In episode 123 we explore the world of sports and mindset mastery with Danielle McDonough, a former professional ice hockey player turned mindset coach. Danielle shares her journey from the ice rink to coaching, emphasising the importance of overcoming self-doubt to achieve peak performance. Host Sue Stockdale talks to Danielle about athlete psychology, imposter syndrome, and practical strategies for reshaping our thinking in challenging situations.

About Danielle McDonough

Danielle McDonough started skating at age 4 and playing hockey at age 5, and later received a BA in Sociology from Providence College while on full athletic scholarship for ice hockey. She played in the National Women's Hockey League (WNHL) for 2 years and professionally in Lugano, Switzerland for 2 years. After retiring from professional sport Danielle gained a MA in Sport & Exercise Psychology and is now CEO of Peak Performance Training LLC working with athletes, coaches, and parents on the mental side of performance. She is the official Mental Skills Coach for the USA Hockey National Development Camp and author of  The Empowered Athlete—Self-Confidence, Self-Acceptance, and Self-Worth: An Athlete’s Guide to Excellence.

Connect with Danielle McDonough: Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn  | get her free e-book

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Key Quotes 

• "As soon as I step on the ice, I'm just free in a way. I really love that about it."
• "I like the full contact aspect. I like the hitting piece."
• "Your mind can sabotage everything. It doesn't matter how physically fit or capable you are. If your mind isn't right, you can talk yourself out of everything"
• "I thought I was the only person on the entire face of this earth who was experiencing these things."
• "Diaphragmatic breathing is so powerful and so important and can change your state of mind and the way that you're feeling in your body in as little as three deep breaths."
• "If we're not making mistakes, if we're not failing, then ultimately we're not really growing because we learn in making these mistakes."

Time Stamps

04:40 - The Only Girl in an All-Boys Team
05:11 - Forming a Girls Team and Being Recruited
07:57 - Mental Challenges and Imposter Syndrome
08:17 - Psyching Out and Overcoming Mental Hurdles
12:41 - Transitioning to Professional Sports and Pressure
15:20 - Identifying with Imposter Syndrome
16:40 - From Professional Athlete to Mindset Coach
20:02 - Breathing as a Fundamental Tool
21:59 - Visualising Success and Overcoming Fear of Failure
29:10 - Using Mental Skills in Personal Life
31:12 - Top Tips for Mindset Management in Sports and Business

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Producer: Sue Stockdale
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra