The Limitless Game: Sports, Inner, & Mental Performance Podcast

Coach Jack
  • 4.7 (106)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Limitless Performance is a holistic youth sports performance and training company offering year-round services and camps. With over 400 five-star reviews collectively online, Limitless Performance is the premier sports organization in southern Wisconsin. We are currently located in Janesville, Wisconsin. Our youth client pool ranges from Kindergarten through professional athletes. Our mission is centered around bringing out the best version of every individual involved. The more energy we focus on results, the less energy we spend on the process that brings those results in the first place. Our blend of training and philosophy fosters greatness. Not just greatness, but an enjoyment of the process and journey toward greatness. Not just enjoyment, but a character that everyone looks up to and aspires to become. It’s about who we become through the process, not just what we accomplish. We simplify our sports psychology framework into the following key pieces. All content on this podcast will center around your sport and how you can integrate our curriculum into your daily life to see immediate results. Coach Jack, the author of this podcast, holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He spends much of his time developing this curriculum, as it reflects how he trains himself. This involves extensive reading and learning from experts in the field. His studies include Eastern philosophical meditations and mental training tools, paired with the wisdom of ancient philosophy. He then validates these insights through scientifically supported evidence and Western psychology practices. Coach Jack’s mission is to synthesize this invaluable knowledge into a modern, accessible format for busy people to implement and see remarkable transformations in their lives. “Others have certainly attempted what I am aiming for. However, this focus on youth and sports is unique. I firmly believe there is a better way to educate and provide youth and parents with a stronger foundation for finding their own answers. It’s not about projecting my beliefs onto you. I don’t claim to have all the answers; in fact, I believe I know very little. However, I have a deep understanding of various tools that have been used for thousands of years to reduce suffering, build compassion, and enhance performance across all areas of life effortlessly. My curriculum is based on a holistic approach, showing you what has worked throughout human history in training the mind. This isn’t a curriculum claiming to have all the answers; it’s about helping you find YOUR answers.”

  1. 4D AGO

    How Can We Cultivate Resiliency?

    Send a text   In this episode, Coach Jack leads young athletes through a session on identity and mindfulness. The group discusses the difference between grounded (controllable) and fragile (uncontrollable) sports identities, encouraging participants to focus on effort and teamwork. Coach Jack then guides a mindfulness meditation, teaching techniques like breath awareness and labeling distractions to help manage attention and emotions. Participants reflect on their experiences, learning practical tools to strengthen self-awareness, resilience, and a positive approach to both sports and life.  Identity in Sports Discussion (00:00:00) Participants share their written thoughts on their sports identity and discuss controllable versus uncontrollable aspects. Grounded vs. Fragile Identity (00:00:54) Exploration of grounded (controllable) and fragile (uncontrollable) identities, and rewriting identity statements to focus on controllables. Mindfulness Introduction (00:03:11) Introduction to mindfulness meditation, its definition, and its relevance to attention and identity. Breath-Focused Meditation Instructions (00:04:00) Detailed instructions on posture, breathing, and physical adjustments for effective meditation. Dealing with Restlessness and Sleepiness (00:04:51) Advice on modifying meditation posture (sitting, lying down, standing) based on mental state. Returning to the Breath and Training Attention (00:05:44) Explanation of the process of getting lost in thought, returning to the breath, and improving attention span. Defining Mindfulness and Labeling Distractions (00:06:50) Clarification of mindfulness, recognizing when attention is lost, and the practice of labeling distractions during meditation. Labeling Practice and Recap (00:08:04) Recap of the labeling technique, emphasizing awareness and the process of returning to the breath. Preparation for Group Meditation (00:08:47) Final instructions, addressing questions, and preparing the group for a guided meditation session. Starting the Meditation Practice (00:09:31) Participants begin the meditation exercise, focusing on breath, labeling distractions, and managing boredom.  Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limitlessperformancewi/ Like our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/limitlessperformancewi/ Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@limitlessperformancewi Follow our TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@limitlessperformancewi Check us out on X: https://x.com/lperformancewi

