Monkey Mind Podcast Episode #116 - Process with Powell Cucchiella, LMHC

Hello! Welcome to the Monkey Mind Newsletter, where we provide you with the tools to be a more successful and resilient athlete and human. 

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Monkey Mind Podcast Episode #116 - Process with Powell Cucchiella, LMHC

Every athlete wants two things: confidence and consistency. Often, we look for these in our results—the goals scored, the games won, or the stats on the board. But as any elite performer will tell you, the outcome is the one thing you can’t fully control.

In the latest installment of our 10-part mini-series, I sat down with Powell Cucchiella, LMHC, to discuss the second pillar of mental performance: Action.

While we’ve previously covered the power of mastering your thoughts, this episode dives into how mastering your process—the specific actions you take in and out of the game—is the ultimate key to reducing pressure and finding your flow state.

• The Two Controllables: There are only two things an athlete can truly control: their thoughts and their actions.

• Process vs. Outcome: When we measure success solely by outcomes (like scoring a goal), we create a "boom or bust" confidence cycle. When we measure success by our process, confidence becomes repeatable.

• The Power of the "Top 5": Powell’s first activity with every athlete is identifying the 3 to 5 specific actions in their position that lead to success.

• Consistency in the "Dip": Even when you don’t "feel" great or your shots aren't falling, you can still execute your process. Doing so ensures you stay aggressive and engaged rather than playing it safe.

MENTAL PERFORMANCE TOOL: Your Process Controllables Checklist

To build a game that stands up under pressure, you must identify your process. Ask yourself: "What are the 3-5 actions I can do at a high level that will likely lead to success?"

For a hockey player, this might look like:

• Be Aggressive: Hunting the puck in the corners.

• Take Players On: Using speed to create 1-on-1 opportunities.

• Want the Puck: Actively calling for and looking for possession.

If you do these three things 100% of the time, the outcomes (the goals and assists) will naturally trend in the right direction. Stop grading your performance based on the scoreboard and start grading it based on your commitment to these actions.

LISTEN TO EPISODE #116

Spotify

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Work with Powell

Monkey Mind Website 

— Danny
Founder, Monkey Mind
www.MonkeyMindAthletes.com

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