Summer Confidence Series (Part 4 of 4): Why Mental Toughness Is Overrated - What To Do Instead

If you’ve ever told your athlete to “suck it up”… this one’s for you.

In this final episode of the Summer Confidence Series, we’re calling out one of the most popular pieces of advice in sports culture and why it’s not working. Mental toughness sounds good on the surface, but it often teaches athletes to shove emotions down and disconnect from what they actually need.

Here’s the truth: ignoring emotions doesn’t build resilience, it builds pressure.

This episode breaks down a better way to build confidence and mental strength in your athlete, all while building your relationship at the same time.

What’s inside: 

• Why telling her to be “mentally tough” is doing more harm than good.
• Real examples of how pressure shows up in athletes (panic, burnout, perfectionism).
• The 4-part “What To Say” method that actually builds her confidence.
• How to support her before, during, and after games, without coaching from the sidelines.
• What it means to be her safe space (and why that’s not “making her soft”).
• How this approach prepares her for life way beyond sports.

Want to help your athlete grow real confidence? Listen in and let’s wrap up this Summer Confidence Series strong!

Grab the free Summer Confidence Series PDF that goes along with all of the episodes! Get scripts, tips, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!

Enroll in the Elite Mental Game with a 50% discount for our Summer Confidence Series through August 8th!

Episode Highlights: 

[00:00:00] Part 4 Begins. The final part of the Summer Confidence Series kicks off with a bold topic that challenges traditional advice around mental toughness.

[00:01:03] A Real-Life Win. A mom shares how her daughter is handling mistakes with more focus and confidence thanks to a new approach; not “toughening up,” but learning to reset.

[00:05:10] When Mental Toughness Becomes Harmful. The old mindset of grinding through emotions damages confidence and the parent-athlete relationship. A new path is needed.

[00:06:03] Understanding the Parent Role. Parents have a powerful role: shaping the environment and offering opportunities. Knowing the difference between coach, ref, and parent is key.

[00:08:33] Pep Talks That Actually Help. Simple strategies like “name it to tame it” help athletes manage nerves and channel energy before games without toxic pressure.

[00:12:46] Post-Game Conversations That Build Trust. After a game is a key moment. Creating space, validating emotions, and asking open-ended questions help strengthen connection and confidence.

[00:15:34] Preparing for More Than Sports. The goal isn’t just better performance, it’s preparing athletes for real-life setbacks with tools they’ll use far beyond the field.

[00:16:14] Next Steps + Resources. Discover our free training and explore a self-paced program designed to help both parents and athletes grow stronger together.

Next Steps:

• Grab the free Summer Confidence Series PDF that goes along with all of the episodes! Get scripts, tips, and a recap of the episodes all in one place!
• Enroll in the Elite Mental Game with a 50% discount for our Summer Confidence Series through August 8th!
• Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter's Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You Do
• Visit our podcast website for more great episodes

Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a ratin