EP. 94: Dr. Nate Zinsser: The Confident Mind: A Battle-Tested Guide to Unshakable Performance
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What can Eli Manning’s former coach teach us about confidence and un unshakable performance… investing is very much an emotional, inner game, where lack of confidence, doubt, and worry can get in the way of execution and success.
My guest today is the director of West Point’s influential Performance Psychology Program. He is about to share with you, my dear listeners, the secrets of mental toughness and self-belief building and mastering CONFIDENCE, the key to performance in any field.
When I came across the book and work of my today’s guest, I knew I had to sit down and talk to him more, and with a little bit of luck and his great generosity, record this very special hour-long conversation that made me think, and act differently since we spoke.
Doctor Nate Zinsser is a renowned performance psychology expert who has taught three generations of soldiers, athletes, and executives to master the art of confidence and mental toughness. Dr. Zinsser is the director of the Performance Psychology Program at the United States Military Academy at West Point, the most comprehensive mental-training program in the country, where, since 1992, he has helped prepare cadets for leadership in the U.S. Army. He also has been the sport-psychology mentor for numerous elite athletes, including two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning and the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, as well as many Olympians and NCAA champions. He has been a consultant for the FBI Academy, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, and the New York City Fire Department. He earned his PhD in sport psychology from the University of Virginia.
Dr Z’s wonderful book is called: **The Confident Mind: A Battle-Tested Guide to Unshakable Performance —** I read it in over a few evenings, and I could barely put it down.
Today, we discuss how confidence is about how we think about what happens to us, not what actually happens. Dr. Z. shares that the 'first victory' is winning in your mind before taking action.
My guest emphasizes that practice brings inconsistent and delayed returns, but it is crucial for improvement. We explore that societal factors often undermine confidence and discourage uniqueness.
Our discussion highlights that patience is necessary in the pursuit of improvement. Be patient and trust the process, as consistent practice leads to growth and progress. Dr. Z. suggests that you find joy in the journey and take pride in the quality of your work and the progress you make.
Today we learn that depositing positive thoughts and memories in your mental bank account builds confidence and certainty. Our conversation reveals that you should view setbacks as isolated incidents and temporary experiences, rather than judgments of your abilities.
My guest points out that you can use memories of effort, success, and progress as cleaner burning fuel for motivation. Dr. Z. advises that you strive for excellence without demanding perfection and focus on doing the best you can with what you have.
Stay tuned until the end when my guest concludes that success is defined as self-satisfaction derived from knowing you did your best with the tools and talents you have.
Podcast Program – Disclosure Statement
Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm’s employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.
Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.
Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.