Kick Ass Between the Ears: Self-Care as Mental Fitness with Coach Andy Riise

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Retired U.S. Army officer and mental performance/leadership coach Andy Riise (NFL Chicago Bears, University professor, Speaker) breaks down self-care as mental fitness—the inside-out training that lets athletes, leaders, parents, and teams perform under pressure. Andy shares his “mental mechanic” approach, the Survive → Cope → Thrive bridge model, and a simple daily check-in (1–10) to “fight to the right.” We talk stress, confidence, burnout, performance anxiety, and why aiming for a solid C game on bad days beats chasing perfection. This conversation reframes self-care as both personal discipline and a team sport—maintenance, not emergency repair.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Train your mind like your body.
   Psychological skills (energy & stress management, reframing, confidence, focus) are the decisive edge—especially when you don’t have your A game.
2. Use the bridge + daily check-in.
   Rate 1–3 (surviving), 4–7 (coping), 8–10 (thriving). Ask: Where am I? Why? What’s one action to move right today? How can someone help? Consistency > perfection.
3. Self-care is a team sport.
   Don’t wait for the “check-engine” light. Normalize support and vulnerability (especially for men). Remember: 70% done well is winning—show up, then squeeze the juice from what you’ve got.

Links to learn more and contact Coach Andy Riise.

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