About the Episode
In the second of a special two-part series on the power of mindset and working on our mental skills, Jeremy chats with mental game coach, Tami Matheny. The bulk of their conversation focuses on self confidence - where it comes from, four key things that will help you own your confidence, and the power of self talk and changing the narrative. Tami also reveals the hardest mental skill to help someone with, the importance of habits, and she and Jeremy finish with a discussion around defining your ‘why’.
Key Takeaways
- Own Your Confidence: True confidence is built through self-talk, preparation, visualization, and body language—not external validation.
- Rewrite the Narrative: Identify and replace unproductive stories you tell yourself with empowering ones to shift your mindset.
- Habits Shape Success: Consistency in small, positive actions builds momentum and long-term results.
- The Power of "This is Good": Reframe challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth to maintain resilience and motivation.
- Connect to Your Why: Defining and revisiting your purpose provides clarity, direction, and the drive to overcome obstacles.
Episode Summary
From Confidence Rollercoaster to Confidence Coach
Tami Matheny shares her journey from being on what she calls the “confidence rollercoaster” as a student-athlete to becoming a mental coach focused on helping others master their mindset. She realized early on that confidence cannot rely solely on external factors like grades or game performance. Instead, she developed tools to help others build confidence that endures, regardless of circumstances.
The Four Pillars of Confidence
Tami identifies four controllable factors that foster true confidence:
- Self-Talk: Transforming unproductive thoughts into empowering ones.
- Body Language: Using posture and facial expressions to signal confidence.
- Visualization: Creating a mental image of success and practicing skills in your mind.
- Preparation: Putting in the work mentally, emotionally, and physically.
She emphasizes that preparation is the foundation of confidence—it’s hard to feel self-assured if you haven’t put in the effort.
The Role of Self-Talk in Shaping Mindset
Self-talk plays a critical role in mindset. Tami encourages listeners to identify negative stories they tell themselves and rewrite them. For example, instead of saying, “I’m bad at public speaking,” reframe it as, “I’m improving my public speaking skills every time I try.” By repeating this new narrative, you can gradually shift your perspective.
Overcoming Fear and Embracing Failure
Fear often stems from uncertainty about the future or past failures, but Tami advocates for reframing fear as faith in what’s possible. Her mantra, “This is good,” helps clients see setbacks as necessary steps for growth. She shares personal examples, such as transferring schools and losing a job, which ultimately led to better opportunities.
Habits and Motivation
Tami explains that success stems from consistent habits. By connecting daily actions to your “why,” you can sustain motivation even during challenges. She also stresses the importance of surrounding yourself with positive influences, as the people and content you engage with can either uplift or undermine your efforts.
Staying Present
A significant part of mental toughness is staying focused on the present rather than dwelling on past failures or worrying about future outcomes. Tami’s advice: tackle challenges as they come, and use self-talk to stay productive and proactive.
Practical Tips for Improving Confidence
- Rewrite Negative Narratives: Write down unproductive thoughts, then reframe them into empowering ones.
- Start Small: Focus on building one positive habit at a time to avoid overwhelm.
- Practice Visualization: Imagine yourself succeeding in specific scenarios to build familiarity and confidence.
- Surround Yourself with Positivity: Choose friends, mentors, and media that inspire and motivate you.
- Define Your Why: Regularly revisit your purpose to stay focused and resilient.
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.
Mission Admission is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
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