Embrace Your Inner Coach: Learning to Tap Into Your Winning Spirit with Tom Mitchell

Today's guest shouldn't be here - and that's exactly why this episode matters. He felt like an impostor talking about neurodiversity because this isn't his specialty. But this isn't about labels or limitations. It's about what we can become in spite of them. Think about the last time you argued with yourself. That voice that says not good enough, don't mess this up. Today we're meeting it head on and learning how to answer it. Tom Mitchell spent 14 years with the Golden State Warriors as team psychologist, co-authored a bestselling book with Joe Montana, and helped elite athletes compete under pressure. He believes you already have a coach inside you. The question is — which voice is winning? EPISODE REVEALS Even high achievers beat themselves up. When anxiety or the ‘mind bully’ takes over, don’t pretend it’s not there. Notice it, move your body, talk to yourself differently, and remember that the wiser, steadier part of you is bigger than your mind bully that has temporarily taken control. You can’t argue neurodivergent anxiety away, but you can honour the fear, while also bringing attention back to what’s working. Your inner coach needs to talk to you as if you were a beloved friend or child. Pressure and fear don’t have to crush you. When you befriend them, they become fuel to step up rather than spiral down. Feedback hurts more when you live with rejection sensitivity but treating it as data for growth rather than proof that you’re broken transforms everything. Mistakes and missteps are not signs you’ve failed at life; they are simply a part of the dance in your parenting, performance, and neurodivergent journeys. BEST MOMENTS "Train yourself to catch yourself." "Sometimes the winning spirit isn't about talent. It's about refusing to let the wrong voice win." Tom Mitchell, Ph.D. – resources: Embrace Your Inner coach- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Embrace-Your-Inner-Coach-Strategies-ebook/dp/B0G362FDBD Winning Spirit with Joe Montana https://www.amazon.co.uk/Winning-Spirit-Principles-Performance-Excellence-ebook/dp/B06Y3XR1SN website: www.mvpperformance.com RESOURCES The Mandela Effect : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mandela-Effect-Mind-Bending-Thriller-Multiverse-ebook/dp/B0DMPPDKV7 Famisafe Parental control App Link: https://wondersharesoftware.pxf.io/ParentingAUDHD What to Do When Your Child Shuts Down: Real-World Parenting Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids Who Shut Down, Refuse School, or Just Stop communicating with you - https://amzn.eu/d/0fBIfbhR CLIFF´S SERVICES Are you struggling with anxiety and want support from someone who has been there and come out the other side? - Message Cliff here and take advantage of his founding members offer: https://m.me/cliff.kilmister CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change! This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/