Dr. Michael Gervais – Performance Psychologist

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Michael Gervais – Performance Psychologist and Founder of Finding Mastery. 

David and Michael discuss psychological techniques and frameworks used by elite athletes to cultivate a calm, confident mindset, even under pressure. He says that “confidence comes from one place and one place only: what you say to yourself. But it has to be honest.” Analyzing Alyssa Liu’s recent performance at the winter Olympics, Dr. Gervais breaks down the difference between performance-based and purpose-based mindsets – revealing why the latter can lead to freedom, joy, and peak performance. He also shares his experiences working with top athletes and explorers like Felix Baumgartner, whom he worked with to face fear and dissolve pressure in the leadup to his monumental Red Bull Stratos jump. (BTW, check out this incredible GoPro footage of the event if you need a reminder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYw4meRWGd4, and search for Felix’s 30 for 30 short film on ESPN to learn more about his psychological journey).

In addition to performance coaching, Michael shares tips on sleep hygiene, and explains the importance of sleep quality on your mental state and athletic performance. He’s an avid user of the Ozlo Sleepbuds (as we all are on the SMM staff), and if you’re looking for another sleep hygiene tool to add to your arsenal, be sure to check out the buds on their site (https://ozlosleep.com/) and use code “SMM” to save $80 off the MSRP price.