Elite athletes chase greatness, but for many, the grind of rejection fuels a hidden struggle: turning to porn for a fleeting sense of worth. Caught in a cycle of shame and impulsivity, their game—and spirit—suffer. Here’s how somatic practices like yoga, mindfulness, and brainspotting can break the trap, restore inner strength, and help them live and play free.

Creativity is innate, but it can be stifled over time by external pressures and rigid systems. In high-level sports, this dynamic is amplified by the precision-driven, data-centric environment that increasingly defines elite performance. The need to fit into a specific "box"—whether it’s a tactical role, a statistical benchmark, or a physical archetype—can suppress the very qualities that make athletes exceptional: creativity, flow state, and untapped potential. This suppression doesn’t just limit performance; it can ripple into mental health challenges like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), mood disorders, and even physical manifestations like focal dystonia (the "yips"). Let’s unpack it.

Alabama’s historic 25-of-51 three-point barrage in the Sweet 16 against BYU was a Flow State clinic—until last night’s Elite 8 clash with Duke brought a jarring comedown and season-low final score from the nation's most dynamic offensive team. The Tide’s rhythm vanished, their legs faltered, and Duke’s suffocating defense exposed the physical and mental toll of that prior peak. This Flow State Comedown—a steep drop-off after a superhuman outing—is a pattern we’ve seen before, but it’s not inevitable. Somatic training offers a way to extend that momentum, mitigating the energetic crashes that leave athletes reeling.

Dan Hurley’s fiery pursuit of a UConn three-peat veered into chaos, with viral outbursts and ego-driven antics overshadowing his dynasty. When coaches lose sight of the bigger picture, chasing personal glory over mentorship, players stagnate—learning bravado instead of backbone. This breeds a cycle of instability, amplifying the NIL and transfer portal’s win-now strain on young talent. The real cost flows downstream: kids molded by a warped compass, robbed of the grounded guidance needed for life beyond the game.

College sports’ development days are over, replaced by a “ready-or-nothing” race against a bloated transfer portal. Young athletes are specializing early, breaking down from overuse and pressure before they even get a shot at being one of the select few to score an opportunity as a freshman. This isn’t just a scholarship squeeze—it’s a pipeline to an injury epidemic with a side of burnout. Somatic training is the lifeline they need to not just survive, but thrive. The time to act on it is now.

When Coleman Hawkins inked a massive NIL deal to transfer to Kansas State, it looked like the ultimate win—a young athlete cashing in on his talent in college sports’ shiny new era. But after a mediocre season and an ugly season-ending loss, the senior forward broke down in tears, admitting the weight of that paycheck crushed his game. Name, Image, and Likeness has flipped the script on youth athletics, promising riches but piling on pressures that threaten to break the next generation. This isn’t just Hawkins’ story—it’s a warning we can’t ignore.

Elite athletes are celebrated for their grit and discipline, but the same systems that elevate them can also confine them. Rigid roles and expectations limit potential, disconnect athletes from their intuition, and erode their sense of self. Somatics—practices like performance yoga, mindfulness, and brainspotting—offer a path to break these barriers and unlock a more liberated way of being.

Talk therapy is out. Today’s top executives and C-suite leaders are turning to somatic practices for optimal performance and well-being. Modalities like meditation, breathwork, and brainspotting are redefining mental resilience, emotional intelligence, and decision-making at the highest levels. Learn more about brainspotting—the emerging gold standard for processing stress, overcoming mental blocks, and enhancing leadership performance—below.

For elite athletes, losing control over a once-automatic movement can feel like an unsolvable mystery. The 'yips'—a sudden inability to execute fundamental skills—are often linked to focal dystonia, a neurological condition that disrupts motor function. Traditional approaches fall short because they only address symptoms, not the root cause. Somatic therapy provides a lasting solution by rewiring the mind-body connection, restoring fluid movement, and giving athletes the ability to perform with confidence again.

Elite athletes fight battles most never see—obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can twist their drive into a quiet torment, threatening both performance and peace of mind. Research from 2023 shows OCD strikes athletes harder, doubling the usual rates, yet traditional fixes like medication and talk therapy often buckle under their world’s weight. Somatic approaches—yoga, mindfulness, brainspotting—offer a body-smart lifeline too many overlook for real relief.

In the world of high-performance training, the smallest details can lead to the biggest breakthroughs. One often-overlooked but incredibly effective tool is box breathing—a simple yet profound breathing technique that can transform both your physical and mental game. At its core, box breathing is about controlling your breath to harness the power of carbon dioxide (CO2) for health, endurance, and clarity.

By popular demand, here are my favorite books published in 2024. These works represent a spectrum of genres and voices, each leaving a lasting impression. Whether you’re seeking literary depth, thrilling stories, or new perspectives, I know you’ll find something on this list to add to your own.

In an ideal world, the foundation of our health would come directly from the foods we eat—rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that fuel our bodies and optimize performance. However, the reality is far more complex. Modern agricultural practices and the decline in soil health have significantly impacted the nutrient density of the foods we consume, leaving even the most balanced diets lacking in critical elements. For athletes and high performers, these gaps can hinder recovery, energy levels, and overall health.

Breathwork has been used for centuries to enhance well-being by regulating breathing patterns to influence both the body and mind. By harnessing the power of the breath, people can experience profound improvements in their health, focus, and emotional state. Let’s explore the broad range of benefits breathwork offers, why it’s especially valuable for elite athletes, and how to get going using the tool.

The combination of breathwork and brainspotting tools is a powerful means for athletes recovering from concussions by addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of healing. Eliminate post-concussion symptoms effectively and efficiently by increasing oxygenation, regulating the nervous system, and processing trauma in all the layers of the brain.

Talk therapy is out. Elite athletes are turning to somatic practices for optimal health and performance. Modalities like yoga, meditation, breathwork, and brainspotting are literal game-changers for individual players and teams alike. As sports performance continues to evolve, so does the understanding of how the mind and body work together to achieve greatness. Brainspotting is quickly becoming the emerging gold standard for processing trauma, overcoming mental blocks, and elevating performance—offering a powerful tool for those who need to stay sharp both mentally and physically.

Life’s core truths can be found all around us in our day-to-day interactions and endeavors. Here are additional axioms to enhance your capacity to appreciate your unique experience.

By popular demand, here are my favorite reads of the publishing year. Family and relationship dynamics are front and center in a lineup full of heartache and hope. Plus, a few of my favorite authors are back in action.

By popular demand, here are my favorite reads of the publishing year. Once again, female authors steal the show.

Understanding our nature and life’s core truths make the inevitable ups and downs of living feel far less turbulent. Build your awareness around these axioms and your capacity to appreciate your unique experience is bound to expand.