In this episode, we cover…
(0:00) Gabriel introduces his background growing up in Brazil and playing soccer from a young age
(1:00) Talks about his goal of becoming a professional soccer player and early development
(2:00) Shares struggles with confidence, anxiety, and the mental side of the game
(3:00) Explains moving to the U.S., injuries, and shifting focus to psychology
(4:30) Discusses becoming a mental performance coach and building his platform
(5:30) Explains why mental training is a competitive advantage for athletes
(7:00) Talks about how to teach young athletes the importance of mindset using pro athlete examples
(10:00) Breaks down common misconceptions about performance and pressure in games vs training
(14:30) Explains how self-awareness and understanding emotions improve performance under pressure
(21:30) Shares his main message: enjoyment, mindset, and controlling what you can drive long-term success
Why Mental Performance Matters in Sports
For many athletes, success is often associated with physical training, strength, and skill development. But as Gabriel Deieno explains in this episode with Athletes Untapped, the mental side of sports is just as important—if not more important—when it comes to performing at a high level. From confidence and focus to handling pressure and anxiety, mental performance plays a critical role in how athletes compete. Gabriel emphasizes that athletes can often feel the difference before a game even begins. The way they think and feel directly impacts how they perform, making mental training a key factor in unlocking their full potential.
From Player to Mental Performance Coach
Gabriel Deieno’s journey started in Brazil, where soccer is deeply embedded in the culture. Like many young athletes, he dreamed of becoming a professional player and dedicated years to developing his game. However, as he progressed, he began to struggle with confidence, anxiety, and the mental demands of competition. These challenges ultimately led him to study psychology, initially to improve his own performance. After moving to the United States to play college soccer in Arkansas and dealing with injuries, he shifted his focus entirely—choosing to pursue a career in sports psychology and mental performance coaching. Today, Gabriel works with athletes around the world, helping them improve performance by strengthening their mindset and approach to competition.
The Biggest Misconception About Performance
One of the most common mistakes athletes make is assuming that poor performance is always a physical issue. Gabriel explains that many athletes train hard and perform well in practice, but struggle to replicate that same level in games. Instead of addressing the mental side, athletes often look for solutions like better recovery, more training, or new techniques. However, the real issue is often psychological—stress, pressure, and overthinking can prevent athletes from performing at their best. By learning how to manage these mental factors, athletes can unlock a higher level of performance that already exists within them.
Why Self-Awareness Is the Key to Confidence
According to Gabriel, one of the most important skills athletes can develop is self-awareness. Understanding your thoughts, emotions, and reactions allows you to better control how you perform under pressure. Many athletes struggle because they don’t fully understand why they feel nervous, anxious, or tense during games. Without that awareness, it becomes difficult to make adjustments. But when athletes learn to recognize these patterns, they can respond more effectively and stay composed in high-pressure situations. Self-awareness ultimately leads to greater confidence, consistency, and control on the field.
Shifting Focus to What You Can Control
One of Gabriel’s most practical strategies is helping athletes focus on what they can control. Pressure often comes from focusing on outcomes—such as playing time, scoring, or making mistakes. Instead, athletes should shift their focus to controllable actions like effort, communication, movement, and decision-making. By channeling energy into these areas, athletes reduce anxiety and increase confidence. This mindset allows players to perform freely and consistently, even in high-pressure moments.
The Role of Enjoyment in Long-Term Success
One of Gabriel’s most important messages is that enjoyment is essential for long-term success. Athletes who truly enjoy their sport are more likely to stay motivated, improve consistently, and perform at a high level over time. He explains that many athletes lose motivation because they become too focused on outcomes or external pressure. Over time, this can lead to burnout and a loss of passion for the game. By maintaining a sense of enjoyment and focusing on the process, athletes can sustain their performance and continue growing throughout their careers.
Final Takeaway
Gabriel Deieno’s message is clear: mental performance is a critical part of athletic success. Confidence, self-awareness, and the ability to manage pressure are what separate good athletes from great ones. By focusing on what they can control, embracing the mental side of training, and maintaining a genuine love for the game, athletes can unlock their full potential and achieve long-term success in sports.
About Athletes Untapped
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