PerformHappy with Rebecca Smith

Available Episodes

5 of 190

How to Talk to Your Athlete About Their Sport Without Adding Pressure or Stress
This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m talking directly to sport parents (but athletes, don’t tune out just yet!). I had two parents in our community share the same concern: “I don’t want to say the wrong thing.” They love their kids, they want to help, but they’re afraid they might accidentally be making things worse.So in this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about how to actually support your athlete, without adding pressure, without creating shutdowns, and without walking on eggshells.This is something I dive deep into in my Peak Performance Parenting course, but today I’m giving you the Reader’s Digest version so you can start building trust, connection, and resilience with your athlete right away.Whether you're a parent wondering how to be encouraging without pushing too hard, or an athlete who just wants to feel understood, this conversation is for you.In this episode, Coach Rebecca talks about:The different stages of change, and why “helpful” advice doesn’t always landHow to know when your athlete is ready to talk, and when it’s better to just listenWhy open-ended questions (not lectures!) are your best toolHow to become your athlete’s safe space, even when they’re strugglingWays to build trust outside of sports conversationsWhy empathy goes further than problem-solving“When in doubt, do less. Your job is food, hugs, rides, and tuition. That’s it. Let the rest be about connection, not correction.” – Coach RebeccaLearn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990BurFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/ Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/ Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/Write to me! Email: [email protected] to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com
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Should I Quit? 4 Questions Every Athlete Should Ask Themselves
This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, Coach Rebecca dives into a powerful Q&A session centered around one of the most difficult crossroads in an athlete’s journey—deciding whether to keep going or walk away from their sport. Whether you’re deep in upgrade season, dreading practice, or feeling the spark fade, this episode offers clarity and compassion for athletes (and their parents) navigating burnout, fear, and identity.Coach Rebecca shares personal stories from her own gymnastics career, candid conversations with athletes, and the key questions every gymnast should ask before making a decision they might regret—or celebrate.Whether you're the athlete considering a change, or the parent watching your child wrestle with uncertainty, this episode is a must-listen.In this episode, Coach Rebecca talks about:What to do if you’re falling out of love with your sportThe difference between burnout and being truly doneHow fear, pain, or pressure can cloud your decision-makingWhy it’s okay to redefine what your gymnastics journey looks likeFour essential questions to ask before making a choice to stay or goHow to create your own version of success (even if it doesn’t include leveling up)Tools for finding clarity—especially if college recruiting pressure is weighing you down“If you had no pain, no fear, and no deadlines… would you still love your sport? That answer tells you everything.” – Coach RebeccaLearn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990BurFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/ Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/ Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/Write to me! Email: [email protected] to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com
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3 Hidden Warning Signs You're Accidentally Keeping Your Athlete Stuck in Fear
Has your athlete suddenly developed a fear of a skill they’ve done a hundred times before? You know they can do it physically, but something’s holding them back… and no matter what you try, nothing seems to help.In this week’s PerformHappy podcast episode, I’m diving into three hidden warning signs that you, as a well-meaning parent, might accidentally be keeping your athlete stuck in fear. Maybe you’ve tried everything: encouragement, time off, stepping back, even considering a new sport, but they're still shutting down.This isn’t about blame. It’s about awareness.Because here’s the good news: the way you show up can make a difference. In fact, when you shift your approach, you can have a profound impact on their confidence and ability to overcome fear.Tune in now to find out if you’re part of the problem or the solution and how to make that shift.In this episode, Coach Rebecca talks about:Warning Signs of Overparenting in Athletes The Impact of Parental Pressure on Athletes.Dealing with Parental Impatience.Navigating Parental Concerns and Emotional Regulation.The Mental Block Breakthrough Method.“To overcome mental blocks, you need trust, not motivation.” - Rebecca SmithLearn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990BurFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/ Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/ Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/Write to me! Email: [email protected] to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com
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How I Stopped Pushing and Helped My Athlete Thrive with Susan Bardack
