How to Build a Strong Pre-Performance Routine (Mental Training for Athletes)

How to Build a Strong Pre-Performance Routine (Mental Training for Athletes)

14:53 Feb 23, 2026
About this episode
What is the best way to build a strong, repeatable pre-performance routine as an athlete?In this episode, mental performance coach Eli Straw explains how to create a pre-game mental routine that helps you feel confident, focused, present, and ready to compete. A strong pre-performance routine does not guarantee perfect results, but it gives you a consistent mindset so you can perform at your best under pressure.You will learn how to identify your ideal competitive mindset, choose the right mental training tools, and build a routine that works for your personality, sport, and level of play. Eli also shares a simple sample pre-performance routine that athletes can begin using immediately.In this episode, you’ll learn:What a pre-performance routine is and why it improves consistencyHow to develop the right competitive mindset for your personalityThe three core goals of a strong pre-game routine: readiness, presence, and letting goMental training tools you can use, including mindfulness, breathing, visualization, self-talk, journaling, and controllable goalsA simple, proven pre-performance routine used by athletes across many sportsHow routines build confidence, focus, and emotional control during competitionThis episode is for athletes who struggle with nerves, inconsistency, pressure, or feeling mentally unprepared before competition and want to develop a reliable mental routine.Work With Eli Straw (Mental Performance Coaching)If you want help building your own personalized pre-performance routine and strengthening your mental game, learn more about Eli’s 12-week 1-on-1 mental performance coaching program below.Inside the program:Mental game assessmentPersonalized mental training planWeekly coaching sessionsMental skills training and exercisesOngoing support between sessionsLearn more here: https://www.successstartswithin.com/mental-performance-coaching/ ? 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 Tou
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