This presentation covers seven core tenets for life in a practical, performance-focused framework for coaches, physical educators, and health professionals. Grounded in psychological research, the session explores how emotional resilience, motivation, and personal growth directly influence athlete behavior, team culture, and overall performance. It challenges the misconception that struggle reflects weakness, emphasizing instead that emotional discomfort is a natural and necessary component of growth. Participants will examine how suppressing emotions can increase stress and negatively impact performance, while intentional emotional processing fosters resilience and well-being. The session also addresses the inconsistency of motivation, highlighting the importance of connecting effort to a deeper sense of purpose or “why.” Additional strategies include identifying effective recovery practices, managing stress in high-pressure environments, and learning to tolerate discomfort as part of development. By reframing stress and embracing intentional responses, attendees will gain practical tools to model mindset, effort, and energy, ultimately creating stronger, more confident individuals and more cohesive, high-performing teams.
As a Physical Education & Health Teacher at Harmon High School, I strive to promote the importance of our cultural pride and ownership of our own diversity and celebrate our social justice changes through sports. My current research focuses on the challenges that students from diverse cultural communities face while enrolled in higher education. My passion is leading through action rather than words, which I believe speaks louder than words. "Don't feel so sorry for my social and racial limitations that you enable my educational progress by providing me with the right educational tools to use to learn to overcome bumps in my future."
During this session, attendees with leave with strategies to address some of the tougher to teach topics such as mental health, stigmas and positive outlooks. Many of these topics 6-8 and 9-12 graders struggle with. Leave with lessons ready to teach on Monday.
