**Guest:** Dr. Larry Lauer, Director of Mental Performance, USTA Player Development
**Episode Overview:**
In this episode of *Chasing Greatness Radio*, we sit down with Dr. Larry Lauer, an expert in mental performance who works with elite tennis players at all levels, from juniors to professionals, through his role at the USTA. Dr. Lauer’s experience spans over two decades in sport psychology, helping athletes sharpen their mental edge and perform at their best. He has worked with athletes on overcoming mental roadblocks, managing pressure, and staying committed to a long-term process of growth.
In this conversation, we delve into the parallels between high-level sports performance and the business world, focusing on developing an elite mindset, navigating setbacks, and sustaining motivation to achieve peak physical and mental form.
**Key Takeaways:**
- **Elite Performance Mindset:** Dr. Lauer shares that top athletes succeed through an “unbelievable work ethic,” consistent process commitment, and passion. This mirrors what’s necessary in business—focusing on daily habits rather than only the end result.
- **Handling Pressure and Failure:** One of Larry's key strategies is helping athletes “park” outcome goals temporarily to focus on executing their best. This helps athletes (and business leaders) become more resilient and adaptable, enabling them to handle both wins and setbacks with poise.
- **Breath and Believe:** Dr. Lauer introduces his “Breath and Believe” technique, a simple but powerful tool to command focus in the heat of competition, reminding us that composure and self-belief are critical to pushing past mental barriers.
- **Visualization and Commitment:** Whether you're preparing for a major tennis match or a critical business deal, Larry highlights the importance of visualizing success and committing fully to the process, something every high performer can apply.
**About Dr. Larry Lauer:**
Dr. Lauer is the Director of Mental Performance for USTA Player Development. He works with elite tennis players, coaching staff, and transitioning pros, focusing on mental skills training to optimize performance. With a Ph.D. in exercise and sport science, specializing in sport psychology, his career spans work with teams at Michigan State and training youth in mental toughness. His expertise in sports psychology is backed by years of research on topics like athlete development and life skills training.
Find more about Larry’s work and connect with him on Twitter at @LarryLauer.
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This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to sharpen their mindset, achieve better physical performance, and unlock new levels of success in their business. Tune in to explore how to **get shredded**, develop a **champion’s mindset**, and become the best version of yourself!
**Links:**
- Learn more about USTA Player Development [here](https://www.usta.com).
- Follow Larry Lauer on Twitter [@LarryLauer](https://twitter.com/LarryLauer).
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