Greg from motorsportmind - bringing you the INNER RACING Podcast! This month, I wanted to share a couple of insights that have been coming up in my conversations with drivers and riders—insights that might just give you the edge on both the track and in your day-to-day mental game.

Calm vs. Relaxed: What’s the Difference?

Have you ever wondered if being calm and being relaxed are the same thing? Turns out, they aren’t—at least not when it comes to high performance.

• Calmness is about being in control, especially under pressure. You might still feel stress or adrenaline before a race, but when you’re calm, you’re handling it—you’re mentally ready to make decisions, anticipate situations, and perform at your best.

• Relaxation feels different. There’s a certain ease to it, which might not always be appropriate right before a competition. Too relaxed, and you might not have that sharpness you need on the grid.

When you’re about to get on track, aim to be calm—not just relaxed. Breathwork and mental prep can help bring you into that controlled state. If you focus on calmness, relaxation often follows, but at the right intensity for peak performance.

Your True Responsibility on Race Day

Another topic we dug into: What are you actually responsible for when you go racing? The answer: your performance. Not the result.

• You are responsible for maximizing your skills—technically, physically, and mentally. That’s your job.

• Results are a team effort and often depend on many factors outside your control, including competitors.

• Focus on continual improvement—identify what you need to stop, start, or do more of in all three performance pillars.

When you focus solely on your own performance, you’ll always have one person to beat: yourself. That clarity makes it easier to grow and succeed, no matter the outcome.

Thanks for tuning in this week—keep working on that mental edge, and remember: it’s all about performance.

See you next time,

Greg
Host, INNER RACING Podcast

To watch the video version of this podcast visit: https://link.motorsportmind.com/video-podcast

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Weekly Video Library Podcast! In today's episode titled "MM Top Gun Racing Apr 25," Greg delves deep into the world of high-performance racing and the crucial role that mental state plays in these exhilarating environments. Drawing insights from Hazard Lee's book, "The Art of Clear Thinking," Greg explores how the mental and emotional clarity of fighter pilots, astronauts, and top racers serve as a powerful foundation for peak performance.

He dives into the importance of maintaining calmness in high-pressure situations, discussing how this state of mind allows for better strategic thinking, critical decision-making, and ultimately, superior performance. From the necessity of mental agility and physical fitness to the nuances of situational awareness, Greg highlights the interconnected qualities that both fighter pilots and racing drivers share. Tune in as he shares expert insights on how maintaining calm under pressure can transform not just racing, but any high-stakes scenario into a platform for success. Plus, stick around to learn about the upcoming episode focused on the components of calm. Let's dive in!

Welcome to this episode of INNER RACING - Podcast, where Greg delves into the concept of the locus of control and its significance in racing and performance. He explores the difference between having an internal versus external locus of control, and how this perception affects our response to situations both on and off the track.

Greg discusses how understanding and focusing on what we can control – our performance and progress – can reduce stress, enhance focus, and improve racing outcomes.

Join Greg as he breaks down these ideas, offering practical insights into harnessing an internal locus of control to elevate your racing mindset and achieve personal growth. Whether you're on the track or tackling challenges in everyday life, learn how to adapt your control focus for better results.

Welcome back to another episode of Inner Racing. I'm your host, Greg, and today, we're diving deep into the significant topic of confidence versus false confidence. In this episode, we'll explore how confidence and false confidence can look alike initially but reveal their true nature under pressure. We'll discuss the metaphor of ice, where true confidence remains solid while false confidence cracks. We'll also cover the impact of noise on performance, and how self-reflection and honesty play crucial roles in building genuine confidence. Whether it's Friday practice or Sunday race, understanding and developing true confidence is key to consistent performance. So, tune in and let's unravel the intricacies of confidence and how to strengthen it for peak performance.

Welcome back to INNER RACING, the podcast where we delve into the crucial aspects of high-performance racing. I'm your host, Greg, and today we’re diving into an essential topic that often goes overlooked: mental skills as your performance "insurance policy" in racing.

In this episode, we'll explore why mental skills should be prioritized above physical and technical abilities, and how they form the foundation for everything we do both on and off the track.

By understanding the importance of mental conditioning, we'll uncover how it drives motivation, decision-making, and overall performance. Whether you're a professional driver or an entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights to help you harness the full potential of your mental state. Let's get started!

## Introduction to the Season Map
- Overview: The video introduces the concept of the season map as a tool for visual representation of one's performance over a season. It helps in understanding whether the performance has been consistent or erratic.
- Purpose: The season map aids in identifying areas for improvement and strategizing on how to approach the rest of the season or the upcoming season.

## Creating Your Season Map
- Materials Needed: To create a season map, you'll need a sheet of paper and a pen to draw a visual graph that represents your race weekends.
- Drawing the Map: The process involves drawing a line that represents your performance during each race, test, or qualifying session. Notes on whether each was a peak or a trough should accompany the line.

## Analyzing the Season Map
- Self-Evaluation: Look at the drawn map to determine if it appears consistent or erratic. Consider if it's a true reflection of performance or influenced by emotions.
- Third-Person Perspective: Assess the map from an outsider’s point of view to provide objective insights into the performance, including obstacles and positive or negative influences.

## Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses
- Performance Review: Evaluate decisions and skills applied during peaks and troughs to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Applying the Three Pillars: Analyze whether issues in performance were technical, physical, or mental, and create an action plan accordingly.

## Actions and Improvements
- Implementation Plan: Use the insights gained from the season map to formulate actionable changes that can enhance performance and results.
- Future Projections: Visualize a desired outcome for future seasons and determine steps needed to achieve that vision.

## Additional Resources and Support
- Worksheet Availability: The season map is available as a worksheet in an app, and copies can be provided upon request.
- Interaction: Viewers are encouraged to ask questions or request support to work through the process in further sessions.

In this month's podcast from the motorsportmind library, Greg delves into the concept of self mastery, emphasizing the importance of striving for excellence rather than settling for mediocrity.

He explains how self mastery involves setting high standards and continually working to improve skills and habits, using examples from racing to illustrate his points. Greg highlights the interconnectedness of various aspects of life, such as sleep, mental skills, and physical fitness, and how mastery in one area can positively impact others. He encourages listeners to set small, achievable goals to enhance their performance and overall well-being, promoting a holistic approach to self improvement.

Greg concludes by inviting listeners to reflect on their current practices and consider areas for improvement, reinforcing the idea that self mastery is a continuous journey.

In this episode, Greg discusses the importance of staying positive, particularly during the off-season in motorsport. He emphasizes the value of being solution-focused rather than just blindly optimistic. Greg explores the psychological aspects of positivity, addressing the impact of unconscious thoughts and the benefits of maintaining a positive mindset. Throughout the episode, he encourages listeners to take control of their thoughts and emotions, set attainable goals, and stay focused on solutions rather than obstacles. Overall, Greg's insight provides valuable guidance for staying positive in motorsport and beyond.