    11 min

  2. FEB 16

    The Attention-Identity Connection: Why What You Focus Changes You

    Send a text   In this podcast episode, Coach Jack guides listeners through the importance of attention, explaining how it shapes identity and influences well-being. By comparing attention to resources like money and time, the episode highlights its foundational value. Coach Jack discusses how focusing attention on uncontrollable factors creates a fragile identity, while mindfulness and meditation help redirect attention inward, fostering self-awareness and stability. Listeners learn practical ways to use mindfulness to manage attention, reduce anxiety, and cultivate a grounded, resilient sense of self rooted in what truly matters.  The Value of Attention (00:00:00) Explains why attention is the most valuable thing, more fundamental than money or time. Attention and Identity (00:01:00) Discusses how attention shapes identity and the difference between a stable and fragile sense of self. The Role of Meditation (00:03:02) Introduces meditation as a tool to train attention and awareness, with examples of different meditation types. Defining Mindfulness (00:03:58) Defines mindfulness as intentional present-moment awareness and its importance in self-understanding. Mindfulness and Identity Problems (00:05:04) Explores how mindfulness helps resolve issues of fragile versus grounded identity by managing attention. The Mechanism of Attention (00:06:01) Describes how attention works, what it lands on grows, and its impact on thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness as the Solution (00:06:57) Explains how mindfulness helps recognize and shift attention away from unhelpful narratives. Identity and Value (00:07:50) Concludes that identity is shaped by what we value, which is determined by where we place our attention.  Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limitlessperformancewi/ Like our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/limitlessperformancewi/ Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@limitlessperformancewi Follow our TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@limitlessperformancewi Check us out on X: https://x.com/lperformancewi

    10 min

  3. FEB 8

    Unmasking the Athlete: Discovering Your True Identity Beyond Performance

    Send a text      Check out our website at https://limitlessperformancewi.com/  In this podcast episode, Coach Jack leads athletes through an interactive workshop on identity in sports. The discussion explores how tying self-worth to performance outcomes creates pressure and emotional ups and downs. Coach Jack distinguishes between a fragile identity—based on uncontrollable factors like results and others’ opinions—and a grounded identity—rooted in effort, intentions, and mindset. Through exercises and examples, athletes learn to define themselves beyond their achievements, fostering resilience, a growth mindset, and healthier emotional responses to both success and setbacks.  Introduction to Identity Statements (00:00:00) Instructor explains personal identity statements and asks athletes to define their own athletic identity qualities. Defining Identity in Sports (00:01:03) Discussion on what identity means, its relevance to mental performance, and the common issue of tying identity to performance. Emotional Impact of Performance (00:02:27) Explores how athletes’ emotions and behaviors change based on performance outcomes, highlighting the dangers of outcome-based identity. Optimal Athletic State (00:03:37) Describes the mental state when athletes perform best—confidence, effortlessness, and freedom from pressure. Source of Pressure in Sports (00:04:29) Connects pressure to tying self-worth to performance, emphasizing the mental consequences of this mindset. Types of Athletic Identity: Fragile vs. Grounded (00:05:33) Introduces the spectrum of athletic identity: fragile (false) vs. grounded (true), and explains the concepts. Characteristics of Fragile Identity (00:06:26) Details traits of fragile identity, such as dependence on uncontrollable factors like others’ opinions and outcomes. Fear of Failure and Fragile Identity (00:08:23) Explains how fear of failure stems from fragile identity and the importance of not rooting identity in performance. Traits of Grounded Identity (00:09:34) Discusses grounded identity traits, focusing on controllable factors like actions, intentions, and effort. Class Activity: Identifying Grounded Traits (00:10:28) Students collaborate to identify and share grounded identity traits, such as effort and attitude. Growth Mindset and Attitude (00:11:00) Clarifies the role of growth mindset and positive attitude as components of a grounded athletic identity.  Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limitlessperformancewi/ Like our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/limitlessperformancewi/ Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@limitlessperformancewi Follow our TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@limitlessperformancewi Check us out on X: https://x.com/lperformancewi

