Why Trying too Hard Hurts Athletic Performance

In this episode, I explain why trying too hard during games can actually hurt your performance. I break down how pressure leads to forcing outcomes, how that creates tension and slows reaction time, and the mindset shift you need to make to play freely and perform at your best in competition.

🧠 Mental Performance Coaching for Athletes:
If you struggle with overthinking during games, feeling tense under pressure, or playing worse in competition than you do in practice, I work with athletes through my 12-week one-on-one mental performance coaching program.
Together, we build the mental skills needed to trust your instincts, stay present, and perform freely in high-pressure moments.

Learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching/

🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why trying to force results leads to worse performance
• How pressure creates tension and blocks your natural ability
• The difference between effort and force during competition
• Why focusing on outcomes takes you out of the present moment
• How tension slows reaction time across all sports
• The mindset shift that helps you play freely and trust your instincts

🧠 If you want to strengthen your mental game and work directly with me, you can learn more about my personalized 1-on-1 mental performance coaching program here: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching

🥇Team Mental Performance Coaching Program: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-coaching-for-teams/

👉 Confident Competitor Academy: Go from playing with fear & anxiety to playing with confidence in just 6 weeks!

👉 Mentally Tough Kid Course

📖 Mind Games Book: https://a.co/d/gXZfORN

📖 Athlete Mental Training Book: https://a.co/d/bfojamY

Free Training: Top 5 Mental Mistakes Athletes Make

*This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute psychological or medical treatment. I am a mental performance coach, not a licensed psychologist. For clinical concerns, consult a licensed professional.