Episode 35

full
Published on:

8th Sep 2025

Game Day Self-Talk Scripts

Mastering Self-Talk: The Ultimate Guide to Staying Focused and Confident

Join host Valerie Alston in this episode of Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations as she explores the power of self-talk and its impact on performance. Valerie introduces the P3 formula—Purposeful, Productive, and Possibility focused self-talk—to help athletes and parents build effective internal dialogue. From sharing a Stanford study on mindset to providing actionable tips and examples from various sports, this episode aims to help young athletes enhance their mental toughness, resilience, and confidence. Tune in for insightful questions and discussions to make each car ride a valuable opportunity for growth.

00:00 Introduction to Self-Talk

00:59 The Power of Mindset

05:30 The P3 Formula for Effective Self-Talk

08:23 Instructional vs. Motivational Self-Talk

10:10 Creating Your Game Day Script

13:23 Interactive Q&A Session

16:50 Conclusion and Next Steps




Discussion questions:

  1. What do you usually say to yourself before or during a game? Does it help or hurt?
  2. If you could write down your top 3 game day phrases, what would they be?
  3. Do you like self-talk that tells you what to do (instructional) or that pumps you up (motivational)?
  4. How can I (as your parent/coach) remind you of your P3 self-talk without adding pressure?


Thanks for joining me on Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a moment. Share it with other parents or coaches who could use a little extra inspiration on the go.

For exclusive tips, tools, and updates join my newsletter at www.confidentcalmclutch.com/newsletter 

For more specific tips on building mental toughness, buy my book Confident, Calm and Clutch: How to build confidence and mental toughness for young athletes using sports psychology

Parents join my Facebook group to Help Your Athlete Gain Mental Toughness for Parents

Have an idea for a topic? Submit your idea here.

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email me: valerie.alston@valstoncoaching.com

Follow Me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valstoncoaching

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valstoncoaching

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@valstoncoaching9666

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Car Ride Conversations For Sports Families

About the Podcast

Car Ride Conversations For Sports Families
Conversation prompts for building mentally tough young athletes while you drive
The ultimate podcast for parents, coaches, and young athletes who want to unlock the secrets to mental toughness, confidence, and resilience. Whether you're on your way to practice, a big game, or just tackling the daily grind, these bite-sized episodes are designed to spark meaningful conversations to equip young athletes with actionable tools to thrive in school, sports and life while building strong relationships with their parents, one car ride at a time.

Hosted by Valerie Alston, former D1 athlete, sport psychology expert, and resilience coach, each episode dives into key topics like building effective self-talk, staying calm under pressure, and bouncing back from setbacks. With real-life stories, practical tips, and relatable insights, you'll discover how to support your athlete's journey while strengthening your connection along the way.

Buckle up and join us for a ride full of inspiration, growth, and the skills needed to become Confident, Calm, and Clutch!

Questions? Comments? Ideas?
✉️ Email me: valerie.alston@valstoncoaching.com

Follow Me On:
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valstoncoaching
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valstoncoaching
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@valstoncoaching9666

✨ For exclusive tips, tools, and updates, join my newsletter:
📬 https://www.confidentcalmclutch.com/newsletter


Support This Show

About your host

Profile picture for Valerie Alston

Valerie Alston

Drawing from a rich background as a former D1 softball player and a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, she boasts over 15 years of experience dedicated to teaching and training Soldiers in the intricate art of mental toughness and resilience. As a distinguished author and coach, she brings a unique perspective to the realm of performance enhancement. Currently, her passion lies in empowering today's youth, leveraging her expertise to build and foster resilience through sports and mental toughness training, ensuring the next generation thrives in both their athletic pursuits and broader life challenges. With a comprehensive approach to athlete development, she extends her expertise to parents and coaches. Committed to enhancing understanding, she collaborates with them to impart valuable insights on building the mental toughness of young athletes, fostering an environment that nurtures resilience and unleashes their full potential.