Is your inner voice helping you win — or holding you back? 🧠⚡

In this episode of Charge Forward Coaching, host James Blasco explores powerful strategies to manage your inner chatter and build elite-level mental toughness — inspired by insights from Chatter by Ethan Kross.

Blasco focuses on two game-changing tools: environment and rituals.

✔️ Learn how to design a space that reduces anxiety and sharpens focus — even small shifts like adding nature elements or calming sounds can make a difference.

✔️ Discover why rituals, not just routines, are essential for mental preparation — and how they anchor you to your purpose under pressure.

You'll also hear how these tools connect to the Four C’s of Mental Toughness: Control, Confidence, Commitment, and Challenge, with a spotlight on emotional regulation and life control.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, or high-performer, these strategies will help you quiet the noise, lock in your focus, and elevate your performance when it counts most.

Key Timestamps:

• (00:00) Introduction: Inner chatter and the Four C's of Mental Toughness
• (03:46) Voluntary vs. involuntary attention: What's the difference?
• (05:17) Designing your environment for peak mental performance
• (06:19) The surprising power of green spaces and moments of awe
• (07:52) Rituals vs. routines: Why Wade Boggs ate chicken before every game
• (09:54) Practical tips to reduce mental chatter and boost focus

Key Takeaways:

• Involuntary Attention as Mental Refreshment: Leverage involuntary attention to recharge your mental energy. Seek out experiences that naturally capture your focus without effort, like nature or music, to give your brain a break from energy-depleting tasks.
• Green Spaces for Mental Clarity: Incorporate "green spaces" into your environment, even through pictures or sounds, to reduce stress and anxiety. This simple change can significantly improve mental clarity and focus.
• Rituals as Performance Enhancers: Develop personal rituals tied to your values and purpose to reduce stress and enhance focus. Unlike routines, rituals have deeper meaning and can significantly impact your mental state and performance.

Resources & Links: 

• "Chatter" by Ethan Kross: https://www.ethankross.com/books/chatter
• Take the MTQ Plus Mental Toughness Assessment: https://chargeforwardcoaching.com/mtq-assessments
• Learn more or book a free discovery call: www.chargeforwardcoaching.com
• Follow on Instagram: @chargeforwardcoaching
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chargeforwardcoaching/
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• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ChargeForwardCoaching

Host Bio:

James Blasco is the founder of Charge Forward Coaching and a certified mental toughness and resilience coach and a certified neuroscience coach. He specializes in helping athletes and high performers sharpen their focus, build confidence, and stay composed under pressure. With clients ranging from youth athletes to seasoned pros, James is passionate about helping people show up strong—no matter the arena.

Tags:

James Blasco, charge forward coaching, mental toughness, inner chatter, internal dialogue, emotional control, life control, stress management, anxiety reduction, performance improvement, voluntary attention, involuntary attention, environment cues, rituals, routines, green spaces, nature therapy, moments of awe, organized spaces, stress reduction techniques, cognitive performance, athlete mindset, positive self-talk, focus enhancement, pre-game routines, sports psychology, mental energy management, performance rituals, mindfulness techniques