This month’s grit and growth theme is:  Mantras

In high-pressure moments, athletes don’t necessarily rise to the level of their motivation—they tend to fall to the level of their focus. That’s where mantras come in.

A mantra is a short, intentional phrase an athlete uses to anchor attention. It’s not about hype or positive thinking. It’s about giving the brain something simple and familiar to return to when stress, doubt, or distraction shows up. 

Under pressure, the nervous system speeds up. Thoughts get louder. Decision-making narrows. A well-chosen mantra acts like a reset button—it interrupts unhelpful thinking and grounds the athlete back to the present moment.

The most effective mantras are short, personal, and action-oriented. They don’t describe outcomes (“win,” “be perfect”). Instead, they point attention toward what the athlete can control—effort, rhythm, focus, and attitude.

Just like physical skills, mantras need to be practiced. Athletes who rehearse them in training are far more likely to access them when it matters most. Over time, the phrase becomes automatic—a cue that signals the body and mind to settle, focus, and perform. 

We suggest that athletes find a way to remember their mantra during competition by writing it on their glove, stick, or arm, or by letting their teammates know what they need/want to hear when they start to spiral.  We also encourage teams to find their own mantra or slogan for the season to keep the team unified around what matters most.  

Here are some tips for how to do this:

• Brainstorm together and get clarity on what your team needs most this season

• Ex: Better response to mistakes, Trust, Consistent effort

• Keep it short- it should be easy to say in a huddle and easy to remember, especially when you’re competing or when tired 

• Focus on action and not outcomes

• Ex- “Next play mentality” vs. “Win every game.”

• Test it in practice- a good mantra will feel grounding and not forced or critical

• Use it consistently & come back to it often

Mantras aren’t magic. However, in moments when the game speeds up and pressure creeps in, they can be the difference between spiraling inward and staying grounded.

This month’s report comes to you hot off the Australian Open Tennis Tournament. Tennis is notorious for the level of mental fitness needed to be really excellent at this sport.  Here are two moments that made headlines:

1. Carlos Alcaraz made headlines around the world for his historic victory at the 2026 Australian Open, securing his first title in Melbourne and completing the career Grand Slam at just 22.  What we want to highlight is a moment that occurred in an earlier match against Australian Alex de Minaur. When a time-violation call went against de Minaur — a decision that could have offered Alcaraz a competitive edge — the world No. 1 chose not to capitalize unfairly on his opponent’s momentary misfortune. Alcaraz acknowledged the situation in a way that reflected respect for both the rules and his opponent’s effort.  ​​In elite athletics, where individual performance and self-management are paramount, the relentless pursuit of victory can sometimes overshadow the principles of fair play and respect. When a player like Alcaraz opts to uphold those values publicly, it sends a powerful message to younger athletes and fans: that how you compete is just as important as the result.

This month, you’ll find us cheering for athletes who are willing to push themselves to the edge—those who challenge limits and move the needle on what we believe is possible. We’re watching for moments that feel almost unreal: a figure skater landing a quadruple axel (we don’t care which country pulls it off), the unmistakable energy of the Jamaican bobsled team (“Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme…”), and yes—even with Shaun White retired, we’ll happily tune in to watch the next generation soar through the air in the half pipe.

The Olympics capture what we love most about sport—the team spirit, years of dedication to prepare, the courage to dream, and a willingness to truly go for it to see what’s possible…. And if Team USA needs any help with their competitive mindset, give us a call– we stay ready for moments like these.

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