PerformHappy with Rebecca Smith

Rebecca Smith
  • 4.8 (41)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 1d ago

    How to Build Champions Without Breaking Them With Illinois Coach Josh Nilson

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with Illinois head gymnastics coach Josh Nilson to talk about building champions without breaking them, creating healthy team cultures, and helping young athletes perform at a high level while still loving their sport. Josh shares lessons from his coaching career and explains why being a successful coach is about so much more than winning. Josh opens up about the importance of putting humans first, why an athlete’s value has nothing to do with gymnastics, and how coaches can challenge athletes without pushing them to a breaking point. We also talk about mental blocks, building confidence, communication, handling pressure, and why going back to the basics can help athletes overcome challenges. For parents, Josh shares an important reminder about supporting a young gymnast’s dreams without pushing so hard that they forget why they love the sport. We also talk about the character traits that matter beyond talent, including determination, communication, work ethic, and being a good teammate. In this episode you will hear  Why an athlete’s worth is bigger than their gymnastics How to build high-performing athletes in a healthy environment Why parents should protect their child’s love for the sport The importance of communication and self-advocacy How coaches can challenge athletes without breaking them Why character and work ethic can matter more than talent How to help gymnasts handle pressure and nervous-system responsesThis conversation is a powerful reminder that the goal isn't just to build great gymnasts. It's to help young athletes become confident, resilient people who can love the sport while they pursue big goals. Learn 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/g990Bur Follow 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: rebecca@completeperformancecoaching.com Ready 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

  2. Aug 11

    Doing It for YOU- Chloe Cho on Mental Blocks, Grief, and Trusting Your Voice

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with college gymnast Chloe Cho to talk about mental blocks, grief, trusting your voice, and learning to make gymnastics a choice that belongs to you. Chloe shares her journey through elite gymnastics, the mental challenges she faced, and how losing her dad during her freshman year changed the way she thought about gymnastics and her own identity. Chloe opens up about hearing people tell her she needed to keep doing gymnastics for her dad, and the moment she realized that she couldn't do the sport for someone else. She explains why choosing gymnastics for herself didn't mean shutting other people out, but instead meant understanding that the decision to keep going had to be hers. We also talk about mental blocks, learning to accept difficult days, and shifting from asking “why do I feel this way?” to focusing on what you can give today. Chloe shares why protecting your love for gymnastics matters, why young athletes deserve to listen to themselves, and how learning to trust your own voice can carry far beyond the gym. In this episode you will hear Why gymnastics needs to be your choiceHow grief can change your relationship with sportWhy mental blocks don't mean something is wrong with youThe importance of listening to your own voiceHow athletes can protect their love for gymnasticsWhy doing your best doesn't have to mean being perfectThis conversation is a powerful reminder that gymnastics can be something you share with the people who support you, while still being something you choose for yourself. Learn 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/g990Bur Follow 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: rebecca@completeperformancecoaching.com Ready 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

  3. Aug 4

    If You’re Struggling with Mental Blocks, Don’t Quit Yet! With Cecilia Cooley

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with college gymnast Cecilia Cooley to talk about mental blocks, rebuilding confidence, overcoming fear, and learning not to give up on yourself when gymnastics starts to feel impossible. Cecilia shares her unconventional journey from starting gymnastics later than most to becoming a college gymnast, captain, and scholarship athlete. She opens up about struggling with mental blocks across multiple events, feeling like her body and brain were no longer working together, and reaching a point where practice felt exhausting and she considered quitting. Cecilia explains how working with a sports psychologist helped her put words to what she was experiencing and gave her practical tools to move forward. She shares the “billboard strategy,” which helped her learn that she could notice fearful thoughts without automatically believing them. We also talk about rebuilding skills from the basics, using keywords and visual cues, learning when to take a step back, and why listening to your brain can actually help you move forward faster. In this episode you will hear Why mental blocks do not mean you are brokenHow to work with fearful thoughts instead of fighting themWhy taking a step back can help you move forwardHow keywords and visual cues can help during skillsWhy overcoming a mental block takes patienceHow hard experiences can build confidence and perseveranceWhy you should not give up before getting the right supportThis conversation is a powerful reminder that a mental block does not have to be the end of your gymnastics journey. Sometimes the path forward starts with slowing down, getting help, and rebuilding your trust in yourself one small step at a time. Learn 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/g990Bur Follow 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: rebecca@completeperformancecoaching.com Ready 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

