Mental Game 101

03/30/2026

🌟 Embrace the 'Next Play' Mentality! 🌟

In mental game training, a key principle is to limit our focus on the past, except to celebrate our successes. While reflection is important, it's crucial to close the chapter on mistakes and disappointments and MOVE ON!

This 'next play' mentality is a common trait among high achievers, as highlighted in a new book by Alan Stein Jr.

I recently heard him explain it this way: “There's nothing we can do about what just happened. It's over. It's in the past. It's in the rearview mirror. It is unchangeable. Any focus or energy you waste on something in the past means you don't have that focus or energy available to invest in the present moment, where you can still make a difference.”

Wow! That's so powerful. I hope you'll join me in adopting this mindset:

🎯. NEXT PLAY.., NEXT STEER.., NEXT TARGET.., NEXT GAME.., NEXT SHOT.., NEXT OUT.., NEXT MOVE.., NEXT STEP.., NEXT DAY.

03/17/2026

This week I share my own mindset 'opportunities.' Let's learn and grow together! https://open.spotify.com/episode/602aMHEA9WGpN1AWYvHBKO?si=OMo-db08SeCJKE9OFuhUjw

Cowgirl UP · Episode

03/05/2026

02/06/2026

Remember to tune in to my new podcast, Monday through Friday for your daily dose of mindset elevation!

Podcast · Laurie Blickenstaff · Cowgirl UP is the podcast designed for Mental Game 101 's coaching program, where western horse sport competitors strive to enhance their mental game and elevate their performance. Hosted by a team roper and mental performance coach, this podcast delivers short, dai...

01/05/2026

🌟How do you imagine the road to mastery? Do you picture a steady, upward climb, fueled by your hard work and effort?

If so, you are not alone. It's a common misconception my clients struggle with and that I have to tackle myself. We are surprised or concerned when growth seems to stall. Panic and self-doubt can creep in, with questions like "What if I just don't have what it takes?" "What if I've lost it?" or "What if this is the best it's gonna get?"

The truth is that the road to mastery is more like a rollercoaster with dips, turns, plateaus, and even some twists. Some might argue mastery is never truly reached, but that's a topic for another day.

This is the nature of real learning, whether it's the mental game, sports, personal development, or business. Plateaus and setbacks are inevitable, so let's embrace them as a normal and essential part of the process.

Remember: even when progress feels elusive, you're still on the right path. Keep pushing forward, keep doing the work, and I promise you, you'll be back on that upward trajectory in no time. 🚀

01/01/2026

As we embark on a new year, it's common to focus solely on resolutions and goal setting 🎯

However, I'd like to challenge you to pause for a moment and take some time to reflect on how far you've already come.

Think about how much you have learned, and of the strength, resilience, and perseverance it took to get to where you are now!

Celebrate your hard work and accomplishments, and then let that pride and gratitude propel you forward into the new year with renewed energy and enthusiasm 👏

Wishing you joy and continuous improvement in 2026!

12/09/2025

Is there an athlete on your list? Give them the gift of peak performance this Christmas. View gift card options at https://thehub-api.mastermind.com/sp/f653ca9485a

12/01/2025

Give a gift that will make a difference in your athlete's life!

Performance journaling is a proven strategy to enhance skill development, create purposeful practice, increase self-awareness, harness the power of positive self-talk, and build confidence.

Features:
🎁 Perfect size (6x9) to tote everywhere... MAY EVEN FIT IN A STOCKING!
🎄 Spiral bound for ease of use
🎁 100 two-page journal entries
🎄 Includes "How-to" instructions
🎁 Extra pages for your own notes

Order Now to get in time for Christmas! Delivery is 8-10 days. Only $17! (plus shipping).

https://mentalgame101.com/performancejournal

11/03/2025

I recently had the privilege of being interviewed on Balloon Killers, the Cowboy Mounted Shooting podcast. Take a listen, you might even hear a few tips. Thanks, Chrissy!

https://spotify.link/CZ9qMLncVXb

Balloon Killers · Episode

10/22/2025

How are you preparing?

Success in sports—and in life—isn't just about talent or potential. It's about the relentless pursuit of excellence through both mental and physical preparation.

🏋️‍♂️ Physical Preparation: Every athlete knows the importance of training hard, maintaining peak physical condition, and honing their skills. It's the foundation that supports every winning performance.

🧠 Mental Preparation: Equally important is the mental game. If Olympic and professional sports athletes train for both, why wouldn't you? Cultivating skills like focus, mindset, and confidence (yes, confidence is a skill) ensures you are ready to face any situation.

💪 Expect to Win: Believing in yourself and your abilities is crucial. When you expect to win, you align your actions and mindset towards achieving your goals.

Let's commit to a holistic approach in our athletic journey. Plan, prepare, and expect greatness. You were born to win—now go out and make it happen! 🏆

10/20/2025

World Series of Team Roping Finale ropers! If you haven't signed up yet, these next two sessions alone are worth the cost of the course. We’re getting into visualization strategies. These are so powerful, and such a game changer, that I’m dedicating two sessions to it.

Learn how to simulate the high stakes at the South Point, so that when you find yourself in the short round, or even high call, you’ll be ready. You’re not going to want to miss these!

Visualization can even help make up for limitations that certain ropers encounter. Maybe you don't have access to practice on live steers as often as you'd like, or there are few or no ropings in your area prior to Vegas, or you only have one horse to practice on, or you're dealing with an injury.

Regardless of your situation, I promise that this course will give you an EDGE!

Check it out now: https://finale.mentalgame101.com/