Ali & Stacie
Founders of Gymnastics Mindset Academy
Gymnastics Mindset Academy – Why We Do It…
We have brought these tools based in cognitive behavioral principles to the world of gymnastics because we believe that these tools could change gymnastics from the inside out.
Instead of giving up on those gymnasts dealing with mental blocks and self doubt, we can teach them how to deal with their thoughts and emotions just like we teach them any other skill.
Instead of using the fear of conditioning, of being held back or of disappointing a coach or parent to motivate gymnasts when they are struggling, we can use proven psychology and cognitive-based behavioral tools.
Follow Gymnastics Mindset Academy: https://www.instagram.com/gym.mindset.academy/
Key Takeaways and Episode Recap:
In this episode of the Gymnastics Mindset Academy podcast, the hosts and founders, Ali and Stacy, share their personal journeys in gymnastics and coaching, revealing how their experiences led to creating a mindset coaching academy for gymnasts. They discuss the importance of self-worth, managing fear, and separating identity from performance. Through anecdotes and practical strategies, they emphasize building resilience, embracing all emotions, and focusing on personal growth over external achievements. The conversation offers valuable insights for athletes, coaches, and parents on fostering a healthier, more supportive gymnastics environment.
Click Here For Timestamps of Gymnastics Mindset Academy Podcast
Funny Travel Story Icebreaker (00:00:01)
Ali shares a humorous story about misunderstanding “wings” on a flight as chicken wings.
Introduction to the Gymnastics Mindset Academy’s Origin Story (00:02:49)
Host asks about the founding and purpose of the Gymnastics Mindset Academy.
Stacy’s Olympic Experience & Motivation (00:03:31)
Stacy recounts her 2016 Olympics experience, the tense atmosphere, and her desire to help gymnasts mentally.
Stacy’s Life Coach Journey (00:05:13)
Stacy describes her personal struggles, discovering cognitive behavioral tools, and becoming a certified life coach.
Ali’s Coaching Background & Mindset Realization (00:08:05)
Ali shares her gymnastics and coaching background, and how positivity alone couldn’t solve athletes’ mental blocks.
Mindset Tools in Action—College Example (00:09:36)
Ali gives an example of a gymnast overcoming mental blocks using mindset coaching, leading to competition success.
How Stacy and Ali Connected (00:11:28)
Ali and Stacy explain how they met and combined their experiences to start the academy.
Defining the Gymnastics Mindset Academy’s Philosophy (00:11:40)
Discussion on the core philosophy and identity focus of their coaching approach.
Building Awareness and Community (00:14:30)
Ali and Stacy describe how they spread awareness—through coaching, networking, conferences, and social media.
Marketing and Growth Strategies (00:17:09)
Stacy details her focus on marketing, social media, and leveraging connections to grow the academy.
The Value Conversation & Identity (00:19:17)
Discussion on teaching athletes about self-worth, using the $20 bill analogy, and the importance of believing in oneself.
Rewiring the Brain: Thought Ladders (00:21:06)
Stacy explains cognitive behavioral techniques, neural pathways, and the step-by-step process to change beliefs.
Helping Athletes Recognize Self-Worth (00:24:49)
Ali discusses using perspective shifts and the “best friend method” to help athletes see their own value.
Why “Just Think Positive” Isn’t Enough (00:26:12)
The Gymnastics Mindset Academy team critiques the “just think positive” message and explores why it persists in society and sports.
The Role of Emotion and Process (00:30:00)
Stacy explains why positive self-talk only works if it creates genuine emotion, and the importance of valuing the process.
Meaning-Making and Perspective (00:33:17)
Ali uses stories (tarantula, scores) to illustrate how athletes’ thoughts give meaning to events, not the events themselves.
Handling Judgment and Fear of Failure (00:42:13)
Discussion on fear of judgment, primitive brain wiring, and letting go of others’ opinions.
Separating Athlete Value from Human Value (00:47:37)
Ali and Stacy discuss teaching athletes to distinguish between their athletic achievements and their inherent worth.
Self-Confidence and the $100 Bill Analogy (00:51:29)
Stacy uses the $100 bill analogy to reinforce that performance doesn’t affect a person’s value.
Dreaming Big and Identity (00:55:35)
The team encourages setting big goals, emphasizing that personal growth is the real prize, not just achievements.
The Fleeting Nature of Achievements (01:00:12)
Discussion on how even major achievements are quickly forgotten, highlighting the importance of memories and relationships.
Final Messages: Worth and Embracing Emotions (01:04:02)
Stacy and Ali share their core messages: self-worth is independent of performance, and all emotions are part of the human experience.
Closing Remarks and Podcast Purpose (01:06:23)
Host thanks the guests, emphasizing the power of stories and analogies in inspiring others.
Additional Resources:
To work with The Gymnastics Mindset Academy use this link: https://gymnasticsmindsetacademy.com/work-with-us/
For more podcast episodes of The Championship Corner: https://gymnasticsplus.org/podcast/
