Steve Magness (@stevemagness)

We love the idea that it’s the mind that sets champions apart. Mental toughness. Grit. Mindset. But what if that story is too clean? After 18 years of researching Olympians and elite athletes, I’ve learned: The truth about mental performance is messier—and more useful—than we think. Let's dive ...

Can you still recall the sting of a small comment from years ago? A parent, a coach, a friend...it didn’t seem like much at the time. Yet it stuck with you. That’s not a flaw. It’s how our brains work. New research reveals why we forget praise but replay criticism for years...and what to do abou...

Confidence is earned. It needs evidence. But when the pressure rises, your brain latches on to every reason you might fail. We have a negativity bias. This isn’t a glitch. It’s protection. The solution? Give your brain proof that you're ready. Keep an evidence journal....

Confidence is earned. It needs evidence. But when the pressure rises, your brain latches on to every reason you might fail. We have a negativity bias. This isn’t a glitch. It’s protection. The solution? Give your brain proof that you're ready. Keep an evidence journal....

You're tired and feel off. The antidote is rest and recover, right? Not always. Is it fatigue? Or flatness? Knowing the difference is the difference between staying stuck and breaking through. One needs rest. The other needs stimulation. Let’s break it down....

Forget "balance." The reality is, greatness demands a certain amount of obsession. Obsession is inevitable for those pursuing excellence. But there's a critical distinction we must understand: Constructive obsession fuels greatness. Destructive obsession leads to burnout....

“People remember the last interval.” Our minds are wired to weigh the ending of an experience disproportionately. Whether it’s a workout, a movie, or a book, what happens at the end sticks. And that has powerful implications for coaching and performance....

You've probably seen headlines: High-Intensity Training is superior to easy aerobic running. But dig deeper and you'll notice a pattern: most of these studies are short: just 4 to 8 weeks. A recent review tells a fuller story. In the early weeks, HIT and Sprint Interval Training outperform eas...

“Of all the people in your family whose death would you find most disturbing? Why?” In my 20s, I asked this on a first date After she answered, I asked her to stare into my eyes for 5 minutes Was I crazy? I was actually discovering the secret to great teams & resilience:...