Joe Maddon on the mental game.

Levi Nelson
Jul 25, 2017 · 2 min read

The following quotes from Chicago Cubs Manager Joe Maddon regarding the importance of sport psychology and mental performance were transcribed from the podcast: “The Axe files with David Axelrod” Episode 134:

“Stay in the moment…Be present, not perfect. Worry about the process and the outcome will take care of itself in a positive way.”

“It starts in the morning with meditation. I like to meditate in the morning for 20 minutes. If I can do it 5 days of the week I feel so much better. I try to meditate early in the morning and project what is going to happen later in the day. I meditate on words like joy, courage, fearlessness and purpose. It’s crazy that whatever you meditate on in the morning transpires throughout the day in a positive way. I meditate on the good of my family and loved ones who are no longer here... In school we teach about math, and literature but I really believe we should teach meditation”.

“If you’re focused on winning only, I promise you that you’re going to screw up a lot more often.”


Coach Nelson serves as a high school football coach who is pursuing his doctorate in Sport and Performance Psychology. He has worked for division 1 athletic departments, professional sport franchises, a Fortune 100 Company and has won numerous awards for his LEADership abilities.

His mission is to positively influence the world through Love, Effort, Attitude and Discipline (#LEAD). To learn more about the LEAD philosophy follow him on Twitter Levi Nelson or reach out via email at rln10@zips.uakron.edu He’d love to learn about or help you in your journey!

Levi Nelson

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My mission is to positively influence the world through Love, Effort, Attitude and Discipline. #LEAD

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