264. Becoming a Brave Athlete: Mental Resilience for Athletes

In this episode of Making Shift Happen, I’m joined by mindset coach, climber, and sport performance psychology graduate student Josie McGee, founder of Mind Athlete Training, to explore the mindset skills that help athletes perform with courage, confidence, and purpose.

What does it really mean to be mentally strong? Many athletes assume mental toughness means pushing harder, ignoring fear, or never doubting themselves. But what if true resilience isn’t about eliminating fear at all? What if it’s about learning to show up anyway?

Josie shares her remarkable journey from years of climbing in Yosemite and serving on the Yosemite Search & Rescue team to experiencing a life-changing climbing incident that forever changed her perspective on performance, identity, and resilience. Rather than allowing adversity to define her, she used the experience to deepen her understanding of sport psychology and the mental skills that help athletes navigate challenge with intention. Together, we discuss why it’s truly an honor to try hard, how embracing discomfort can unlock growth, and why bravery isn’t the absence of fear – it’s choosing to move forward despite it.

Whether you’re a cyclist, climber, runner, or simply someone striving to become more resilient in everyday life, this conversation offers practical insights into developing a healthier relationship with challenge, performance, and personal growth.

In This Episode

Why “trying hard” is something to be proud of – not something to hide

What it means to become a brave athlete

How fear and uncertainty can coexist with excellent performance

Lessons from Josie’s climbing experiences in Yosemite and working with Yosemite Search & Rescue

Why identity and values matter more than outcomes

Practical mindset strategies to build confidence, resilience, and self-trust

How mental skills can improve both athletic performance and enjoyment