What do fighter pilots and elite athletes have in common? More than you think.

In this episode, Ben sits down with Boo Boucousis—former fighter pilot and entrepreneur—to break down how high performers train, think, and respond under pressure. From the cockpit to competition, the principles of execution, accountability, and mental control remain the same.

Boo shares how fighter pilots use systematic debriefing, real-time feedback, and disciplined habits to accelerate learning and eliminate mistakes—lessons every athlete and coach can apply immediately.

If you want to perform at your best when it matters most, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most elite performance environments in the world.

Key Takeaways:

• Performance is built on mastering the basics—especially when you don’t feel like it
• Debriefing and reflection are the fastest ways to improve
• Fear isn’t the enemy—it’s part of the process in high-pressure moments

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/teams

What separates great athletes from everyone else?

It’s not talent.
It’s how they handle pressure.

In this episode, Dr. Tom Mitchell (former NBA sports psychologist for the Golden State Warriors) breaks down:

• The truth about nerves and performance
• How elite athletes reset after mistakes
• Why comparison destroys confidence
• The mindset tools used at the highest level

If you want to perform at your best when it matters most… this episode is for you.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
13:00 Visualization Story
18:45 Super Bowl Story
23:00 Joe Montana on Fear

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/teams

In this episode of the Coaching Minds Podcast, Ben Carnes interviews Myron Burr Jr., who shares his journey from being an athlete to a coach and now an assistant city manager. They discuss the importance of mental preparation in sports, the lessons learned from veteran players, and the unique challenges of coaching young athletes. Myron emphasizes the significance of building relationships, understanding individual needs, and the transition of skills from sports to professional life. He concludes with advice for young athletes to relax and enjoy their journey.

• Mental preparation is crucial for performance.
• Building relationships with athletes is essential.
• Understanding individual needs helps in coaching.
• Preparation leads to confidence in performance.
• The mental aspect of sports is often overlooked.
• Lessons from veterans can shape a player's approach.
• Track and field requires a different mindset than team sports.
• Coaching young athletes involves navigating their social development.
• Routine and preparation can limit decision fatigue.
• Flexibility in routines is important for adaptability.

Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities:
mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes

Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website:
mentaltrainingplan.com/teams