In this solo episode of The Mentally Fit Athlete, I (Dr. Jason Von Stietz) answer a series of questions from high school students taking a sports psychology class. I share practical techniques for handling high-pressure moments, the importance of pre-game routines, and the role of therapy in an athlete's life. I also shares I stay motivated through diverse professional interests, ranging from clinical work to writing about leadership lessons from Star Trek.

Key Discussion Points

• Playing One Pitch at a Time: I outline Ken Ravizza’s a three-step process: control yourself with a slow breath, commit to a simple plan (like a ”line drive up the middle”), and trust yourself to compete without last-minute second-guessing.
• ”Getting Out of Your Head” with Improv: I discuss improv comedy as a tool to help athletes practice being in the moment and tolerating feelings of anxiety or ”cringiness”.
• Designing Your Pre-Game Routine: Athletes are encouraged to develop routines by auditing their best and worst performances to see what preparation works for them. 
• Treating ”Mental and Emotional Injuries”: Just as a sprained ankle requires treatment to recover faster, mental challenges like burnout, performance anxiety, or ADHD benefit from professional support to prevent them from lingering or worsening.
• Having a fun career: Staying engaged in a variety of projects has been key to maintaining  motivation. 

Resources & Links

• Dr. Jason von Stietz:DrJasonvonStietz.com | Instagram: @CBTSportsPsych
• Lidia Garcia, MSW:LidiaGarcia.net
• Recommended Listening: Check out my other podcast, Movie House Sports Psychology, which explores mental health through the lens of popular TV and film
• Special Guest: This episode features a special cameo by Taco the cat.
• Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.