625: How to Be an Optimist

In today's episode, Cindra and Lisa talk about the timeless truth of high performance: You don't build confidence by eliminating fear. You build confidence by moving with it. Inspired by Dr. Susan Jeffers' classic book Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway (1987), this conversation explores why fear shows up, how it impacts performance, and how the world's best learn to step toward what scares them instead of stepping back.     What We Talk About in This Episode 1. Why Fear Is Universal — and Why This Topic Matters Fear is the #1 barrier to our potential. And as Dr. Susan Jeffers taught decades ago, fear never fully goes away. Instead, confidence grows when we act in spite of it. Courage isn't about being fearless—it's about moving forward with fear in hand.   2. A Story About Fear on the Court Cindra shares the story of a college volleyball player moments before a championship match—shaking hands, tight stomach, racing thoughts. She feared missing a serve. She feared letting her team down. And she walked onto the court anyway. That act of courage allowed her to deliver one of the best serves of her season. The lesson: fear doesn't disqualify you. It prepares you.   3. How Coaching Helps You Work Through Fear Every coaching client—executives, athletes, leaders—hits a wall of fear when they stretch themselves. Coaching helps you name the fear, normalize it, and learn tools to navigate it so you can keep moving toward who you're meant to become.   4. Where Your Mind Goes When You're Afraid Fear doesn't live in the present. It lives in the future. Fear is your mind projecting a worst-case scenario, pulling you out of the moment. Research shows that when we anticipate threats, our working memory, decision-making, and performance all take a hit. Your best performance? It always happens in the present moment.   5. Why Embracing Fear Is Important for Growth The things you fear often reveal the places you're meant to grow. And research backs this: studies from Harvard Business School show that when people reframe anxiety as excitement, they perform significantly better—whether in public speaking, singing, or even difficult math tasks. The goal isn't to eliminate fear. It's to choose courage anyway.   6. The Difference Between Fear and Courage Fear is a feeling. Courage is an action. You can't experience courage without fear—fear is the doorway. When Cindra wrote her first book, she was terrified no one would read it. But she knew she was supposed to write it. So she moved toward what scared her. That's courage.   Today's Big Takeaway: The world's best don't wait to feel fearless. They feel the fear—and do it anyway. Fear becomes a signal that they're doing something meaningful and important.   This Week's Power Phrase: "I lean into the fear — and let courage lead."   To Request a Free Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach, visit: http://www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com/ To learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute, visit: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/ To learn about Dr. Cindra Kamphoff's speaking and coaching, visit: https://cindrakamphoff.com/ To follow Dr. Cindra on Instagram, visit: Cindra Kamphoff, PhD (@cindrakamphoff) • Instagram photos and videos

Today on the High Performance Mindset, I'm joined by someone who has spent his entire life helping people work with their natural strengths instead of fighting against them. David Kolbe, CEO of Kolbe Corp, has literally grown up inside the Kolbe Concept — a system that helps leaders, teams, and organizations unlock instinctive strengths and achieve sustainable productivity. David is an author, strategist, and the visionary behind many of Kolbe Corp's most transformative tools, including the original algorithm for the Kolbe A Index. Over the years, he has helped thousands of professionals redesign the way they hire, collaborate, and lead by tapping into the way people naturally take action. His background is rare: part attorney, part economist, part innovation architect. You're about to learn why working with your natural instincts can change everything — your productivity, your energy, and your results. I can't wait for you to hear this conversation. Alright…let's jump into my interview with David Kolbe. You are going to love this one! HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE 🔹 Learn more about David Kolbe and the Kolbe A Index: www.kolbe.com/strategic-coach/ 🔹 Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with Dr. Cindra and/or her team: www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com 🔹 Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute: mentallystronginstitute.com Love the show? Rate and review the podcast—and you might hear your name on the next episode!

If you've ever ended a day exhausted but unclear on what you actually accomplished, this episode is for you. Overwhelm and busyness have become the new norm. Many of us confuse being busy with being productive—which leaves us drained, and doubting ourselves.   In today's episode, Cindra and Lisa explore the mental game of prioritization and how high performers stay focused on what truly matters. You'll learn why prioritization is so hard, how clarity and completion fuel confidence, and what mindset shift is necessary to create real work–life harmony.   We also share two practical tools you can start today:   ⭐ The One Thing Question Ask yourself: "What is the one thing that, if I did it today, would make the biggest impact?" This question cuts through noise, strengthens self-trust, and builds confidence.   🚫 The Not-To-Do List High performers don't just plan what to do—they intentionally choose what to stop doing. You'll learn 3 things to remove that instantly protect your time and focus. We close with four powerful coaching questions to help you lead your day with clarity and intention. High performers don't do more — they do what matters most.   ✨ Key Takeaways Busyness isn't a badge of honor—clarity is. Completion builds confidence; overwhelm drains it. Protecting your time is a leadership skill. Rest isn't a reward — it fuels performance. Power Phrase of the Week: "Today, I do the work that truly moves me forward"   Quote of the Week: "Either you run the day, or the day runs you." — Jim Rohn   To Request a Free Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach, visit: http://www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com/ To learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute, visit: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/ To learn about Dr. Cindra Kamphoff's speaking and coaching, visit: https://cindrakamphoff.com/ To follow Dr. Cindra on Instagram, visit: Cindra Kamphoff, PhD (@cindrakamphoff) • Instagram photos and videos

