Aspiring High Performers

Aspiring High Performers

By Saana KoljonenSportsEducationSelf-Improvement
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Aspiring High Performers episodes

  • Mental skills needed to become an elite athlete faster and healthier
    What would you tell your younger athlete self if you could? Two former pro athletes, Saana Koljonen and Sanna Kämäräinen, talk about the mental skills we wish we had learned sooner in our sports careers.. and what it cost us when we didn’t.
    We start with self-criticism and harsh self-talk, and how being hard on yourself can slowly wear down your confidence (for both of us it was a learned habit, and we honestly believed it was the reason we got better).
    Then we get into emotions in sport, fear of failure, and how to stop carrying the last bad game into the next competition. We also talk about mental training, why it has to be practiced as consistently as physical training, and why at the elite level it’s so often what makes the difference between athletes with similar skills.
    This one is for athletes and coaches, and for anyone whose performance gets evaluated all the time. We also share what we’d do differently now, like listening to our bodies before an injury makes the decision for us.
    What do you wish you had known sooner? Tell us in the comments, we might build a future episode around it :)
    Keywords: mental training for athletes, mental performance, self-talk, self-criticism, fear of failure, confidence under pressure, pro athlete lessons, mental skills, performance coaching
    - Free webinar with Saana:
    Perform at your best when it counts ror pro athletes & pros in sports, sales and business https://www.saanakoljonen.com/whenitcounts
    - Free webinars with Sanna in Finnish:
    Mental strenght for athletes https://www.henkisestivahva.fi/kilpailija
    Mental strength for work life: https://www.henkisestivahva.fi/tyo
    1 hr 5 min
  • Future-Self Visualization for Athletes: Build Resilience and Confidence
    Today, we’re diving into something special—a powerful visualization that’s designed to help you tap into your resilience, boost your confidence, and connect with a future version of yourself that’s already living out your highest potential. Get ready to close your eyes and let your imagination guide you where you need to go today! :)
    19 min
  • 3 Ideas For High Performers Who Are Tired Of Feeling Tired - Go From Worn Out to Winning Again
    In this Momentum Monday, we explore the often-overlooked keys to sustainable high performance: clarity, "balance", and the mind-body connection. Learn why overthinking can stall progress, and discover practical tools like breathwork to reduce stress and boost focus. With real insights and techniques, this episode will help you reach better heights in your performance without burnout. Ready to make this fall your most fulfilling yet? Listen in to align your efforts where it matters most.
    20 min
  • Why Letting Go of Timelines Can Accelerate Your Success
    In this episode, I talk about the concept of releasing the pressure to succeed within a specific timeframe and how doing so can actually fast-track your progress.
    Athletes and high achievers often set tight deadlines for their goals, but this pressure can create stress, delay success, and limit performance.
    Drawing on scientific research and spiritual wisdom from leaders like Eckhart Tolle, we explore how consistency, freedom, and patience can unleash your full potential.
    Discover how to shift your mindset from hustle to flow, reduce self-criticism, and enjoy the journey while building long-term success.
    Tune in to learn how letting go of the clock can create more confidence and fun in your pursuit of excellence. :)
    Check out the self-talk resource that helps you to create self talk for peak performance: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nIlS_5FbdI5jwlTE2V2hcbnScScvDf67u5jl5x0N2d4/edit
    Or check out the webinar for athletes and how to improve your game in one hour!! https://www.saanakoljonen.com/athletewebinar
    See you next week!
    20 min
  • How to Make The Fall 2024 Your Most Focused and Productive Fall Ever!
    Let's talk about why many athletes and high achievers fall into the trap of busywork, missing the power of clarity and focus. In this episode, I break down % game-changing mindset shifts that help you maximize performance without burning out.
    Learn how to set clear(er) goals, avoid overwhelm, and build sustainable habits that keep you in flow, even as the days get shorter and life gets busier.
    If you’re ready to make this fall your most successful season yet, this episode is for you. Tune in now!
    My Instagram: www.instagram.com/mindofsaana
    21 min
  • Creating a Winning Culture: Volleyball Leadership with Lauren Bertolacci
    Lauren Bertolacci, a renowned volleyball coach, is my guest in this episode and we start the discussion with her transition and the highs and lows of transitioning from a player to a coach. Lauren also shares valuable insights on overcoming frustration, setting the right expectations, and creating a winning culture.
    We dive into how coaching philosophies shape teams, and what it truly takes to balance mental and physical well-being while pushing athletes to their limits.
    If you're an athlete or coach looking to perform better, this conversation is packed with actionable and insightful advice to help you reach just a little bit higher again.
    Lauren's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/laurenberto/
    And send me a DM "script" to get the self-talk script to help you tackle frustration in https://instagram.com/mindofsaana
    1 hr 24 min
  • The Flow Formula: Steps Every Athlete Needs for Consistent Success
    Struggling to hit that elusive state of flow? In this episode, we dive deep into why so many athletes get stuck in ‘grind mode’ and how it’s holding them back from peak performance. Discover the science behind flow, the mental recovery techniques that elevate your game, and practical steps you can take to access flow consistently. If you're tired of burning out and ready to play with freedom and ease, this episode will give you the blueprint to shift from effort to excellence. Tune in to learn how to unlock your best game yet!
    And DM me on Instagram (https://instagram.com/mindofsaana) the word "self-talk" to get a step by step instructions how to achieve elite level self-talk for yourself!
    19 min
  • Why Athletes Who Value Themselves Win More (From Self-Respect to Leadership)
    Discover why self-respect is more than just a feel-good concept—it's a game-changer for elite performance and leadership. Drawing insights from research and expert perspectives, we explore how cultivating self-respect enhances resilience, decision-making, and influence, shaping not only your success but also the future leaders you inspire. Tune in to learn actionable strategies to boost your self-talk, set boundaries, and visualize success with confidence.
    12 min
  • Unlock Elite Performance: Ed Mylett & Brendon Burchard’s Secrets to High Achievement
    Wanna know the game-changing insights from Ed Mylett and Brendon Burchard on achieving high performance without sacrificing your health or happiness?? I bet you do because in this episode you can learn how to align your actions with your life philosophy, master the power of positive self-talk, and create daily practices that boost your mindset and performance.
    Discover the secrets to staying motivated, embracing the struggle, and using triggers to rewire your brain for success.
    Whether you're an athlete or an aspiring high performer, this episode will equip you with actionable strategies to elevate your game and sustain excellence.
    Tune in and take the first step towards a more balanced, fulfilling, and high-performing life! :)
    18 min

About Aspiring High Performers

From the publisher's feed

Aspiring High Performers is the podcast for you if you're looking to achieve greatness without sacrificing your well-being or happiness anymore. If you are slightly obsessed about to personal development and growth and know you still have some potential left to explore - join host Saana Koljonen, a former professional athlete from Finland and now a mental performance coach and breathwork facilitator in Denver, Colorado, as she connects with experts, thought leaders, and inspiring individuals from the worlds of sports and high performance.