Leadership Mastery: Techniques to Overcome Performance Anxiety and Achieve Optimal Results

Performance anxiety is a shared experience among athletes, akin to the challenges faced by leaders striving for excellence. 

Unmanaged anxiety can not only hinder performance but also impact mental and physical well-being, limiting one's ability to reach their full potential. 

In the realm of leadership, recognizing and addressing anxiety becomes crucial for sustained success. 

This blog explores 7 techniques inspired by athletic strategies to help leaders overcome anxiety and optimize their performance.


Understanding Leadership Anxiety:

Much like athletes experience different levels of anxiety before a competition, leaders may encounter stress in high-stakes situations. This anxiety can be viewed as either non-performance enhancing or performance enhancing, similar to the athlete's perspective. Here are 7 techniques for Influencing Leadership Anxiety State:


Technique #1 Active Language Integration:

  • Understand that anxiety is an unconscious action.

  • Use active language (Do, Doing, Did, Does) to recognize and take control of your feeling (e.g. I’m doing anxiety)

  • Transform negative thoughts into actionable statements, empowering yourself to choose how you want to feel e.g. instead of feeling passive in the situation ‘this meeting is making me do anxiety’ become action: ‘I’m doing anxiety around this meeting, what would I love to do instead and how can I achieve that?’

[The (free) VIP Positive Mindset Training Program unlocks the power of language and helps you master the art of brain training—it’s the start of a life-altering journey. Sign up here]

Technique #2 Performance-Enhancing Language:

  • Embrace positive and productive self-talk to enhance leadership performance.

  • Your words create your reality: recognize the impact of words on thoughts, feelings, and experiences, they determine whether you win or lose

  • Replace negative phrases with powerful affirmations, fostering confidence and success.


Technique #3 Stop Unhelpful Thoughts:

  • Employ the thought-stopping technique to break unproductive thought patterns.

  • When you notice saying something unhelpful, pause and ask yourself if this thought is enhancing your performance/life; if not, use a firm and positive voice to say ‘stop.'

  • Redirect focus to thoughts that positively impact performance and your life

  • Keep repeating this process to train your brain in thinking in this new way


Technique #4 Dismantling Pressure:

  • Acknowledge that pressure is purely an internal experience created by thoughts, feelings and expectations.

  • Recognize that sporting events, meetings etc. hold no inherent pressure; it is self-created.

  • Focus on the present task, shifting from external pressures to internal performance goals. Examples:

    • A triathlete will switch from focusing on winning to swimming, cycling and running as fast as possible.

    • The CEO will switch from their yearly sales goal of 28 million NOK to creating the best adventures as possible for their customers.


Technique #5 Meditation for Leaders:

  • Incorporate meditation practices to reduce anxiety levels.

  • Utilize paid and free apps like Calm, Headspace, or Insight Timer for guided meditation.

  • Practice techniques such as Box Breathing to enhance focus and accelerate recovery.

Technique #6 Performance and Process-Based Goals:

  • Direct mental energy to elements within your influence.

  • Shift focus from external pressures to internal performance and process goals.

  • Emphasize actions that contribute to achieving performance goals.


Technique #7 Increase Self-Confidence:

  • Recognize the connection between self-confidence and reduced anxiety.

  • Create a mental cookie jar of past successes and achievements.

  • Pull out 'cookies' of evidence to boost confidence during challenging times.


Conclusion:

Leadership mastery involves navigating challenges, much like athletes overcoming competition anxiety. By adapting techniques from the athletic arena, leaders can address anxiety, enhance performance, and achieve optimal results.

Incorporate these techniques into your leadership journey and witness the transformation of anxiety into a catalyst for success.


Need further help and support? The Expansive Mastermind could be a great fit for you, check it out and apply here.

Mastering Leadership: 5 Strategic Steps to Conquer 'I'm Not Good Enough

Leadership is a dynamic journey filled with challenges, and one formidable adversary that leaders often face is their inner demon whispering, 'I'm not good enough.' 

