Key Insights
Journey into Mental Performance Coaching
Trevor Telen’s journey into mental performance coaching began with his personal struggles during his athletic career, particularly in basketball. Competing at a high level revealed the mental hurdles he faced, leading him to explore psychological resilience and the intricate relationship between mind and performance. Working alongside renowned coach Trevor Moad solidified his interest in this domain.
The Unique Challenges in Golf
Golf presents distinctive mental challenges due to its structure. While playing, athletes have significant downtime between shots, leading to potential distractions and intrusive thoughts. Trevor noted that the sport’s inherent pressure—where the focus is mostly on a singular, fleeting swing—makes it particularly challenging. The mental game, influenced by emotions, expectations, and external distractions, is central to success in golf.
Navigating Modern Golf Environments
The shift in golf culture, marked by events like LIV Golf, introduces new dynamics for players. Trevor highlighted how modern golf formats can disrupt traditional mental patterns due to varying environmental factors like noise and audience interaction. This can serve both as a challenge and an opportunity. While the chaos could distract some players, others might find it energizing. It’s crucial for athletes to adapt and find their grounding even amidst shifting environments.
Importance of Mindfulness
Mindfulness was a central theme in the conversation, with Trevor offering practical strategies such as focusing on breath and developing a pre-shot routine. These techniques help athletes remain centered and present, curtailing performance anxiety and fostering focus. Mindfulness encourages the acceptance of thoughts without judgment, which can be transformative in competitive situations.
Social Media’s Role in Modern Athletics
The impact of social media on athletes is profound, emphasizing the importance of understanding and managing perceptions. Trevor warned about comparison traps, where athletes may feel pressured to measure their success against an often-idealized representation of others’ performances. It encourages a culture of unrealistic expectations that can lead to frustration and anxiety, highlighting the need for athletes to curate their social media diets mindfully.
Embracing Failure
A critical takeaway from the discussion was that failure is an essential aspect of growth. Trevor advocated for changing the narrative around failure, perceiving it not as a setback but as a valuable learning experience. This perspective allows athletes to cultivate resilience and adaptability, qualities that are crucial for competitive success.
Final Thoughts on Personal Growth
When asked what advice Trevor would give to his younger self, he emphasized the importance of rethinking the emotional burden tied to failure. By reframing failures as stepping stones rather than dead ends, athletes can foster a more productive mindset, emphasizing learning and personal growth.
Core Concepts

Mental Performance: The psychological approach athletes take to enhance performance and cope with stress.
Mindfulness: Being present in the moment and accepting thoughts without judgment, essential for focused performance.
Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to challenges.
Failure as Feedback: Recognizing failures as opportunities for learning rather than negative outcomes.
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