What Is One Thing That Top Elite Athletes Embrace More Than Anyone Else? - Brainz Magazine Exclusive Interview With Mike Wiley Jr.

Mike Wiley Jr., MA, LPC, is a licensed therapist and sought-after mental performance strategist with over a decade of experience in clinical counseling and sports psychology. As the former Director of Mental Skills and Performance for the NFL’s Chicago Bears, Mike has supported professional athletes, Grammy-nominated artists, corporate leaders, medical doctors, high achievers, and elite teams—helping them navigate and master high-pressure environments, enhance focus, and lead with grounded intention and purpose. He holds a Master’s degree in Counseling with a specialization in Sport & Health Psychology from Adler University and a B.S. in Psychology from Washington State University. Mike is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington.

Now based in Georgia, Mike is the founder and head clinical therapist at MadeMind Wellness & Performance—a mental wellness firm rooted in mindfulness, resilience, and intentional living. Through his work, Mike empowers clients to break through mental barriers, align their values with their performance goals, and unlock sustained excellence in all areas of life. Mike Wiley Jr. has built a reputation for bridging the worlds of clinical therapy, elite performance, and grounded personal development. His work at MadeMind Wellness & Performance reflects not only his extensive training, but also a personal philosophy that wellness and ambition aren’t opposing forces—they're allies. In this conversation, Mike opens up about the motivations behind his practice, how he works with high performers, and why presence, not perfection, defines true balance.

In this episode, we discover the following:

1. The biggest mental challenge elite performers struggle with.

2. What mental performance habit should we implement every day?

3. How Mike decides which therapy to use with his clients.

4. What is one thing that top elite athletes embrace more than anyone else?

With podcast host Mark Sephton

Hope you'll enjoy the episode!

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