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How to Turn Failure into Success: The Growth Mindset for Athletes
Failure isn't the enemy; it's the best teammate you can have. In this episode of Car Ride Conversations for Sports Families, host Valerie Alston discusses the importance of embracing failure as part of the growth process for athletes. Valerie explains how a growth mindset, where athletes view their abilities as improvable with effort and practice, can transform failures into learning opportunities. She contrasts this with a fixed mindset, where abilities are viewed as static, and emphasizes the importance of redefining success beyond just wins and stats. The episode also provides practical tips for fostering a growth mindset, setting tangible goals, and redefining success. Conversation prompts are provided to encourage meaningful dialogue between parents and young athletes about mental toughness, resilience, and confidence.
00:00 Introduction: Embracing Failure
01:11 Understanding Failure in Sports
02:52 Building a Growth Mindset
09:08 Redefining Success Beyond Wins
15:20 Conversation Prompts for Families
19:52 Conclusion and Call to Action
Discussion questions:
Thanks for joining me on Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a moment. Share it with other parents or coaches who could use a little extra inspiration on the go.
For exclusive tips, tools, and updates join my newsletter at www.confidentcalmclutch.com/newsletter
For more specific tips on building mental toughness, buy my book Confident, Calm and Clutch: How to build confidence and mental toughness for young athletes using sports psychology
If you are a coach looking for ways to build mental toughness into your practices then check out my coaching resources (books, assessments, conversation starters, community and more) here.
Parents join my Facebook group to Help Your Athlete Gain Mental Toughness for Parents
Have an idea for a topic? Submit your idea here.
Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email me: [email protected]
Follow Me on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valstoncoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valstoncoaching
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@valstoncoaching9666
Watch every episode of Car Ride Conversations here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOjguEFjF88w5Wl-eA9dlkwLk7f_sI12V
Unlock Your Athlete's Potential: The 24-Hour Rule for Post-Performance Reflection
Join host Valerie Alston in this insightful episode of 'Car Ride Conversations for Sports Families,' where she introduces the 24-hour rule to help athletes move past their performances—both good and bad. Learn how to use an effective post-performance review process to build confidence, stay motivated, and focus on future growth. Valerie discusses the importance of experiencing emotions, transitioning to evaluation, and finally, taking action. Explore five key areas to reflect on after every game or practice: competence builders, confidence builders, goal review, mental game plan, and game strategy. Whether you're a parent or an athlete, understand how to make these reflections a quick habit and explore practical examples. Subscribe, share, and take your athletic performance to the next level!
00:00 Introduction to the 24 Hour Rule
00:29 Welcome to Car Ride Conversations
01:00 Understanding the 24 Hour Rule
01:47 Emotional Reflection and Evaluation
04:38 Post Performance Review Process
05:03 Five Key Areas of Reflection
10:42 Moving from Reflection to Action
14:23 Engaging in the 24 Hour Rule
18:55 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Discussion questions:
Thanks for joining me on Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a moment. Share it with other parents or coaches who could use a little extra inspiration on the go.
For exclusive tips, tools, and updates join my newsletter at www.confidentcalmclutch.com/newsletter
For more specific tips on building mental toughness, buy my book Confident, Calm and Clutch: How to build confidence and mental toughness for young athletes using sports psychology
If you are a coach looking for ways to build mental toughness into your practices then check out my coaching resources (books, assessments, conversation starters, community and more) here.
Parents join my Facebook group to Help Your Athlete Gain Mental Toughness for Parents
Have an idea for a topic? Submit your idea here.
Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email me: [email protected]
Follow Me on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valstoncoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valstoncoaching
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@valstoncoaching9666
Watch every episode of Car Ride Conversations here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOjguEFjF88w5Wl-eA9dlkwLk7f_sI12V
Keeping the Gratitude Alive: Thanksgiving Conversations with Valerie Alston
In this special Thanksgiving episode, we explore the power of expressing gratitude out loud to deepen relationships and turn appreciation into action. Valerie shares practical tips for sparking meaningful conversations about gratitude at the Thanksgiving table and beyond, along with insights from her extensive experience teaching resilience to Army soldiers. Tune in to learn how to make gratitude a lasting practice in your family, hear conversation prompts to use during the holiday, and get motivated to keep the gratitude practice alive year-round. Join us for an episode full of heartfelt stories, valuable lessons, and actionable ideas to enhance your family's connection and wellbeing. Happy Thanksgiving!
