#173: Gary Chupik on mental performance, regaining confidence and more
Thu Jan 22 2026
In this episode of the Imperfect Cheerleader Podcast, host Jasmine Neely welcomes mental performance coach Gary Chupik, who specializes in helping athletes unlock their potential. Gary discusses the key traits that make someone a great candidate for coaching, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset and the willingness to experiment with oneself. He shares insights into the common mental blocks athletes face, particularly around confidence, and how these can be addressed through targeted coaching sessions. Gary highlights that confidence is crucial for performance and explains how athletes can regain it by focusing on their strengths and preparing adequately for their performances.
The conversation delves into the emotional aspects of performance, with Gary sharing a transformative story about a young hockey player who regained his confidence by focusing on his unique strengths. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief and how it can be nurtured through preparation and positive reinforcement. The episode also touches on the significance of visualization techniques in mental performance, encouraging athletes to engage all their senses to enhance their confidence and performance. Gary concludes by offering a free mental performance assessment to listeners, showcasing his commitment to helping others achieve their best.
Follow Gary @elitemindset on Instagram
Visit https://bit.ly/49JgDsJ to get your mental performance assessment. Use discount code: ELITE100Follow @theprofessionalcheerleader on Instagram and @thepro.cheerleader on TikTok for more pro dance topics
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mental Performance Coaching
00:40 Identifying Candidates for Coaching
01:28 Understanding Mental Blocks and Confidence
03:35 The Nature of Confidence Loss
05:06 Building Confidence Through Preparation
06:06 Transformation Stories in Coaching
09:47 The Power of Focusing on Strengths
11:06 Belief and Self-Confidence
12:18 The Importance of External Belief
14:31 The Impact of Positive Reinforcement
16:16 Fueling Motivation: Positive vs. Negative
17:17 Transitioning from Pastoral Work to Coaching
19:48 Challenges of Being a Pastor
22:32 Reflections on Pastoral Work
23:57 The Smartness of Quitting
24:37 The Art of Quitting: Knowing When to Let Go
29:30 Mental Performance: Visualization Techniques for Success
34:30 Understanding Emotional Expression: Men vs. Women
37:30 Traits of High Performers: Resilience and Focus
40:13 Gary's New Initiative: The Mental Performance Assessment
More
In this episode of the Imperfect Cheerleader Podcast, host Jasmine Neely welcomes mental performance coach Gary Chupik, who specializes in helping athletes unlock their potential. Gary discusses the key traits that make someone a great candidate for coaching, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset and the willingness to experiment with oneself. He shares insights into the common mental blocks athletes face, particularly around confidence, and how these can be addressed through targeted coaching sessions. Gary highlights that confidence is crucial for performance and explains how athletes can regain it by focusing on their strengths and preparing adequately for their performances. The conversation delves into the emotional aspects of performance, with Gary sharing a transformative story about a young hockey player who regained his confidence by focusing on his unique strengths. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief and how it can be nurtured through preparation and positive reinforcement. The episode also touches on the significance of visualization techniques in mental performance, encouraging athletes to engage all their senses to enhance their confidence and performance. Gary concludes by offering a free mental performance assessment to listeners, showcasing his commitment to helping others achieve their best. Follow Gary @elitemindset on Instagram Visit https://bit.ly/49JgDsJ to get your mental performance assessment. Use discount code: ELITE100Follow @theprofessionalcheerleader on Instagram and @thepro.cheerleader on TikTok for more pro dance topics Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mental Performance Coaching 00:40 Identifying Candidates for Coaching 01:28 Understanding Mental Blocks and Confidence 03:35 The Nature of Confidence Loss 05:06 Building Confidence Through Preparation 06:06 Transformation Stories in Coaching 09:47 The Power of Focusing on Strengths 11:06 Belief and Self-Confidence 12:18 The Importance of External Belief 14:31 The Impact of Positive Reinforcement 16:16 Fueling Motivation: Positive vs. Negative 17:17 Transitioning from Pastoral Work to Coaching 19:48 Challenges of Being a Pastor 22:32 Reflections on Pastoral Work 23:57 The Smartness of Quitting 24:37 The Art of Quitting: Knowing When to Let Go 29:30 Mental Performance: Visualization Techniques for Success 34:30 Understanding Emotional Expression: Men vs. Women 37:30 Traits of High Performers: Resilience and Focus 40:13 Gary's New Initiative: The Mental Performance Assessment