Today, on the Hockey Journey Podcast we have a truly inspiring guest, Kelsey King, a former Division I hockey player turned Mental Performance Coach. Kelsey knows firsthand the challenges student athletes face on and off the ice—having played five years of college hockey, set records at Minnesota State, won a National Championship at Ohio State, and represented the USA Women's National Team. But it's her personal journey through struggles with confidence, mental health, and identity that sets her apart. Kelsey now uses these experiences to empower hockey players and athletes to break through their limitations, sharing powerful strategies for mental toughness and personal growth. One of the most enjoyable episode's I've ever recorded. Inspiring journey, lot's of learning nuggets and to top it off, she's an amazing human being. I know you're going to love this one :) Thanks for stopping by and enjoy this diamond in the rough episode!!

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Mental Skills: Unlocking Peak Performance through Shaun Goodsell’s Approach

In the world of competitive sports, athletes constantly search for ways to improve their physical skills, push their limits, and achieve peak performance. Yet, often, the invisible, internal battle taking place within the mind is the deciding factor between success and failure. I am Shaun Goodsell, a highly respected mental performance coach, and I have dedicated my career to helping athletes sharpen their mental skills, emphasizing the importance of emotional resilience, mental focus, and self-mastery in unlocking their true potential.

My approach is rooted in the belief that success in any sport is not merely the result of physical ability, but a product of the mind’s power to influence outcomes. Let’s explore the key themes that athletes can adopt to strengthen their mental game and thrive under pressure.

1. Emotional Resilience: Turning Setbacks into Growth

One of the...

What does it mean to believe in somebody?

There are many athletes pursuing some kind of dream. This dream could be to go to college and play their sport, move on to play professionally, and finally, get paid to do something they love.

For those of us that work with athletes on a regular basis, how do we communicate a credible, helpful belief in the people we work with without enabling a delusion that can be destructive for years to come?

There seems to be a prevalent idea that says,

“To believe in somebody you have to go along with THEIR ideas regardless of if there is any reliable, tangible, ongoing information to base that belief on.”

Who of us would place our trust in someone that has shown zero evidence of tangible information in the area of hope?

Have we become so disconnected from quality impact on those we love that we have resorted to blind trust? Why do we engage in this? We do it because we are afraid of crushing the spirits of those we love. In essence, we...

The Creative Athlete creates bridges to success and finds ways to play a productive role.

The Disciplined Athlete has the ability to control their thoughts in difficult circumstances.

Rigid vs. Flexible Thinking

Flexible thinking leads to empowered actions.

From our MentalLock series, this video explains the power of focus and includes daily disciplines and practices to improve this skill.

You hear people talk about confidence all the time. Rarely are "they" talking about confidence correctly. Let's dig in and I'll break it down for you in this video.

I was a loose cannon when I first came to the Mental Edge and a bit skeptical until I realized immediately that this was a good thing. Shaun was able to help me with what was biting away at my mind. When I have a kid, I'll just give him Shaun's number and say call him!

How do you handle the heat of the battle? Watch as Shaun breaks down performing under pressure.

Mental Toughness training with Shaun Goodsell of the Mental Edge. Daily leverage on your competition so you can be your best when it counts the most!