  4. Jul 28

    When Your Child’s Dreams Become Your Identity- A Conversation for Sport Moms with Monica Packer

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with Monica Packer, a habits and identity coach for moms, to talk about perfectionism, identity, and what it means to support your child's dreams without losing yourself in the process. Many sport moms are doing everything they can to help their children succeed. But sometimes, without realizing it, we begin to tie our worth to our children's achievements. When their dreams become our identity, perfectionism, pressure, and burnout can quietly take over. Monica shares why perfectionism is really a misplacement of identity and how placing our self-worth on outcomes can affect both parents and young athletes. She explains why progress is more sustainable than perfection and why being a good mom doesn't mean becoming the perfect mom. We also talk about the messages we send our athletes through what we praise, what we post on social media, and how we respond to mistakes and setbacks. Monica reminds us that our children don't need us to be perfect. They need us to show up as ourselves. In this episode, you will hear: • Why perfectionism is a misplacement of identity • How parents can unintentionally place their worth on their child's outcomes • Why progress matters more than perfection • How to support big dreams without losing yourself • What young athletes learn from the way we talk about success and failure • Why doing what is right and good for you is also good for your kids This conversation is a powerful reminder that your worth is not determined by outcomes, yours or your child's. When we let go of perfection and embrace progress, we create space for both ourselves and our athletes to thrive. Learn 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/g990Bur Follow 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: rebecca@completeperformancecoaching.com Ready 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

  5. Jul 21

    When Anxiety Hits on the Biggest Stage… How Ella Zirbes Found Joy Again

    This episode of the Perform Happy Podcast is a reminder that even the athletes who look the most confident can struggle with anxiety, pressure, and self-doubt. I sit down with University of Utah gymnast Ella Zirbes to talk about finding joy in gymnastics again after anxiety took away the fun of competing on some of the biggest stages of her career.  Ella shares how the pressure to be perfect left her feeling overwhelmed during her sophomore season and what helped her make a complete mindset shift. Through sports psychology, gratitude, and learning to stop performing for other people's approval, she rediscovered what it means to compete for herself and her team.  We also talk about comparison, injuries, college recruiting pressure, and why athletes don't need to become someone else to succeed. Ella shares the lessons she learned from setbacks, why your sport should never define your worth, and how doing your own gymnastics is often the best thing you can do under pressure.  In this episode you will hear:  How gratitude can help reframe anxiety before competition  Why trying to be perfect often creates more pressure  How to stop comparing yourself to other athletes  Why your self-worth should never depend on your performance  What parents and coaches can do to help athletes feel supported  Why consistency and trusting your preparation matter most on competition day  How finding joy in your sport can improve both performance and confidence This conversation is a powerful reminder that anxiety doesn't mean you're not capable. Sometimes, the biggest breakthrough comes when you stop chasing perfection and start appreciating the opportunity to do what you love.  Learn 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/g990Bur Follow 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: rebecca@completeperformancecoaching.com Ready 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

  6. Jul 14

    How to Perform Scared, Trust Yourself, and Deliver Under Pressure with Abigayle Martin

