If I could talk to my younger self, I'd say to train mind like you train your body. The mental game lasts longer than the physical one and it shapes everything. In my twenties, I thought grit was enough. I'd power through pain, ignore stress, and measure my value by how much I could push. It worked until it didn't. After one intense regional competition, I couldn't sleep for days. Not from soreness, but from the pressure I had put on myself. I felt like any misstep would erase everything I'd worked for. That was the first time I realized that physical strength means nothing if your head is falling apart. What helped me most was learning to pause. I started journaling each night just a few lines about what I felt, not just what I did. I added meditation, even if just for 5 minutes before a workout. Over time, I stopped tying my identity to a single result. I started enjoying the process again. Today, I teach the athletes we work with at YR Fitness to check in with their minds the same way they warm up their bodies. I tell them that if your self-talk during a session sounds like punishment, you're training the wrong muscle.
If I could give my younger self advice about navigating the mental pressures of professional sports, it would be to prioritize mental health as much as physical training. Early on, I underestimated how much stress and anxiety could impact my performance and overall well-being. What helped me the most was developing a consistent mindfulness practice, which included daily meditation and breathing exercises. This routine taught me to stay present and manage nerves during high-pressure moments. I also learned the importance of seeking support—talking openly with coaches, teammates, or sports psychologists instead of trying to handle everything alone. Lastly, embracing setbacks as part of the growth process was key. Understanding that failure doesn't define me helped reduce the fear of making mistakes, allowing me to perform with greater confidence and resilience. That shift in mindset was truly transformative for both my career and personal life.
I'd tell my younger self to respect both the hunger to win and the fear of failure; they are not opposites, just different voices within. True strength came from recognizing that doubt, anger and insecurity hold power when ignored but offer wisdom when understood. What helped most was returning to a state of mind where things felt clear and grounded, which carried me through the toughest moments.