I have been giving my daughter mental training lessons since she was 2 years old. 

Every day, we practice affirmations: 

I am strong.
I am confident. 
I can do hard things. 
I am unique. 

Every day, we practice using our breath to help us through moments of frustration, anxiety, or fear. 

Every day, we plan and imagine how we want our day to look like (and what we want to feel like). 

Yep, these simple skills are absolutely training my daughter's mind. 

And that's exactly what Mental Training is!

The training of our thoughts, behaviors, and actions to navigate any situation. 

It's deciding that we have control over our thoughts and reactions.

It's declaring ahead of time through affirmation and visualization the athlete (and person) we want to be.

It's the ability to sit with uncomfortable emotions knowing that they are okay. 

Mental training is using our minds to work for us to get us closer to our goals. 

When is the perfect age to start this type of training in athletes? Here are some considerations:

Mental Training Should Be Started As Early As Possible

It's just like her sport. She starts learning body awareness. Ball handling skills. Dribbling in open space. Then around cones or with other people. Each stage of the game levels up her knowledge and experience, building on what was previously learned. 

The parents of the younger athletes in our program report that they are so relieved that their daughters are learning these skills now, not later. 

Mental Training Will Look Different At Each Stage of Their Journey

As athlete's grow, they apply these skills to situations as they level up. It's backwards to think that "once they get to a certain level, then they will develop the confidence they need."

They need to develop the skills first so they can then use them at those levels!

At Whatever Age, The Best Time To Work on Mental Skills Was Yesterday

The next best time is now. 

You'll never regret teaching your daughter the power of her mind. 

The ability to see that she has power to respond to situations, change how she thinks about things, and create the reality around her is a skill that can start at a young age. 

Practicing awareness of self-talk and how to regulate nerves using breath and imagery is a key skill that experienced, high level athletes use. 

If your daughter is between the ages of 10-18 specifically, then the Elite Competitor Program can be a useful tool to help build her foundation of mental skills. We find the sweet spot is between 12-15 years old. 

Remember - your daughter's mindset is her biggest competitive advantage.

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Helpful Links:

• Check out our signature mental training program for female athletes: www.kristinabreanne.com/ecp
• Visit our podcast website for more on this episode
• Download the free resources we've created for you
• Join us inside our FREE Facebook Group - The Elite Competitor Society - for weekly Q&A, periodic trainings and challenges, and the support of an amazing community of moms, coaches, and the men who partner with us!

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