Focused and On Fire:
The Boy in Control 
May 28, 2019
Insights from Lisa Mitzel

“Instagram Life” vs Real Life
In sports, emotions matter. Athletes’ emotions greatly affect their sense of self and their performance. Our emotions (coaches & parents) also affect athletes. Social media plays a part. David Brooks, in his new book, The Second Mountain , talks about what we all experience when we’re seeped into social media — where everyone appears shiny and special — and after, we pop out to our real life where we experience life with doubts, struggles, and confusion. Social media creates ‘conflicting personas’ and leaves us emotionally drained. What is real? Who am I really? The truth is that one’s identity, value, and purpose is clearest in real life — through meaningful human connection. David says that connection starts with looking deeply into the root of a person and seeing their soul. I get it. When you read my book, Focused and Inspired , I ask that you look deeper into each athlete. Give them incredible human connection and they will learn who they really are. And that’s when emotions help athletes perform their best.
ADHD Boy in Control
Super Powers
Athletes have a lot of energy; it’s not easy to slow down or feel calm. For an ADHD boy who I coach, it’s harder. Sam is 11 yrs old and he does T&T (Tumbling and Trampoline). A couple months ago, he had great anxiety, fears, and emotions at practice. His mom contacted me and we’ve been working together. Let me say, he bounces around during our sessions, but he also has very calm moments. Mental Training may seem like a task, but athletes with ADHD learn it and benefit. Plus, I make it fun. Sam is having a great time and learning a lot…
Recently, I wanted to address his vulnerable feelings. Progress is not as fast as we want it to be, and then progress seems hopeless — life feels out of control. So it’s important for each athlete to be patient and learn how to feel in control. Sam did some exercises with me.

1. In regard to his double back on trampoline (two flips in the air), he had lost it and wants to get it back. In addition to visualizing, to be patient, feel safe, and trust the process, we made up this mantra: I want to do the double back and be smart and safe. I will do the double back and be smart and safe. And if I’m not ready, I will do it soon! Sam liked it. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, exhaled, and repeated it 3 times…calmly (for 10-20 seconds). Afterward, he felt much better. The results? It’s working! He feels calmer, he is happier, and he’s making progress.

2.  In order to feel in control, we did an exercise called “I Decide.” I told Sam that adults make most of the decisions in a kid’s life, and that might feel like he’s not in control. “But you definitely get to make decisions,” I said. “What do you get to decide?” He liked this exercise, and though his mom oversees his decisions, here is his list: I DECIDE - to snuggle with my mom, my hairstyle, my clothes, what I eat, when I sleep, how I draw, the music I listen to, summer activities, TV shows, when I pause, take a breath, and focus, when I say “I’m ready” or not… ( What a great list!) Then Sam wrote: “I make decisions and I am intelligent.” And he repeated this out loud three times. This was incredible mental training, he and his mom had fun, and Sam is feeling more in control.

3.  Make a sign! Sam likes the idea of having super powers. Who doesn’t. And he loves to imagine things. So I told him, his IMAGINATION could be his super power. Of course he laughed and loved this. So he made a sign. “I HAVE SUPER POWERS.” I’m telling you, this is the good stuff.

Don’t worry, learn to get calm and practice these wonderful methods. It’s easy, fun, and life-changing. Get Focused and On Fire!

Lisa Mitzel speaks at USAG National Congress, August 9-11, 2019 .
If you’re in the gymnastics world, it is my honor to present an interactive talk at this year’s USA Gymnastics National Congress in Kansas City, called, Visualize, Visualize: The most powerful tool in the Universe. With an added twist, my approach includes learning how to practice s-l-o-w m-o-t-i-o-n imagery, which helps athletes to do precise mental positions, accurate technique, and produce feelings of optimism and being in control. Come to my session and let’s have fun! You can learn it, teach it, and see great results with your gymnasts! The steps are also in my book, Focused and On Fire . So be sure to get a copy, share with parents, and show your athletes!

To book Lisa for your event: www.LisaMitzel.com/speaking/ OR email HeyMitz@gmail.com .
Spotlight: Follow the NBA Championships if you want to learn from a great leader like Steve Kerr

I was so blessed to get Head Coach of the Warriors, Steve Kerr’s endorsement for my book, Focused and Inspired . But what I keep learning from him is how he believes in his players no matter what, and how he affects his entire team. They play easy and cool at the worst moments of pressure. They’re down by 17 points, without two of their best players, pulling guys from the bench, and yet ALL of the guys on the court, and the bench, trust the process and their ability to come back. Together, they are strong. They shake off a miss, look at each other and keep going with hunger and boldness. I am in awe. This is not physical talent. This is the highest level of positive communication and the psychology of coaching. Watch the Warriors in the playoffs, listen to Coach Steve Kerr’s values, seek your own advancement as you guide your athletes. We’re all in this together!

Inspiring Gifts

Focused and On Fire and Focused and Inspired make thoughtful and purposeful gifts for Athletes, Coaches and Parents. We have a Special Offer for the "Lisa Mitzel Pack" of BOTH books for only $35! No promo code needed when ordering online (publisher's website) at: tinyurl.com/LisaMitzelPack
 
Lisa’s Videos  
My short videos spotlight parts of my books, share news, and support YOU in developing self-awareness and being an effective coach or support in guiding athletes. Follow me on: FB, IG @mitzel_coach, and Twitter.
Focused and Inspired is dedicated to every athlete who has ever been hurt by the misuse of power in sports, and especially dedicated to the athlete-survivors of sexual abuse, who are still healing, and who spoke up and shared their stories. You are so brave! Thank you for helping others to speak up and begin to heal.
Get Lisa Mitzel's Books Here!
Get The “Focused” e-Newsletter!
Share it and spread the word, keep athletes safe!