00:00 Introduction to Thanksgiving and Gratitude
00:26 Welcome to Car Ride Conversations
00:59 Thanksgiving Preparations and Family Plans
01:53 Reflecting on Last Week's Gratitude Practice
03:01 The Power of Sharing Good Things
05:02 Deepening Gratitude Through Conversation
09:35 Thanksgiving Gratitude Prompts
11:21 Continuing Gratitude Beyond Thanksgiving
13:57 Conversation Prompts for Gratitude
16:32 Closing Remarks and Additional Resources
To try the 30 Day Gratitude Challenge for Free go here: https://www.confidentcalmclutch.com/30daygratitudechallenge
Discussion questions:
Thanks for joining me on Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a moment. Share it with other parents or coaches who could use a little extra inspiration on the go.
For exclusive tips, tools, and updates join my newsletter at www.confidentcalmclutch.com/newsletter
For more specific tips on building mental toughness, buy my book Confident, Calm and Clutch: How to build confidence and mental toughness for young athletes using sports psychology
If you are a coach looking for ways to build mental toughness into your practices then check out my coaching resources (books, assessments, conversation starters, community and more) here.
Parents join my Facebook group to Help Your Athlete Gain Mental Toughness for Parents
Have an idea for a topic? Submit your idea here.
Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email me: [email protected]
Follow Me on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valstoncoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valstoncoaching
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@valstoncoaching9666
Watch every episode of Car Ride Conversations here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOjguEFjF88w5Wl-eA9dlkwLk7f_sI12V
Harnessing the Power of Gratitude for Mental Toughness and Performance
Discover how gratitude can be a powerful tool for mental toughness and performance in sports In this episode of Car Ride Conversations for Sports Families, host Valerie Alston delves into the concept of mental toughness and emphasizes the importance of gratitude as a powerful performance tool. Valerie explains how practicing gratitude can enhance happiness, stress management, resilience, and overall mental toughness. She introduces a simple yet effective gratitude practice called the 'Three Good Things' exercise, which involves noticing and reflecting on good things daily. Valerie provides scientific insights on why gratitude matters and offers practical tips for incorporating it into daily life, specifically for young athletes and their families. The episode concludes with a series of thought-provoking questions designed to spark meaningful conversations and encourage ongoing gratitude practices within families.
00:00 Introduction to Mental Toughness and Gratitude
01:34 The Science Behind Gratitude
02:36 Negativity Bias and Its Impact
05:04 Gratitude in Sports Performance
07:56 Three Good Things Exercise
12:27 Reflection and Gratitude
14:23 Gratitude Practice Challenge
18:06 Discussion Prompts and Conclusion
To try the 30 Day Gratitude Challenge for Free go here: https://www.confidentcalmclutch.com/30daygratitudechallenge
Discussion questions:
Thanks for joining me on Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a moment. Share it with other parents or coaches who could use a little extra inspiration on the go.
For exclusive tips, tools, and updates join my newsletter at www.confidentcalmclutch.com/newsletter
For more specific tips on building mental toughness, buy my book Confident, Calm and Clutch: How to build confidence and mental toughness for young athletes using sports psychology
If you are a coach looking for ways to build mental toughness into your practices then check out my coaching resources (books, assessments, conversation starters, community and more) here.
Parents join my Facebook group to Help Your Athlete Gain Mental Toughness for Parents
Have an idea for a topic? Submit your idea here.
Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email me: [email protected]
Follow Me on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valstoncoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valstoncoaching
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@valstoncoaching9666
Watch every episode of Car Ride Conversations here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOjguEFjF88w5Wl-eA9dlkwLk7f_sI12V
Transforming Youth Sports: The You Matter Ankeny Classic Softball Tournament
In the final part of our series, host Valerie Alston engages in a deep conversation with Justin about the You Matter Ankeny Classic, a unique softball tournament focused on mental health and sportsmanship. Justin shares how he brought together counselors, coaches, and athletes to create an event that emphasizes character over competition. This episode of Car Ride Conversations for Sports Families explores the importance of mental health in sports and offers actionable insights for communities looking to replicate this impactful model. With discussion prompts and tips for parents, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in youth sports and mental wellness.
00:00 Introduction to the You Matter Ankeny Classic
00:23 Welcome to Car Ride Conversations
00:56 Justin's Perspective on Mental Health in Sports
01:10 Creating the You Matter Ankeny Classic
02:56 Tournament Highlights and Innovations
04:40 Encouraging Sportsmanship and Community
06:16 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
08:19 Discussion Prompts for Families
12:31 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
To reach out to Justin about starting a tournament or project like this email him at [email protected]
To participate in the tournament please visit: https://usssa.com/baseball/event_home/?eventID=409341 or email the Ankeny Girls Softball Association at: [email protected]
Discussion questions:
Thanks for joining me on Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a moment. Share it with other parents or coaches who could use a little extra inspiration on the go.
