#266 When Seconds Count | Chicago Bears Mental Skills Trainer, US Army Lt Colonel Andy Riise

In this episode of SuperPsyched, Dr. Adam Dorsay interviews Lt. Col. Andy Riise, a military veteran with extensive experience in mental skills training, who has worked with the NFL's Chicago Bears and major league baseball teams. Andy shares his journey from a West Point football player to a decorated army officer, and how these experiences shaped his approach to resilience and mental toughness. He discusses the importance of getting comfortable with discomfort, shares insights on realistic thinking, and highlights the significance of motivational interviewing in leadership and parenting. Through his story, Andy emphasizes the role of mental fitness in achieving peak performance in all areas of life.

00:00 Introduction to SuperPsyched

00:28 Meet Lieutenant Colonel Andy Riise

02:16 Andy's Military Background and Transition

04:36 Mental Skills Training and Resilience

07:19 Challenges and Triumphs

12:10 The Importance of Asking for Help

20:24 Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

23:09 The Importance of Varied Workouts

23:40 Misconceptions About Suffering

24:53 The Four Phases of Performance

26:45 Building Rapport with Athletes

30:50 Leadership and Family Values

37:23 The Power of Realistic Thinking

41:13 The Four Cs of Mental Fitness

44:27 Motivational Interviewing: A Key Skill

46:33 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Helpful Links:

Andy Riise LinkedIn

Andy Riise Instagram