share their inspirational journey of overcoming the struggles that many athletes face. If you're currently battling fear, hesitancy, or any mental roadblocks in your athletic pursuits, this episode is an absolute must-listen. Join us as we explore Kinley and Allyson’s story, from hitting rock bottom to...

Today on the PerformHappy podcast, I want to delve into the most significant obstacle that keeps mental blocks persistently resurfacing. This is the very reason that led me to quit gymnastics at the tender age of 14. I hope that by discussing it today, we can shed light on what's truly keeping your young athlete stuck, and more importantly, how to break free from this relentless cycle. So, what is the #1 reason that mental blocks keep coming back? For me, this reason manifested as a mental...

Warning: Today's episode discusses sensitive topics, including trauma and abuse in gymnastics. Listener discretion is advised. Today on the PerformHappy Podcast we have an incredible interview with Braie (Speed) Swann. Swann is not only a former elite gymnast but also a former D1 collegiate gymnast at the University of Arkansas, who has embarked on a transformative journey to become a head coach. Her refreshing directness and willingness to address sensitive issues, such as abuse in...

In the third part of Parenting Through Mental Blocks, Coach Rebecca provides parents with necessary insights into the beliefs and mindsets surrounding mental blocks.  As parents, we have the ability to help our young athletes in their journey toward improved mental health. However, to effectively help them, we must first understand them. This episode serves as a guide to help parents navigate this critical aspect.  In this episode, Coach Rebecca talks about:  Misconceptions...

Today Coach Rebecca continues the discussion from the last episode, addressing parents who are navigating the challenges of supporting their children through mental blocks. As parents, we have tremendous influence over our kids. Everything we say and do leaves an impact. Even our well-intentioned efforts can put on more pressure and discourage them.  “The way that you show up as a sport parent is demonstrating certain beliefs.” – Rebecca Smith  Drawing on her experience as a former...

In this episode, Coach Rebecca provides invaluable guidance for parents who are supporting athletes struggling with mental blocks. A mental block is a challenge where the athlete's mind and body fail to work together; the body is fully capable, but the mind stops the body.   “Mental block isn’t rational, but it is very real and very frustrating.”-Rebecca Smith  Using the remarkable journey and career of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles as an example, Coach Rebecca emphasizes several...

Today Coach Rebecca delves into a topic that every athlete and coach encounter at some point: the dreaded mental block. We’ve all witnessed it – those moments when we look at our athletes and see how tough and capable they are, and we can see from the outside that what they’re going through is a perspective issue. But helping them get through it can be frustrating.  “You start with what you can do, and any progress forward is progress.” -Rebecca Smith  When we look into how...

Balking, also known as a mental block or a dip in confidence, occurs when an athlete struggles with a skill they’re fully capable of performing. Today Coach Rebecca responds to a coach's question about how to handle a student grappling with balking.   She shares her current philosophy and two-balk rule, which includes a private discussion follows the first balk, and then the athlete is done for the day after the second balk. She also discusses the reasons why athletes balk.  When...

As parents, we all want the best for our young athletes, especially when they're going through tough times. But what should you do if your child resists the help and guidance we offer? In this episode, Coach Rebecca addresses this common concern and provides valuable insights for parents seeking ways to understand and support their athletes effectively.  During their pre-teen and teenage years, it’s entirely normal for children to seek some distance from their parents. This developmental...

Today Coach Rebecca is talking with Gemma Coles. She’s the creator of the Shuffle Up Gymnastics game. Together they talk about her game, why she developed it and why fun is the secret to success.  Gemma shares her gymnastics coaching background. She’s always loved gymnastics and it’s been a fun part of her life. She had such good memories of her childhood gymnastics experiences she knew she wanted to be involved as a coach.  Coach Rebecca and Gemma also discuss coaching styes and why...

Do you want to develop unwavering mental strength and bounce back from setbacks in your gymnastics journey? Are you seeking a solution to build resilience and overcome challenges with confidence?   Look no further! Today, Coach Rebecca is delighted to introduce Sydney Ewing, an expert in building resilience in gymnasts. She'll share valuable insights and tips to help you develop the mental toughness needed to achieve remarkable results. Get ready to unlock your inner strength and soar to...