In this guide, we unveil five empowering steps to silence self-doubt and foster a mindset conducive to leadership excellence.


Step 1: Recognize and Transform

Acknowledge that the thought 'I'm not good enough' is an active process, something you're doing (no blame here, you’ve been doing it unconsciously and accidentally).

Transform it into 'I'm DOING doubt about myself,' opening the door to self-reflection. Pause and consider what positive actions you'd love to take instead.

[We go DEEP into this in The (free) VIP Positive Mindset Training Program]


Step 2: Embrace Positive Language

Craft powerful, positive affirmations that replace self-doubt. Fuel your neuropathways with life-enhancing thoughts, e.g. ’I can do this,' 'I'm brilliant at……’ and 'I'm getting stronger every day.' 

Your language shapes your reality; choose words that empower your leadership narrative.


Step 3: Build a Positive Evidence Arsenal

Counter self-doubt by intentionally seeking and recognizing positive evidence. Your brain edits reality based on your unconscious directives. 

If 'I'm not good enough' lingers, consciously focus on past successes and achievements, cultivating a reservoir of positive evidence and instantly boosting your confidence.


Step 4: Challenge and Reframe

Challenge self-doubting thoughts by evaluating them against tangible accomplishments. 

Ask yourself, does this belief align with the positive evidence of my capabilities? 

Reframe your narrative based on the truth, boosting confidence and dispelling false notions.


Step 5: Intentional Reality Creation

Consciously shape your reality by intentionally steering your thoughts toward positivity. Shift from 'doing self-doubt' to 'doing super great.' 

Your brain quickly responds to intentional thoughts, creating a mindset where optimal performance and positivity becomes not just a goal, but a reality.


Real Life Example

Take my pro triathlete Krisitan, who told me ‘I am a slow swimmer’

Although he was flipping quick and placing top 5, his swim times always fell short of expectations.

This is because deep down he knew he was a slow swimmer so his beliefs, thoughts, feelings, decisions and experiences were all around him being a slow swimmer, creating his slow swimming reality. So as you can likely guess, he swam slower than his potential.

Once we replaced the identity with “I am a fast swimmer” (in one session btw), the next day he was first out of the water for the first time in his career.

Change can happen FAST, you’ve just got to start in the right place - and consistently implementing these steps will help you achieve swift change.


Leadership development involves more than strategic acumen; it requires a resilient mindset capable of overcoming internal challenges. 

By following these five steps, leaders can confront and conquer the pervasive 'I'm not good enough' demon, paving the way for enhanced performance, confidence, positivity and success. 

Take charge of your leadership narrative and watch as your journey unfolds with newfound mastery, strength and purpose.


Need extra support and help to create your desired transformation? Check out and apply to The Expansive Mastermind.

Unlock Your Leadership Potential: Join The Expansive Mastermind for a 12-Month Coaching Adventure

 

Ready for a transformative journey?

Our exclusive 12-month group coaching program, The Expansive Mastermind, is designed to propel your career, relationships, and passions to new heights. Led by renowned mindset coach Adelaide Goodeve, this mastermind offers a sanctuary for like-minded leaders seeking extraordinary growth.


Why Join?

Transformative Growth: Break free from fear, doubt, and negativity to live the life you've been yearning for.

Overcome Challenges: Designed for high performers facing pressures, achieve personal goals while excelling in your career or business, and finding balance with your passion and home life.

Exclusive Community: Connect with leaders on a similar journey, providing support and accountability.

Comprehensive Resources: Access my pre-recorded flagship program that’s helped over 100 individuals transform their lives. You receive detailed workbooks and monthly live calls for a convenient and impactful learning experience.

Brain Training: Unleash the power of purposeful brain training and mindset development for swift transformation.


Imagine If…

✨ You step into a version of yourself free from dissatisfaction, doubt, and negativity.