In today's episode, Dr. Cindra is joined by Dr. Karen MacNeill — former Team Canada athlete and world-renowned mental performance consultant who has supported Olympians, executives, and high-pressure teams across multiple Olympic Games. Karen shares what competing taught her that no textbook ever could, and takes us inside the "pressure ecosystem" of the Olympic Games — revealing what athletes, coaches, and staff need most when the lights are brightest. She and Cindra discuss practical, in-the-moment resets to stay grounded under pressure, the most common thinking traps before big moments, and the habits that transfer from sport to business… plus the ones that don't. You'll walk away with simple and powerful strategies to settle your mind, disrupt unhelpful thinking, and perform with intention when it counts — whether you're on the field, in the arena, or in the boardroom. If you want more confidence, resilience, and clarity under pressure — this episode is a must-listen. HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET SHOWNOTES FOR THIS EPISODE 🔹Learn more about Karen MacNeill and Her Work https://macneillperformance.com/ 🔹To Request a Free Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach, visit: http://www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com/ 🔹To learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute, visit: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/ Love the show? Rate and review the podcast—and you might hear your name on the next episode!

In this episode, Dr. Cindra and Lisa explore one of the greatest drivers of motivation, resilience, and fulfillment: your WHY. Every one of us knows what we do in work and life…but very few of us stay deeply connected to the purpose behind it. When we lose sight of our why, stress rises and joy fades. When we own our why, we push through challenges, show up energized, and feel aligned with what truly matters.   What You'll Learn • Why purpose fuels confidence, performance, and grit • The difference between WHAT you do and WHY you do it • Why chasing only results can leave high achievers feeling empty • How elite performers flip the script using the Why ➜ How ➜ What approach • A simple exercise to uncover the deeper meaning behind your goals • How to communicate and live your why daily   The "So That…" Exercise Cindra guides you through a powerful reflection tool: 1️⃣ Write down what you do 2️⃣ Add "so that…" six times to dig deeper into your true purpose This exercise reveals what really drives you…and reminds you who you're becoming in the process.   Key Insight Purpose doesn't just inspire you on the good days. Purpose gives you the fire to keep going on the hard days.   Power Phrase of the Week: "I own my why. My purpose fuels me every single day."   To Request a Free Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach, visit: http://www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com/ To learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute, visit: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/ To learn about Dr. Cindra Kamphoff's speaking and coaching, visit: https://cindrakamphoff.com/ To follow Dr. Cindra on Instagram, visit: Cindra Kamphoff, PhD (@cindrakamphoff) • Instagram photos and videos  

Opening Quote: "Don't let the noise of others' negativity drown out your inner voice." — Steve Jobs Overview: In this episode, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff and Lisa explore how to rise above negativity—both from within and from others. Whether it's the self-criticism that follows a mistake or the draining energy of negative people, negativity can quietly chip away at our confidence and performance. Cindra explains the science behind our natural negativity bias and shares practical strategies to help you retrain your mind to focus on what fuels you, not what frustrates you.   What You'll Learn: 🔍The Science Behind Negativity — Why our brains are wired to focus on the negative and how understanding this bias helps you take back control of your mindset. 🧠 The Confidence Drain — How unchecked negativity slowly erodes confidence and creates subtle "leaks" in your energy, focus, and belief in yourself. 🛡️ Two Practical Tools to Reframe Negativity: • Guard Your Mind: You may not be able to control your first thought, but you always have the power to choose the second. • The 12-Second Rule: Learn to pause and fully savor positive moments for at least twelve seconds to help your brain store them as lasting confidence. 🌤️ Managing Negative Energy — Strategies for staying grounded and positive when surrounded by criticism or negativity from others. ⚡ Spotting and Resetting — How to recognize when negativity is taking over and use simple techniques to reset your focus and mindset quickly.   Key Insights: Negativity isn't the enemy—it's a signal. Awareness is your superpower. You can train your brain to see the good and build confidence one thought at a time. Power Phrase of the Week "I choose to rise above the noise and live my day with positivity and purpose." To  Request a Free Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach, visit: http://www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com/ To learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute, visit: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/ To learn about Dr. Cindra Kamphoff's speaking and coaching, visit: https://cindrakamphoff.com/ To follow Dr. Cindra on Instagram, visit: Cindra Kamphoff, PhD (@cindrakamphoff) • Instagram photos and videos

