This episode of the Perform Happy Podcast is a reminder that even the athletes who look the most confident can struggle with anxiety, pressure, and self-doubt. I sit down with University of Utah gymnast Ella Zirbes to talk about finding joy in gymnastics again after anxiety took away the fun of competing on some of the biggest stages of her career.
Ella shares how the pressure to be perfect left her feeling overwhelmed during her sophomore season and what helped her make a complete mindset shift. Through sports psychology, gratitude, and learning to stop performing for other people's approval, she rediscovered what it means to compete for herself and her team.
We also talk about comparison, injuries, college recruiting pressure, and why athletes don't need to become someone else to succeed. Ella shares the lessons she learned from setbacks, why your sport should never define your worth, and how doing your own gymnastics is often the best thing you can do under pressure.
In this episode you will hear:
How gratitude can help reframe anxiety before competition
Why trying to be perfect often creates more pressure
How to stop comparing yourself to other athletes
Why your self-worth should never depend on your performance
What parents and coaches can do to help athletes feel supported
Why consistency and trusting your preparation matter most on competition day
How finding joy in your sport can improve both performance and confidence
This conversation is a powerful reminder that anxiety doesn't mean you're not capable. Sometimes, the biggest breakthrough comes when you stop chasing perfection and start appreciating the opportunity to do what you love.
Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur
Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com
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