✨ Anxiety, stress, and procrastination become things of the past.

✨ Clarity, ease, freedom, love, success, and abundance flow effortlessly into your life.

✨ You achieve the dream work-family-passion balance.

✨ Your inner dialogue becomes a source of empowerment, guiding you to achieve your goals.


What's Included

High Vibing Community: Join a community of like-minded leaders committed to extraordinary achievements.

Comprehensive Resources: Access pre-recorded audio and video content, detailed workbooks, and monthly live calls.

Support and Accountability: Engage with our transformation coach Adelaide Goodeve, our guest experts, and the community that understands your journey, providing support and accountability.

Purposeful Brain Training: Master the art of brain training and mindset development for easier and more impactful transformation.


Perfect for You If You:

✔️ Are a leader seeking peace, fulfillment, and positivity in your life.
✔️ Want to stand confidently in your power and deepen your influence.
✔️ Crave growth to create more abundance and impact than ever before.
✔️ Pursue your passion and elevate your performance.
✔️ Desire to be a beacon of inspiration for yourself and others.
✔️ Seek a safe space to innovate, reflect, and overcome challenges with ease.
✔️ Want to raise your consciousness and cultivate inner peace.

Not the Best Fit If You:

  • Have an 'already know that' mentality.

  • Don't believe in positive change.

  • Aren't willing to take responsibility for your reality.

  • Seek a quick fix or someone to do the work for you.

  • Are unwilling to commit time, effort, and energy for transformation.

  • Prefer deeper 1-1 assistance or dislike self-study.


Are you ready for the coaching journey of a lifetime?

Join The Expansive Mastermind and embark on a transformative coaching adventure! Your journey to unparalleled leadership excellence starts here.

Unlock Your Leadership Potential: 6 Reasons Why Adelaide's Coaching Stands Out

Embark on a leadership journey that transcends the ordinary—discover 6 reasons why Adelaide's Leadership Coaching stands out as the optimal choice for transformative growth.


1. Adelaide’s Unique Background:

Adelaide defied the odds with the power of brain training. Overcoming severe chronic fatigue syndrome in just 3 days, she soon emerged as an endurance adventure athlete. Her personal triumph serves as a testament to the extraordinary effectiveness of her coaching approach.

Adelaide came 3rd place in her age group for iroman distance race


2. Adelaide’s Proven Method:

Adelaide's commitment to understanding the intricacies of the brain is unparalleled. Having invested countless hours and resources, she has curated a method that delivers maximum change with minimal effort. Trusted by hundreds, her coaching methods have become synonymous with life-altering transformation.

Since working with Adelaide, I’ve completely changed my relationship with food, with my body, and with my self-doubt. I’ve started running again. I’ve started eating healthy again. And it doesn’t feel like hard work - at all - cause all Adelaide’s done is help me mould my mind to help me achieve what I want to achieve.
— Segment testimonial from Synne, business owner

3. Adventure-Driven Growth

Adelaide believes that your leadership journey should be an exciting adventure, not a mundane task. Experience growth that goes beyond the ordinary and discover the thrill of evolving into the leader you aspire to be.

The biggest takeaway for me is that you really can implement big changes quickly. I’ve really enjoyed the support Adelaide has given me.

Adelaide has this great ability to bring you back on track and remind you it’s a learning process. It’s a journey. The progress is there.
— Squash Falconer, Keynote Speaker, Adventurer and World Record Holder

4. Fun-Fuelled Transformation

Why settle for a dull and tedious growth process? Adelaide's coaching approach injects joy and excitement into your leadership development. Because, after all, growth should be enjoyable and exhilarating.

It was pretty exciting because I never quite knew what I was going to experience in our coaching sessions and because I wanted to change so much, I was open to whatever that change would be.
— Testimonial segment from Esther Wheeler, Knowledge and Skills Leader, and Endurance Paddler

5. Seamless Leadership Coaching

Elevate your leadership effortlessly. Adelaide's coaching seamlessly integrates into your lifestyle, ensuring effectiveness with minimal disruption to your daily routine. Embrace a transformation that's as smooth as it is impactful.