In this episode, we dive into the power of grit—the ability to keep showing up, stay committed, and persevere even when things get tough. Grit is more than talent or luck; it's the number one predictor of long-term success in life, work, and sport. You'll hear the inspiring story of J.K. Rowling, who overcame rejection and struggle before building one of the most successful book series in history. We'll explore why grit matters, how it shows up in athletics and everyday life, and most importantly, how you can strengthen your own grit to achieve your long-term vision.  Grit is the difference between giving up and breaking through.    What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why grit matters more than instant success or raw talent How athletes and high performers use grit to overcome setbacks The four things to remember about grit: clarity, purpose, positive emotions, and self-compassion Practical strategies to build grit in your own life Quote of the Week: "Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." — Winston Churchill Power Phrase of the Week: "I am gritty. I persevere with passion, purpose, and persistence." To  Request a Free Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach, visit: http://www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com/ To learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute, visit: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/ To learn about Dr. Cindra Kamphoff's speaking and coaching, visit: https://cindrakamphoff.com/ To follow Dr. Cindra on Instagram, visit: Cindra Kamphoff, PhD (@cindrakamphoff) • Instagram photos and videos

In this episode of the High Performance Mindset podcast, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with Victoria Rennoldson, an award-winning coach, speaker, and facilitator specializing in global leadership, communication, and cultural intelligence. As the CEO and Founder of Culture Cuppa and host of a top-ranked podcast with over 145 episodes, Victoria shares practical wisdom on how leaders can communicate confidently and collaborate effectively across cultures.   Cindra and Victoria explore what it truly means to be a global leader in today's interconnected world—debunking common myths about cross-cultural communication and discussing how to build cultural agility. Victoria also opens up about the mindset shifts that have shaped her journey as an entrepreneur and offers powerful takeaways for professionals who want to lead and perform with impact on the global stage.   You'll learn strategies for communicating under pressure, habits that help leaders grow globally, and the critical role self-awareness plays in leadership success. Plus, Victoria gives us a sneak peek at her upcoming book, launching in November 2025, and shares the life lesson that has stayed with her from working across cultures.   Connect with Victoria Rennoldson Website: culturecuppa.com Podcast: Culture Cuppa Podcast Book: culturecuppa.com/book LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson To  Request a Free Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach, visit: http://www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com/ To learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute, visit: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/ To learn about Dr. Cindra Kamphoff's speaking and coaching, visit: https://cindrakamphoff.com/ To follow Dr. Cindra on Instagram, visit: Cindra Kamphoff, PhD (@cindrakamphoff) • Instagram photos and videos

In this episode, Dr. Cindra dive into one of the biggest barriers to confidence and high performance: the inner critic. You know that harsh voice that nitpicks, second-guesses, and drains your energy? Learn how to recognize it, challenge it, and replace it with empowering self-talk that fuels your purpose and potential.   Dr. Cindra shares a real coaching story of an NFL kicker who learned to notice, name, and swap his inner critic — transforming his mindset and performance. You'll walk away with practical strategies to calm your body, reframe your thoughts, and strengthen your belief system.   Key Takeaways: Everyone has an inner critic — it's human, not a flaw. The three steps to manage it: Notice it, Name it, Normalize it. Use The Truth Meter to test your thoughts: "Is this true? Is it serving me? What's a more empowering thought?" Small, consistent mental reps create lasting confidence. Remember: your inner critic is loud, not accurate.   Power Phrase of the Week: "My self-talk builds me, not breaks me."   Quote to Reflect On: "You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you." — James Allen   To  Request a Free Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach, visit: http://www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com/ To learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute, visit: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/ To learn about Dr. Cindra Kamphoff's speaking and coaching, visit: https://cindrakamphoff.com/ To follow Dr. Cindra on Instagram, visit: Cindra Kamphoff, PhD (@cindrakamphoff) • Instagram photos and videos

What separates good teams from great ones? It's not just talent or IQ—it's the culture they create together. In this episode of The High Performance Mindset Podcast, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff shares the mental strategies and research that reveal why the best teams think differently. You'll discover why positivity and psychological safety are essential for high performance and how you can lead yourself and others with a stronger, more confident mindset.   Dr. Cindra unpacks Google's Project Aristotle and Barbara Fredrickson's research on the Positivity Ratio, showing that positivity isn't just a feel-good idea—it's a practice that fuels resilience, grit, and innovation. High-performing teams and individuals intentionally build trust, recognize effort, and focus more on what's going right than what's going wrong. That's what it means to be mentally strong.   What You'll Learn in This Episode: In this episode, you'll learn why your mindset and words directly shape your team's performance and how the science of positivity fuels resilience, grit, and innovation. Cindra will walk you through strategies to master your thoughts so you can create the conditions for confidence, along with a practical tool—the "five-to-one rule"—to transform your culture and relationships. You'll also leave with a Power Phrase to help you own the moment and lead with positivity.   This Week's Power Phrase: "I build my confidence and my team's success by choosing positivity."   This Week's Quote: "people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care" - Theodore Roosevelt   Want a breakthrough? Request your free call at freementalbreakthroughcall.com to learn how we can help you or your team build belief and confidence that sticks.