In this week’s PerformHappy Podcast, I’m joined by sport parent and PerformHappy alum, Susan Bardack, for a real, honest conversation about the rollercoaster of raising an athlete.Susan shares her daughter Ashland’s journey from gymnastics to D1 college diving, including how they navigated tough mental blocks and the moment everything shifted—when Susan stopped pushing and started trusting.We talk about the lessons parents often learn the hard way, the impact of pressure (even when it's well-meaning), and how letting go actually helped Ashland find her confidence, joy, and success in sport.If you're a parent trying to support your athlete without adding stress, this episode is for you.In this episode, Coach Rebecca and Susan Bardack talk about:Transition from Gymnastics to Diving.Navigating Mental Blocks in Sports.Finding the Right Coaching Fit.Embracing Patience in Sports.Choosing the Right College Program.The Balance of Support and Independence with an Athlete. Listening to Fears: Acknowledging Emotions in Sports.Finding the Right Sport“It's okay to switch sports.” – Susan BardackI'm teaming up with @nike and @ussportscamps to bring you TWO life-changing Confident Gymnast Camps this summer—and your gymnast is invited! Pittsboro, NC — Unify Athletics | July 19th & 20th. Petaluma, CA — Redwood Empire Gymnastics | August 2nd & 3rd. Spots will go FAST!https://www.ussportscamps.com/welcome/nike-gymnastics-camps-complete-performance-coachingLearn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990BurFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/ Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/ Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/Write to me! Email: [email protected] to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com
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How to Help Your Athlete Manage Disappointment
There’s a specific kind of heartbreak that hits when your child doesn’t get moved up to the next level, especially when all their friends do. You see it in their face. You feel it in the silence on the car ride home. And as a parent, you just want to fix it. You want to make it better; give them hope and tell them to keep pushing. But deep down, you might already know… this just isn’t going to go the way they hoped.In this week’s episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m diving into this all-too-familiar scenario. Whether it’s not moving up, not making the team, or falling short of a goal they’ve worked so hard for, disappointment is part of the journey—and it’s one of the hardest parts to navigate.I’ll share actionable tips to help you show up for your athlete in those tough moments—not with empty encouragement or forced positivity, but with presence, perspective, and support that actually helps them process what they’re going through. Because these are the moments that build mental toughness. Not just for your athlete, but for you, too.If you’ve ever found yourself sitting beside a teary-eyed kid, unsure of what to say or do, this episode is for you. Let’s walk through it together. Listen in now, wherever you get your podcasts.In this episode, Coach Rebecca talks about:Understanding the Athlete's Journey.Navigating Parental Support.Building Resilience Through Experience.The Importance of Emotional Neutrality.Preparing for Life's Challenges.“When a gymnast feels a parent's love is tied to their performance, they start believing mistakes make them less lovable—and that pressure leads to mental blocks.” - Rebecca SmithWant to know exactly what's going on in your gymnast’s brain when she’s stuck—and how to actually help her without making things worse? Click the link to save your spot for my free training for gymnastics moms, where I’ll walk you through the proven 3-step method to rebuild trust and confidence this summer.completeperformancecoaching.com/freeLearn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990BurFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/ Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/ Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/Write to me! Email: [email protected] to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com
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About PerformHappy with Rebecca Smith

I’m Rebecca Smith, your podcast host, and High Performance Coach. I’m Director of Complete Performance Coaching and founder of The #PerformHappy Community.Maybe you’re a gymnast with a fear of going backwards. A swimmer who can’t seem to go any faster. Or a parent who is clueless about how to help your child succeed. You might be stepping up to tougher competition and looking to raise your game. Whether you're struggling with a mental block, or you just had the best season of your life, this podcast is for you.Kids need resources to deal with the pressure of competition, but they don’t necessarily want it to be their coach or parents.I teach parents, coaches, and adolescent/teen athletes of all abilities how to achieve their personal best. These are the tips and mental toughness strategies that my clients tell me help them most.I also provide insights for parents and coaches who want to support their kids and their teams.Performing well is a blend of hard work, skill and mental toughness. I’ll teach you how to use all 3 to be the best athlete you can, and have FUN competing in your sport. Mental skills translate to all areas of your life. When kids learn skills to cope with stress & emotion in a sport context, they become better prepared to thrive in school and beyond.Join me each week as I help people reach peak performance and maximum enjoyment.

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