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Why Confidence Is Overrated | Dr. Dana Sinclair on Real Mental Toughness
What separates those who want it from those who do it? In this episode, Ryan Addams sits down with world-renowned performance psychologist Dr. Dana Sinclair, whose clients range from Olympians to PGA Tour stars, NASA astronauts to Academy Award winners.
Drawing from her bestselling book Dialed In, Dr. Sinclair shares a no-nonsense framework for performing under pressure—on the course, in the OR, or on the biggest stage of your life. You'll learn how elite performers overcome perfectionism, how to help your junior golfer build real resilience (not fake confidence), and why breathing is your child’s superpower.
With grounded advice for parents, coaches, and athletes alike, this episode is a must-listen for anyone raising or becoming a top performer.
🧠 Topics include:
Why confidence is not the goal
The truth about perfectionism and performance myths
Breathing techniques to reset under pressure
How to support your child without ruining their performance
Motivation, identity, and the psychology of elite success
Whether you're raising a golfer, coaching a team, or pushing your own limits, Dr. Sinclair offers a roadmap to excellence built on clarity, not chaos.
🔥 Key Takeaways:
Performance is about doing, not wanting.
Breathing is the fastest way to shift your state.
Perfectionism is a trap—progress beats polish.
Confidence is unreliable; routines and preparation are not.
Parents should support, not steer their child’s performance journey.
“Shift when you drift”—recognize and redirect unhelpful thoughts.
Fear is okay. Performing in spite of it is the win.
📖Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Performance and Preparation
03:10 Understanding Top Performers and Their Mindset
05:58 Overcoming Common Barriers to Performance
08:51 The Shift When You Drift Process
11:40 Creating Effective Performance Routines
15:00 The Role of Self-Judgment in Performance
17:45 Motivation vs. Process in Achieving Goals
20:42 Parental Influence on Performance and Motivation
28:17 Breathing Techniques for Kids
35:01 The Role of Parents in Performance
40:07 Focusing on the Present Moment
44:22 Superstitions and Performance Anxiety
48:19 Finding the Zone in Performance
💥 Sponsor Shoutout:
This episode is sponsored by Tour Striker, trusted by the world’s best coaches and golf parents who want real progress.
🔥 Use code GOLFPARENT at www.tourstriker.com for 15% off everything—yes, even sale items.
Whether your junior golfer is chasing a scholarship or just trying to break 90, Tour Striker is a game-changer.
🔗 Dr. Dana Sinclair’s Links:
🌐 Website: https://www.drdanasinclair.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdanasinclair/
🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent
📺 YouTube: @thegolfparent
🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
View all episodes
By Ryan Addams
5
33 ratings
What separates those who want it from those who do it? In this episode, Ryan Addams sits down with world-renowned performance psychologist Dr. Dana Sinclair, whose clients range from Olympians to PGA Tour stars, NASA astronauts to Academy Award winners.
Drawing from her bestselling book Dialed In, Dr. Sinclair shares a no-nonsense framework for performing under pressure—on the course, in the OR, or on the biggest stage of your life. You'll learn how elite performers overcome perfectionism, how to help your junior golfer build real resilience (not fake confidence), and why breathing is your child’s superpower.
With grounded advice for parents, coaches, and athletes alike, this episode is a must-listen for anyone raising or becoming a top performer.
🧠 Topics include:
Why confidence is not the goal
The truth about perfectionism and performance myths
Breathing techniques to reset under pressure
How to support your child without ruining their performance
Motivation, identity, and the psychology of elite success
Whether you're raising a golfer, coaching a team, or pushing your own limits, Dr. Sinclair offers a roadmap to excellence built on clarity, not chaos.
🔥 Key Takeaways:
Performance is about doing, not wanting.
Breathing is the fastest way to shift your state.
Perfectionism is a trap—progress beats polish.
Confidence is unreliable; routines and preparation are not.
Parents should support, not steer their child’s performance journey.
“Shift when you drift”—recognize and redirect unhelpful thoughts.
Fear is okay. Performing in spite of it is the win.
📖Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Performance and Preparation
03:10 Understanding Top Performers and Their Mindset
05:58 Overcoming Common Barriers to Performance
08:51 The Shift When You Drift Process
11:40 Creating Effective Performance Routines
15:00 The Role of Self-Judgment in Performance
17:45 Motivation vs. Process in Achieving Goals
20:42 Parental Influence on Performance and Motivation
28:17 Breathing Techniques for Kids
35:01 The Role of Parents in Performance
40:07 Focusing on the Present Moment
44:22 Superstitions and Performance Anxiety
48:19 Finding the Zone in Performance
💥 Sponsor Shoutout:
This episode is sponsored by Tour Striker, trusted by the world’s best coaches and golf parents who want real progress.
🔥 Use code GOLFPARENT at www.tourstriker.com for 15% off everything—yes, even sale items.
Whether your junior golfer is chasing a scholarship or just trying to break 90, Tour Striker is a game-changer.
🔗 Dr. Dana Sinclair’s Links:
🌐 Website: https://www.drdanasinclair.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdanasinclair/
🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent
📺 YouTube: @thegolfparent
🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
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