    14 min

  4. FEB 3

    Tension vs. Freedom: The Emotional Battle Every Athlete Faces

    Send a text        Check out our website at https://limitlessperformancewi.com/  In this podcast episode, Coach Jack explores emotional regulation for athletes and performers, emphasizing that trying to control or avoid feelings creates tension and reduces performance. Instead, the speaker advocates for accepting and fully experiencing emotions—both positive and negative—to create a sense of spaciousness and freedom. The episode introduces mindfulness techniques, such as breath-focused meditation and labeling feelings, to help listeners sit with their emotions without judgment or avoidance. By reducing the urge to control internal states, the host suggests listeners can achieve better performance and a healthier relationship with their emotions.    The Illusion of Managing Your State (00:00:00) Explains why trying to control emotions creates tension and reduces performance; introduces the concept of "managing your state." Spacious vs. Condensed Emotional States (00:00:56) Describes how best performance feels spacious and light, while poor performance feels condensed and pressurized. The Role of Wanting in Emotional Tension (00:01:56) Discusses how wanting to feel a certain way creates tension and reduces emotional spaciousness. Acceptance Over Avoidance (00:03:54) Advocates for accepting and sitting with feelings instead of running from them to create emotional space. How to Feel Your Feelings (00:04:48) Explains practical steps for feeling emotions without trying to fix or avoid them, emphasizing impermanence. Separating Story from Reality (00:06:24) Covers mindfulness: distinguishing between mental narration and actual experience to become more present. Summary and Transition to Meditation (00:07:15) Recaps key points and introduces a breath-focused meditation practice to help feel and label emotions. Labeling Feelings in Meditation (00:08:04) Guides on labeling feelings (not just thoughts) during meditation, and returning to the breath if unsure. Meditation Practice Instructions (00:09:04) Provides final instructions for the meditation exercise, including posture and focus, before beginning the practice.  Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limitlessperformancewi/ Like our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/limitlessperformancewi/ Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@limitlessperformancewi Follow our TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@limitlessperformancewi Check us out on X: https://x.com/lperformancewi

    12 min

  5. JAN 26

    The Voice in Your Head Is Costing You Performance (Here’s How to Fix It)

    Send a text In this podcast episode, Coach Jack leads a session on mental performance in sports, emphasizing the difference between reality—what actually happens—and the stories athletes tell themselves. Through examples, group exercises, and discussion, participants learn how inaccurate narratives can fuel anxiety and self-doubt. Coach Jack highlights the importance of aligning stories with reality to reduce mental struggle and improve performance. Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and self-reflection, are encouraged to help athletes become more present, observe their thoughts, and respond more effectively to challenges both on and off the field.  Defining Reality vs. Story (00:00:00) Explains the difference between actual events and the narrative athletes create about those events. Aligning Story with Reality (00:01:13) Emphasizes the goal of making the story match reality for better mental performance. Volleyball Serve Example (00:01:32) Uses a volleyball scenario to illustrate how athletes create inaccurate stories about mistakes. Impact of Inaccurate Stories (00:02:19) Discusses how most mental struggle comes from believing inaccurate stories rather than facts. Sports and Identity (00:04:01) Explores how athletes tie self-worth to sports performance and the importance of mindfulness. Assignment: Identifying Stories (00:05:09) Assigns participants to reflect on personal examples of getting caught in a story versus reality. Group Work Instructions (00:06:30) Pairs participants to create and share examples of separating story from reality. Group Sharing: Examples (00:07:36) Participants share examples, such as thinking teammates are upset after a mistake. Fear and Classroom Participation (00:08:37) Discusses how fear of judgment in class is often based on imagined stories. Emotions and Stories (00:09:45) Connects emotional experiences to the stories we tell ourselves. Solution: Closing the Gap (00:10:46) Introduces mindfulness and meditation as tools to observe and close the gap between story and reality.  Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limitlessperformancewi/ Like our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/limitlessperformancewi/ Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@limitlessperformancewi Follow our TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@limitlessperformancewi Check us out on X: https://x.com/lperformancewi

