Back to the Basics: What Every Athlete Should Know
- Megan Monfredi
- Jan 23
- 2 min read
By Coach Megan
What exactly is the “mental game,” and why does it matter for athletes?
The mental game is the part of an athlete’s craft that often gets overlooked. Most of the focus tends to be on the physical side of sport—strength training, skills practice, and consistency. But here’s the truth: everything we do starts in the brain. If we expect to succeed, why not train our minds the same way we train our bodies?
Why the Mental Game Matters
The first step to developing your mental game is understanding that your mind needs attention just as much as your body. Mental training isn’t just for moments of struggle or when obstacles show up. Think about it: do you only practice your sport when things aren’t going well? Of course not—you practice consistently to get better and to reach new heights. The same principle applies to mental skills. Training your mind all the time, not just in tough moments, is what helps athletes perform with confidence, resilience, and focus.
How to Get Started
Many athletes don’t know where to begin when it comes to mental training, and that’s okay—it can feel overwhelming at first. But beginning is the most important step. A great starting point is goal setting.
Set one physical goal for the season (e.g., make the playoffs).
Set one mental goal for the season (e.g., improve daily attitude and mindset).
Once you’ve written down your goals, you can build momentum by focusing on three key practices:
Reflect – Notice your habits, both physical and mental, throughout the season. What patterns show up for you?
Journal – Track your progress daily or weekly. Writing things down helps you process your experiences and recognize growth.
Take Action – Use your reflections and journaling to plan your next steps. How will you shift your mindset in the next practice? What specific actions will you take physically or mentally?
Your mental game is just as trainable as your physical game. By taking small, consistent steps—like setting goals, reflecting, journaling, and taking action—you can start to build a strong foundation. This is just the starting point. There are many other strategies you can add in along the way to strengthen your mental game, handle challenges as they arise, and maintain a good flow throughout your season. Train your mind the way you train your body, and you’ll be better prepared to handle challenges, stay focused, and perform at your best.
Megan Monfredi, M.S.
Mental Performance Coach
Psych Me Up Consulting
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