High Performance Mindset | Learn from World-Class Leaders, Consultants, Athletes & Coaches about Mindset

"Let them judge. Let them misunderstand. Let them doubt you." – Mel Robbins
 
After seeing Mel Robbins live, I left with three questions I can't stop thinking about:
👉 What if nothing in your life changed in 5 years?
👉What's your Plan B?
👉And… what would you do if you didn't care what people thought?
 
In this episode, we unpack how these questions reveal what you really want and what's holding you back.
Inspired by Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans.
 
💬 Power Phrase: "Let them think what they want, I'll focus on becoming who I'm meant to."
 
To download our full study report, visit: confidencestudy.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/
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, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with Maximilian (Max) Pollack—a Cognitive Performance Specialist supporting U.S. Special Operations—to explore what it truly takes to think clearly, stay composed, and execute under extreme pressure.
Drawing from his work with elite military operators, Max shares a powerful perspective: high performance isn't just about toughness—it's about training your mind and body to work together when it matters most. His expertise sits at the intersection of psychology, physiology, and performance, helping individuals regulate stress, sharpen attention, and make better decisions in high-stakes environments.
Throughout the conversation, Max introduces the concept of being "introspective about your perspective," and explains how elite performers build awareness, control their internal state, and lead their thinking—especially when everything around them feels chaotic. He breaks down what separates the mentally elite from others, highlighting the importance of emotional regulation, intentional self-talk, and the ability to downshift in moments of intensity.
You'll also hear practical tools you can apply immediately—including breathing techniques for rapid regulation, the role of biofeedback in building awareness, and how to "be the commander of your brain" through intentional self-talk. Max emphasizes that lessons are everywhere—if you're willing to reflect, learn, and apply them.
This episode is a masterclass in cognitive performance—showing you how to build clarity, confidence, and control so you can perform at your best, especially when the pressure is highest.
You'll Learn:
• What separates mentally elite performers in high-stakes environments
• How to regulate stress and stay composed under pressure
• The power of "introspective about your perspective"
• A simple breathing tool to downshift and regain control
• How imagery and biofeedback can enhance performance
• Why self-talk is critical—and how to "command your brain"
• One key strategy to perform more consistently when it matters most
Episode Resources & Links
Watch the Mental Performance Summit:
https://mentalperformancesummit.org/

Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute:
https://mentallystronginstitute.com/
Download the National Confidence Research Study:
https://confidencestudy.com/
Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach:
https://freementalbreakthroughcall.com/
Follow Max on LinkedIn: Maximilian Pollack, CMPC, BCB | LinkedIn

What if the fastest way to change how you feel… isn't changing your situation, but changing your focus?
 
In this episode, Dr. Kamphoff shares how one simple shift in attention can instantly move you from frustration to clarity and confidence. When you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or "off," it's often not your circumstances, it's where your mind is pointing.
 
Learn how to take back control of your mental spotlight and direct it toward what fuels you.
 
🔑 In this episode:
Why your focus determines your feelings
How to break free from negative spirals quickly
The power of asking better questions to shift your mindset
A simple reset you can use anytime to feel more in control
 
💬 Power Phrase:
"I protect my focus. I choose to ask myself powerful questions to change how I feel."
 
To download our full study report, visit: confidencestudy.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/
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, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with mental performance coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Lauren Johnson & Co, Lauren Johnson, to explore what it really means to become elite by choice.
Lauren shares the pivotal story that shaped her career. After a job opportunity fell through, she found herself working at Starbucks, questioning her direction and waiting for something to change. A blunt interaction with a customer became the turning point. It forced her to recognize that she was waiting for opportunities instead of creating them.
From that moment, everything shifted. Lauren began taking ownership of her path, building her own consulting work from the ground up, which eventually led to working with the New York Yankees and some of the highest-performing athletes in the world.
At the center of this conversation is a simple but powerful idea. People don't become average because of their ability. They become average because of their actions.
Lauren explains how daily decisions shape long-term performance, especially in moments of adversity. She breaks down why high performers don't wait for perfect conditions, how they respond when things don't go as planned, and what it looks like to take full responsibility for your growth.
This episode is a direct reminder that elite performance isn't random or reserved for a few. It's built through consistent, intentional decisions over time.
You'll Learn:
• What "elite by choice" really means and how to apply it daily • Why average results come from average actions, not lack of talent • The moment that can shift you from waiting to taking control • How to respond to adversity instead of backing away from it • Why creating your own opportunities is critical for growth • How small, consistent decisions compound into long-term success • The mindset shift that separates high performers from everyone else
Lauren is also a featured speaker at the upcoming Mental Performance Summit, where she'll expand on these ideas and share practical strategies to help you take ownership of your performance and raise your standards.
👉 Learn more and register here: www.mentalperformancesummit.org
 
 
Episode Resources & Links
Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute:
https://mentallystronginstitute.com/
Register for the Mental Performance Summit: www.mentalperformancesummit.org
Learn more about Lauren here: www.laurenjohnsonandco.com
Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with Dr. Cindra or her team:
https://freementalbreakthroughcall.com/
Download our Confidence Research Study:
https://confidencestudy.com/

In this episode of The High Performance Mindset, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff sits down with Zach Brandon—performance and leadership coach, former Head of Mental Performance and Coach Development for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and founder of MVP Mindset Consulting—to explore what it really takes to thrive at a high level without sacrificing wellbeing.
Drawing from his experience working with elite athletes, coaches, and leaders, Zach shares a powerful perspective: high performance isn't just about winning more—it's also about living better. He challenges the idea that success and wellbeing are mutually exclusive and instead offers a framework for pursuing both with intention.
Throughout the conversation, Zach breaks down what separates great coaches and leaders from the rest—especially when it comes to building belief, confidence, and trust within teams. He explains how the best performers respond under pressure, why identity plays a critical role in performance, and what it truly means to "lead yourself first."
You'll also hear practical tools from his "Coach's Playbook," including strategies to reset after mistakes, quiet the inner critic, and help individuals move through plateaus. Zach emphasizes that growth starts with awareness—and that small, intentional shifts in mindset can create powerful momentum.
This episode is a reminder that sustainable success is built from the inside out. When you strengthen how you think, lead, and respond, you don't just perform better—you live better, too.
You'll Learn:
• What drives high performance at the elite level
• How great coaches build belief and confidence in others
• What separates those who rise under pressure from those who shrink
• A practical tool to improve how you show up immediately
• How to reset after mistakes and manage your inner critic
• Why leading yourself first is essential for leading others
• How identity shapes performance—and how to intentionally build it
Zach is also a featured speaker at the upcoming Mental Performance Summit, where he'll share more in his session: "The Coach's Playbook: Strategies for Winning More and Living Well."
👉 Learn more and register here: www.mentalperformancesummit.org
 
 
Episode Resources & Links
Learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute:
https://mentallystronginstitute.com/
Register for the Mental Performance Summit: www.mentalperformancesummit.org
Follow Zach Brandon on X: (4) Zach Brandon (@MVP_Mindset) / X
Request a Free Mental Breakthrough Call with Dr. Cindra or her team:
https://freementalbreakthroughcall.com/
Download our Confidence Research Study:
https://confidencestudy.com/