For exclusive tips, tools, and updates join my newsletter at www.confidentcalmclutch.com/newsletter
For more specific tips on building mental toughness, buy my book Confident, Calm and Clutch: How to build confidence and mental toughness for young athletes using sports psychology
If you are a coach looking for ways to build mental toughness into your practices then check out my coaching resources (books, assessments, conversation starters, community and more) here.
Parents join my Facebook group to Help Your Athlete Gain Mental Toughness for Parents
Have an idea for a topic? Submit your idea here.
Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email me: [email protected]
Follow Me on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valstoncoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valstoncoaching
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@valstoncoaching9666
Watch every episode of Car Ride Conversations here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOjguEFjF88w5Wl-eA9dlkwLk7f_sI12V
Coaching Wellness: Building Youth Mental Health through Sports
In this episode of Car Ride Conversations for Sports Families, host Valerie Alston continues her discussion with Justin Boger, a board member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. They explore the critical role sports play in fostering youth mental health and wellness. Topics covered include current trends in youth mental health, the importance of a supportive sports environment, goal setting, visualization, and resilience-building techniques. Valerie and Justin share practical strategies for coaches and parents to help young athletes build confidence, calm, and resilience. Tune in for valuable insights on creating a positive, growth-oriented sports culture and engaging conversational prompts for sports families.
00:00 Introduction to Car Ride Conversations
00:03 Shifting Focus: Coaching Wellness
01:02 Youth Mental Health Trends
02:36 Building Community Through Sports
05:01 Goal Setting and Visualization Techniques
07:05 Strategies for Mental Toughness
09:38 Celebrating Small Wins
15:23 Discussion Prompts for Families
19:32 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
To reach out to Justin about starting a tournament or project like this email him at [email protected]
To participate in the tournament please visit: https://usssa.com/baseball/event_home/?eventID=409341 or email the Ankeny Girls Softball Association at: [email protected]
Discussion questions:
Thanks for joining me on Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a moment. Share it with other parents or coaches who could use a little extra inspiration on the go.
For exclusive tips, tools, and updates join my newsletter at www.confidentcalmclutch.com/newsletter
For more specific tips on building mental toughness, buy my book Confident, Calm and Clutch: How to build confidence and mental toughness for young athletes using sports psychology
If you are a coach looking for ways to build mental toughness into your practices then check out my coaching resources (books, assessments, conversation starters, community and more) here.
Parents join my Facebook group to Help Your Athlete Gain Mental Toughness for Parents
Have an idea for a topic? Submit your idea here.
Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email me: [email protected]
Follow Me on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valstoncoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valstoncoaching
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@valstoncoaching9666
Watch every episode of Car Ride Conversations here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOjguEFjF88w5Wl-eA9dlkwLk7f_sI12V
Handling Emotions and Sportsmanship in Youth Sports ft. Justin Bogers
Join Valerie Alston and special guest Justin Bogers, a dad, coach, and board member for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, in this insightful episode of Car Ride Conversations for Sports Families. Explore the highs and lows of youth sports, focusing on building character, mental health, and sportsmanship. Hear an eye opening story about a post-game handshake gone wrong and learn valuable lessons on emotional control for coaches, parents, and players. Tune in for actionable tips, heartfelt stories, and meaningful conversations to help young athletes grow both on and off the field. Stay tuned till the end for discussion prompts and information on the You Matter Ankeny Classic for Mental Health softball tournament.
00:00 Introduction to Car Ride Conversations
01:34 Meet Justin Bogers: Coach and Mental Health Advocate
03:43 The Post-Game Handshake Incident
07:13 Handling Emotions and Setting Examples
09:49 Building a Positive Sports Community
19:58 Conversation Prompts for Parents and Coaches
22:39 Closing Remarks and Resources
To reach out to Justin about starting a tournament or project like this email him at [email protected]
To participate in the tournament please visit: https://usssa.com/baseball/event_home/?eventID=409341 or email the Ankeny Girls Softball Association at: [email protected]
Discussion questions:
Thanks for joining me on Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a moment. Share it with other parents or coaches who could use a little extra inspiration on the go.
For exclusive tips, tools, and updates join my newsletter at www.confidentcalmclutch.com/newsletter
For more specific tips on building mental toughness, buy my book Confident, Calm and Clutch: How to build confidence and mental toughness for young athletes using sports psychology
Parents join my Facebook group to Help Your Athlete Gain Mental Toughness for Parents
Have an idea for a topic? Submit your idea here.
Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email me: [email protected]
Follow Me on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valstoncoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valstoncoaching
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@valstoncoaching9666
The True Essence of Youth Coaching
In the final episode of the Special Car Ride Conversation series, host Valerie Alston and her dad, a former coach, delve into the core values that matter in youth sports. The discussion covers the significance of emotional regulation, body language, and prioritizing effort over outcomes. They offer insights on maintaining open communication between parents and children, the importance of coaching with character, and embracing mistakes. The episode emphasizes the vital role of being a positive role model and how it shapes young athletes. Valerie and her dad share personal stories, practical advice, and invite listeners to reflect on their strategies and behaviors. Whether you are coaching or cheering from the sidelines, this episode provides valuable lessons on building stronger relationships and lifelong skills. The episode concludes with conversation prompts for listeners to engage in meaningful discussions.
00:00 Introduction to the Final Episode
00:47 Welcome and Purpose of the Podcast
01:20 Understanding the Parent-Coach Dynamic
01:55 The Role of Effort and Communication
03:11 Lessons from Personal Experiences
06:41 The Importance of Body Language
10:54 Modeling Behavior and Respect
14:12 Final Thoughts and Prompts for Discussion
18:12 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
Discussion questions:
Thanks for joining me on Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a moment. Share it with other parents or coaches who could use a little extra inspiration on the go.
For exclusive tips, tools, and updates join my newsletter at www.confidentcalmclutch.com/newsletter
For more specific tips on building mental toughness, buy my book Confident, Calm and Clutch: How to build confidence and mental toughness for young athletes using sports psychology
Parents join my Facebook group to Help Your Athlete Gain Mental Toughness for Parents
Have an idea for a topic? Submit your idea here.
Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email me: [email protected]
Follow Me on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valstoncoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valstoncoaching
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@valstoncoaching9666
Parent Coaching: Essential Advice for Building Resilient Young Athletes
In this episode of Car Ride Conversations, Valerie Alston and her former coach/dad share crucial advice for parent coaches. Discover how to define your role, why life skills trump the scoreboard, and managing emotional highs and lows while coaching your own child. Learn about transforming average athletes into game changers through mental skills like anticipation and awareness. Perfect for both novice and experienced coaches, this episode is packed with insights to help build confident, resilient young athletes. Join us for practical wisdom and honest reflection to enhance your coaching journey.
00:00 Introduction to Coaching Your Own Kid
01:14 Defining Your Role as a Parent Coach
03:13 Building Life Skills Through Sports
05:50 The Mental Side of Sports
07:34 Practical Tips for Parent Coaches
11:39 Conversation Prompts for Parents and Kids
15:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Discussion questions:
Thanks for joining me on Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a moment. Share it with other parents or coaches who could use a little extra inspiration on the go.
For exclusive tips, tools, and updates join my newsletter at www.confidentcalmclutch.com/newsletter
For more specific tips on building mental toughness, buy my book Confident, Calm and Clutch: How to build confidence and mental toughness for young athletes using sports psychology
Parents join my Facebook group to Help Your Athlete Gain Mental Toughness for Parents
Have an idea for a topic? Submit your idea here.
Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email me: [email protected]
Follow Me on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valstoncoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valstoncoaching
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@valstoncoaching9666
Mastering Calm: Techniques for Athletes to Control Nerves and Enhance Performance
In this episode of 'Confident Calm Clutch Car Rides Conversations,' hosted by Valerie Alston, discover how you can train your brain and body to stay calm under pressure. Learn to recognize personal signs of stress through the stoplight analogy, and explore simple yet effective tools like deep breathing and reset cues to regain control. Perfect for young athletes and their parents, this episode provides actionable strategies for building mental toughness, resilience, and confidence, ensuring peak performance when it matters most. Join us for tips, conversation starters, and more to create meaningful car ride dialogues that strengthen relationships and lifelong skills.
00:00 Introduction: Train Your Brain to Stay Calm
01:07 Understanding Stress and Performance
03:32 The Stoplight Analogy for Emotional Awareness
07:26 Breathing Techniques to Reset Your Body
11:09 Mental and Sensory Reset Cues
15:40 Discussion Questions for Athletes and Parents
18:26 Conclusion and Additional Resources
Discussion questions:
Thanks for joining me on Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a moment. Share it with other parents or coaches who could use a little extra inspiration on the go.
For exclusive tips, tools, and updates join my newsletter at www.confidentcalmclutch.com/newsletter
For more specific tips on building mental toughness, buy my book Confident, Calm and Clutch: How to build confidence and mental toughness for young athletes using sports psychology
Parents join my Facebook group to Help Your Athlete Gain Mental Toughness for Parents
Have an idea for a topic? Submit your idea here.
Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email me: [email protected]
Follow Me on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valstoncoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valstoncoaching
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@valstoncoaching9666
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