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with NCAA gymnast Abigayle Martin to talk about performing scared, overcoming mental blocks, trusting yourself under pressure, and finding what helps you compete with confidence. Abby shares how a mental block at 10 years old shaped the athlete she is today and why learning to work with fear, instead of waiting for it to disappear, changed everything. Abby opens up about competing at the highest levels of college gymnastics while still feeling nervous before routines. She explains why fear is a normal part of performance, how she developed her own mental routines, and why young athletes should never feel like they have to do things exactly the way everyone else does. We also talk about the importance of communicating with coaches, advocating for yourself, and learning what helps you perform your best. In this episode you will hear: Why it's okay to perform scaredHow mental blocks can become opportunities for growthThe importance of finding a mental routine that works for youWhy young athletes should learn to advocate for themselvesHow communication builds stronger relationships with coachesWhy brushing off a bad meet and moving forward mattersThis conversation is a powerful reminder that confidence isn't the absence of fear. It's learning to trust yourself, your preparation, and your ability to keep showing up. Young athletes don't need to feel fearless to succeed. They just need the tools to keep going, one routine at a time. Learn 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/g990Bur Follow 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: rebecca@completeperformancecoaching.com Ready 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

  7. Jul 7

    Tough Coaching or Trauma - A Hard Conversation Every Gymnastics Family Needs to Hear with Alyssa Olin

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with Alyssa Olin, former Division I gymnast and licensed clinical social worker, to have an honest conversation about the difference between tough coaching and trauma in youth sports. We explore how harmful coaching practices can become normalized, the lasting impact they have on an athlete’s mental health, and why every child deserves to have a voice and feel safe in their sport. Alyssa shares her own experiences growing up in gymnastics and explains how repeated fear, shame, punishment, and emotional invalidation can affect the nervous system long after an athlete leaves the gym. We also discuss the warning signs parents should watch for, why mental blocks often have deeper roots than people realize, and how learning to reconnect with your body and emotions is an important part of healing. In this episode you will hear Why "normal" coaching behaviors are not always healthy or safeHow trauma can affect confidence, performance, and identityWarning signs that an athlete may be strugglingWhy emotions and physical symptoms deserve to be taken seriouslyHow parents can support instead of dismissing difficult feelingsWhy self-worth must extend beyond athletic performanceThis conversation is a reminder that great coaching builds trust, not fear. When athletes feel safe, heard, and valued beyond their results, they are far more likely to thrive both in sport and in life. Connect with Alyssa: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alyssa-olin-oswego-il/1579790Alyssa's website: https://www.dztherapy.com/alyssa-olin Learn 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/g990Bur Follow 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: rebecca@completeperformancecoaching.com Ready 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

  8. Jun 30

    The Difference Between Sore, Scared, and Injured with Dr. Jenny Borda

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with gymnastics physical therapist Dr. Jenny Borda to talk about one of the hardest things for gymnasts, parents, and coaches to navigate: knowing the difference between being sore, being scared, and being injured. I see this come up all the time with athletes who are unsure when they should speak up about pain. They worry their coach will think they are making excuses, or they are afraid that saying something means they will miss a competition. Jenny and I talk about why communication early on matters, and why creating a safe space for athletes to share what they are feeling can make such a difference. Jenny breaks down how pain is not always a sign of injury, but it is always information worth paying attention to. We talk about the “green,” “yellow,” and “red” zones and how athletes can learn to understand what their bodies are telling them instead of immediately feeling like they have to either push through or stop completely. We also dive into something I see often in gymnastics: when fear and pain become connected. Sometimes an athlete’s body reacts because something feels unsafe, even when there is not a clear injury. Jenny explains why we should not dismiss that experience and why asking the right questions can help uncover what is really going on. In this episode you will hear Why gymnasts are afraid to tell someone when they are hurtingHow parents and coaches can respond in a way that builds trustThe difference between soreness, fear, pain, and injuryWhy communication can prevent bigger problemsHow athletes can better understand their own bodiesWhy caring for the athlete matters beyond gymnasticsThis conversation is an important reminder that supporting gymnasts is not just about getting through the next practice or competition. It is about helping athletes feel heard, supported, and confident in understanding their bodies throughout their journey. Learn 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/g990Bur Follow 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: rebecca@completeperformancecoaching.com Ready 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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4.8
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Rebecca Smith
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    246
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 PerformHappy with Rebecca Smith
  • Show Website
    PerformHappy with Rebecca Smith

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