    13 min

  6. 12/22/2025

    Attention Matters: How to Shift Your Focus for Success

    Send a text                     Visit the Website to checkout winter camps, Memberships, etc.  In this podcast episode, Coach Jack leads a session on sports psychology, focusing on managing emotions and mastering attention for improved mental performance. Participants learn how the mind can often control us, and how distractions—especially from technology—hinder focus. Coach Jack introduces meditation as a practical tool for training attention, emphasizing breath-focused meditation due to its accessibility and effectiveness. Through discussion and reflection, listeners are encouraged to notice and redirect their attention, building helpful mental habits that support well-being and performance in both sports and daily life.   Introduction to Mind Control and Mental Performance (00:00:00) Explains how the mind can control us, the importance of managing emotions, and the basics of mental performance. The Power Struggle: Mind vs. Self (00:00:55) Discusses examples like cravings, the mind’s leverage over our choices, and the goal of gaining control. Attention Span and Distraction in Modern Life (00:01:45) Addresses the impact of technology on attention spans and the problem of constant distraction. Noise as the Enemy of Greatness (00:02:18) Explores how distractions and “noise” prevent focus on important things. Monkey Mind and the Nature of Thoughts (00:02:42) Describes the chaotic, wandering mind and introduces the concept of “monkey mind.” What is Meditation? (00:03:31) Defines meditation as focused attention, compares it to sports and weightlifting, and gives examples of different meditation types. Breath-Focused Meditation as the Foundation (00:04:26) Introduces breath-focused meditation as the starting point and explains its importance. Reflection and Student Summaries (00:05:07) Students summarize what they learned about meditation and attention in their own words. Clarifying Meditation and Attention Training (00:05:20) Clarifies meditation as using attention to train the mind and discusses its various forms. Why Meditation Matters for Young Athletes (00:06:13) Explains the relevance of meditation for kids in sports, focusing on attention span and control. Mastering Attention and Focusing on What Matters (00:06:26) Emphasizes mastering attention to focus on controllable and important aspects for better performance. The Importance and Nature of Attention (00:07:41) Defines attention as the mind’s focus, explains internal and external objects of attention. Attention Amplifies What It Lands On (00:08:40) Explains that whatever receives attention grows, using examples of helpful and harmful narratives. Controlling and Shifting Attention (00:10:36) Discusses the importance of intentionally shifting attention to helpful things for Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limitlessperformancewi/ Like our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/limitlessperformancewi/ Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@limitlessperformancewi Follow our TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@limitlessperformancewi Check us out on X: https://x.com/lperformancewi

    17 min

  7. 12/16/2025

    How Can Meditation Help You Overcome Negativity Bias?

    Send a text In this episode, Coach Jack leads a guided meditation and mindfulness session for beginners, focusing on training the mind to manage attention and overcome negativity bias. Listeners learn practical meditation techniques, including proper posture, breath awareness, and the importance of refocusing when distracted. Coach Jack emphasizes that meditation is about returning attention to the present moment, not achieving perfect focus. Participants are encouraged to practice daily, reflect on their experiences, and use mindfulness to improve both well-being and performance. The session closes with supportive advice and simple homework to build consistent meditation habits. The Mind’s Negativity Bias and the Need for Training (00:00:00) Explains why the mind is naturally negative and the importance of training attention through meditation. Posture and Meditation Basics (00:01:08) Introduces meditation posture, the “stack of quarters” spine, and balancing relaxation with alertness. Adjusting Posture for Sleepiness or Restlessness (00:02:01) Describes standing or lying down to manage sleepiness or restlessness during meditation. Breath Focus Points and Distraction (00:02:58) Discusses focusing on the breath at the nose, chest, or belly, and how each affects distraction. Returning to Focus and Self-Understanding (00:03:55) Emphasizes the process of returning to the breath and learning about personal thought patterns. The Lights-On Metaphor and Refocusing (00:04:30) Uses the “lights on” metaphor for awareness and highlights the importance of refocusing. Defining Real Focus as Refocus (00:04:50) Clarifies that real focus is the ability to refocus quickly after distraction. Changing the Narrative Around Focus (00:05:21) Encourages redefining focus as the act of returning attention, not never losing it. Breath Cues and Beginner Meditation Tips (00:06:06) Suggests using “in” and “out” cues for beginners and explains the benefit of slow breathing. Guided Meditation Practice and Sharing Experiences (00:06:57) Leads a short meditation, then discusses distractions and personal experiences during the practice. The Breath and the Present Moment (00:08:20) Explains the breath as an anchor to the present and why focusing on the present is important. Benefits of Present-Moment Awareness (00:09:16) Describes how present-moment focus improves responses to challenges and positivity. Homework and Consistency in Practice (00:10:09) Assigns daily meditation and supplemental podcast/video homework, stressing consistency over duration. Encouragement and Class Wrap-Up (00:11:04) Reassures students about participation, emphasizes in-person learning, and concludes the session. Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limitlessperformancewi/ Like our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/limitlessperformancewi/ Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@limitlessperformancewi Follow our TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@limitlessperformancewi Check us out on X: https://x.com/lperformancewi