By working with Adelaide, it opened my eyes to who and how I want to be. We road mapped out the best version of myself, which was a exciting process!

As a result, I know who I am and I am happy. I am much more compassionate towards my myself, I’m fully stepping into my dad power and I am a much more loving husband. I’m also confident that I can take my career to the next level.
— Simon, Account Manager, Father, Health and Fitness Expert

6. Brain Training Excellence

Adelaide specializes in purposeful brain training, unlocking the potential for lasting change. Experience the transformative impact of brain-centric coaching, setting the stage for sustained and profound growth.

At every race I reach a point where the physical fatigue is so high, that I question why I force myself through the pain and continue pushing.

It is at these critical moments, that it’s important to have your mental game plan ready.

Together with Adelaide Goodeve, I’ve tried an arsenal of mindset techniques. Some had small effect others moderate, a few however, made a really big gain. And those are the ones we continue to refine and improve.

If you do find yourself with a feeling of not being able to fulfill your potential, then get in touch with Adelaide.
— Allan Hovda, Pro Norwegian Triathlete and three times winner of the Zalaris Norseman Xtreme Triathlon

Ready to embark on a journey where enjoyment, simplicity, rapid progress, and transformative growth converge?

Join Adelaide for 1-1 or group leadership coaching and unlock your leadership potential! Apply here.

Transform Your Leadership Journey: 3 Impactful Ways to Elevate Yourself or Your Team

Are you a leader aspiring to become your best self and live a life you love? Or are you looking to ignite your team’s performance, innovation and wellbeing?Look no further! Here are three impactful ways we can embark on this transformative journey together:


1. 1-1 Leadership Coaching

Elevate your leadership by undergoing a transformative coaching journey to become the best version of yourself. We create a unique comprehensive strategy that turns your goals and dreams into reality.

Here’s one of my client’s experiences:

Adelaide helped me grab my goals with both hands, racing extreme endurance events and building my business.

Articulating my values, redefining goals and outcomes made 2022 one of my defining years.

I turned to Adelaide again this year when seeking assistance in determining a big scary goal for work and play as I turn 60. I pull on the skills I learned most days.
— Denise Wilson, Director and Endurance Adventure Athlete

2. The Expansive Mastermind

Join our exclusive 12-month group coaching experience to unlock big breakthroughs: excel your career (or business), relationships, and passions. Learn brain training secrets, overcome obstacles, and achieve your goals with like-minded leaders.

Hear from one of my members:

My biggest takeaway was that you really can implement big changes quickly, it’s definitely not easy, it’s also not hard sometimes…

Adelaide has this great ability to bring you back on track and remind you it’s a journey. The progress is there.

I’ve really enjoyed the support Adelaide has given me, she’s very eloquent, intelligent and delivers complex things in really easy to understand ways.
— Squash Falconer, Keynote Speaker, Adventurer and World Record Holder

3. Team Development Coaching

Our tailored team performance coaching addresses your team’s unique challenges. From struggling with a high-pressure environment to negative mindsets. Let us help you optimise your team’s performance, innovation and overall wellbeing—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Here’s how we helped Norway’s leading adventure company:

We really enjoyed working with Adelaide, she helped us see things that seemed obvious when we finally understood our path for the future, but that we would probably have spent a long time figuring out ourselves.

Adelaide has a good way of letting others think and asking the right questions. She is very professional and at the same time friendly and easy to talk to.
— Marit Vidnes, CEO and Co-Founder of Norrøna Hvitserk

Are You Ready to Transform?

Whether it's 1-1 coaching, the mastermind, or team development, let's commence your journey to leadership excellence.

Apply for coaching to kickstart your transformation by clicking the button below that’s for you!