Today, Coach Rebecca is doing a great training to help you stop stressing over things you can’t control. This episode is great for parents and athletes. Things happen that we can’t control, but here’s a go-to strategy you can use anytime.   Stress shows up when we spend energy trying to control things that we can’t control.  You may fall into the “control freak” mode. Trying to force and manage things so everything is “perfect”. Another mode is the “worrier”, and sometimes we’re both!...

If you're feeling frustrated and helpless as your young athlete struggles with self-doubt, anxiety, or lack of confidence, then you’re not alone!   The good news: building inner confidence is a learned skill that can be cultivated with targeted strategies and support. That’s what Coach Rebecca is covering in today’s episode.   The Inner Confidence Formula  Parental involvement is essential in shaping a young athlete's sense of self-worth. Coach Rebecca discusses building inner...

What’s better than one gymnast in the family? Two of course!   In this episode Coach Rebecca is talking to the mother and daughter duo who are both competing in level 10 gymnastics. For everyone who’s been told they’re too old, Liz is going to prove otherwise!  Liz shares her gymnastics journey that started when she was a kid. At 12 she began really pursuing higher level gymnastics and hasn’t stopped since, except to have her 2 kids.   She’s proof that starting at 12 can work, and...

This episode is for anyone who’s had trouble with a coach, or found themselves worried about going to practice, obsessing over being perfect and more. Brook shares her story and how she became the coach she always wanted for herself.   Topics discussed:   Understanding how to manage fear  Expectations of compliance, how it can hurt and how to deal with it  When shaming and rigid rules don’t work and a better approach  Creating a space of respect so kids feel okay talking...

Today Coach Rebecca explains why the confidence ladder approach doesn’t work and can even backfire. She’s breaking it down AND explaining what will work instead.   Parents, there’s a better way to overcome mental blocks that works, will help your kid, and make things less stressful for both of you.   If you aren’t sure what a confidence ladder is, Coach Rebecca breaks that down for you. It’s meant to create a confidence snowball and it sounds like it will work in theory, until it...

You’ll do anything for your kid. You want them to be happy, healthy, successful, and supported, but your athlete is still struggling.   Today we’ll talk about if you’ve accidentally became one of those moms. The ones that are unknowingly and accidentally adding pressure, and I’ll explain how to modify your support to help your athlete overcome their struggles!   The goal here is to make sure you’re a part of the solution. We’ve learned in the last year how much parents can impact a...

Today Coach Rebecca goes over the 5 keys to overcoming fear.  If your athlete struggles with fear or mental blocks, these are the 5 things they need to have a big breakthrough. Without them, it will be very hard to overcome an obstacle.    You need:    Optimism. This applies to the athlete AND the parents. Recognizing that a small setback is just that and tomorrow everything can be better is going to help you much more than a gloomy outlook.   Desire. Wanting...

Do you wish your athlete had less anxiety and more focus? What if Coach Rebecca told you that there were short exercises YOU as a parent could do to help your athlete with focus and anxiety? Today Coach Rebecca gives quick and simple exercises that will make all the difference!

Does your athlete's coach or gym not believe in spotting an athlete? Today Coach Rebecca gives you the 411 on how to handle a coach or gym that refuse to spot your athlete when you feel they might need it.

Just days before a big meet and your athlete has seeming lost their skills? Don't fret, in this episode Coach Rebecca discusses all things regarding lost skills right before a big meet.

Coaches, this one is for you! Coach Rebecca is always giving advice to parents with kids struggling with mental blocks. Today Coach Rebecca is giving Coaches the "What Not To Do" guide for coaching an athlete with a mental block!

Supporting our athletes when they win is easy, but knowing the right thing to say when they fail can be a touchy subject. Today, Coach Rebecca gives you the right information to be able to talk to your athlete in a supportive way when they fail.

What if Coach Rebecca told you there was one thing you could do to help your athlete reach their potential? Well with this tip Coach Rebecca will give you what you need to know to help your athlete reach their full potential.