    13 min

  8. 12/08/2025

    The Best Techniques to Enhance Mental Performance

    Send a text  In this podcast episode, Coach Jack leads a session on mental performance, meditation, and sports psychology for young athletes. The focus is on training the mind to improve focus, manage emotions, and apply mental techniques to enhance both sports and life performance. Through interactive discussion, students learn that true improvement comes from applying knowledge, not just understanding it. The episode emphasizes using breath-focused meditation as a practical tool to master attention, reduce distractions, and gain control over thoughts and emotions, ultimately empowering participants to perform at their best.    Introduction to Mental Training (00:00:00) Explains the importance of applying mental training to gain control over the mind for better performance. Power of Control and the Mind (00:00:54) Discusses how the mind can overpower our intentions, using cravings and habits as examples. Attention Span and Distraction (00:01:49) Explores the impact of technology on attention span and how distraction hinders focus and performance. Monkey Mind and Meditation Basics (00:02:36) Introduces the concept of the "monkey mind" and demystifies meditation as focused attention. Meditation as Mental Training (00:03:29) Compares meditation to weightlifting, describing it as an umbrella for various mental training activities. Reflection and Student Summaries (00:05:15) Students summarize their understanding of meditation and mental training in their own words. Defining Meditation and Attention (00:05:51) Clarifies meditation as using attention to train qualities of the mind; attention is the mind’s focus. Importance of Attention in Sports (00:06:33) Explains why mastering attention is crucial for focusing on controllable and important aspects in sports. Choosing Where to Place Attention (00:08:25) Describes attention as the mind’s projection onto objects, both internal and external. The Growth of What We Attend To (00:09:20) Emphasizes that whatever receives attention grows, whether helpful or destructive. Helpful vs. Hurtful Attention (00:11:12) Defines helpful attention as benefiting both self and others, and discusses shifting away from hurtful focus. Relating to Experiences and Attention (00:14:00) Explains that how we relate to experiences determines if they are helpful or hurtful, and attention is a relationship. Breath-Focused Meditation (00:14:55) Introduces breath as the foundation for meditation, highlighting its accessibility and role in connecting mind and body.  Support the show Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limitlessperformancewi/ Like our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/limitlessperformancewi/ Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@limitlessperformancewi Follow our TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@limitlessperformancewi Check us out on X: https://x.com/lperformancewi

    18 min
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4.7
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About

Limitless Performance is a holistic youth sports performance and training company offering year-round services and camps. With over 400 five-star reviews collectively online, Limitless Performance is the premier sports organization in southern Wisconsin. We are currently located in Janesville, Wisconsin. Our youth client pool ranges from Kindergarten through professional athletes. Our mission is centered around bringing out the best version of every individual involved. The more energy we focus on results, the less energy we spend on the process that brings those results in the first place. Our blend of training and philosophy fosters greatness. Not just greatness, but an enjoyment of the process and journey toward greatness. Not just enjoyment, but a character that everyone looks up to and aspires to become. It’s about who we become through the process, not just what we accomplish. We simplify our sports psychology framework into the following key pieces. All content on this podcast will center around your sport and how you can integrate our curriculum into your daily life to see immediate results. Coach Jack, the author of this podcast, holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He spends much of his time developing this curriculum, as it reflects how he trains himself. This involves extensive reading and learning from experts in the field. His studies include Eastern philosophical meditations and mental training tools, paired with the wisdom of ancient philosophy. He then validates these insights through scientifically supported evidence and Western psychology practices. Coach Jack’s mission is to synthesize this invaluable knowledge into a modern, accessible format for busy people to implement and see remarkable transformations in their lives. “Others have certainly attempted what I am aiming for. However, this focus on youth and sports is unique. I firmly believe there is a better way to educate and provide youth and parents with a stronger foundation for finding their own answers. It’s not about projecting my beliefs onto you. I don’t claim to have all the answers; in fact, I believe I know very little. However, I have a deep understanding of various tools that have been used for thousands of years to reduce suffering, build compassion, and enhance performance across all areas of life effortlessly. My curriculum is based on a holistic approach, showing you what has worked throughout human history in training the mind. This isn’t a curriculum claiming to have all the answers; it’s about helping you find YOUR answers.”

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