What separates elite performers from everyone else? Is it talent, effort, or access to resources? According to sports psychologist Alex Auerbach, it’s something far simpler — and more accessible to all of us: mastering the mental skills that fuel confidence, resilience, and consistent growth. That’s exactly why I’ve been drawn to sport and performance …
As someone who has spent years pursuing athletic goals, I know firsthand how easy it is to get caught up in the next big milestone. Whether you’re trying to crush a personal record in the gym, working toward a healthier lifestyle, or competing at the highest levels, it can be tempting to either dwell on …
Two weekends ago, I stood on the podium at the World Master Jiu-Jitsu Championship, a gold medal around my neck. This moment was the culmination of 2 1/2 years of relentless training—twice a day most days in addition to my regular workouts—and countless hours spent honing my skills on the mat. But my journey to …
How many times have you set a goal, only to abandon it a few weeks later when your initial burst of motivation fizzles out? It’s a frustrating cycle — one I used to constantly struggle with. The truth is, relying on motivation alone is like trying to build a house on quicksand—it’s unstable and can …
Ever since I started 12 Minute Athlete, I’ve received countless requests for workouts tailored specifically for people over 55. And while I understand where these requests are coming from, I’ve always hesitated to create age-specific workouts for one key reason: I don’t believe in arguing for your limitations. When you argue for your limitations, you …
When we watch elite athletes perform, it’s easy to focus on their amazing physical skills—speed, power, agility. But what often goes unnoticed is the incredible mental fortitude these athletes possess. Their minds are finely tuned machines that help them achieve peak performance, push through pain, and stay focused under pressure. But here’s the good news: …
There’s no question that the health and fitness community is abuzz with goal setting, especially around New Year’s. Yet, a staggering 80% of people abandon their New Year’s resolutions within 30 days, and only 8% achieve them. The key issue? Many don’t know how to set and stick to attainable goals. At 12 Minute Athlete, …
I was talking to a friend the other day about mastery and how different it is trying to master something as an adult compared to when we were kids. So much of it has to do with our concept of time. As kids, our sense of time is so strange. Months feel like years, and …
mind The bell rings, and my training partner and I fist bump to start the round. We circle, both of us in a fighting stance, right foot forward, bent over slightly. I fake grabbing his collar with my left hand, only to grab it with my right immediately. I switch my left grip to the …
“Welcome to the women’s jiu-jitsu rollathon,” Pete, the owner of the MMA gym announces, instructing us to line up by the wall by rank. Six months into training, I’m still a total newbie in the sport, so I head toward the back of the line. There are about fifteen of us — more women than …
