The Difference Between Good Training and Transformative Training
A central question I have been exploring over the past 20 years of my career is “What’s the most effective way I can train others for greater performance and health?” Of course, there is no simple answer, and I love the nuance. I see it as my role to sift through that complexity and bring actionable insights and practices to people in their everyday lives, with a unique focus on elite performance populations.
As part of my journey, I am currently getting my 3rd masters degree; Master of Science in Kinesiology; Applied Sport Psychology from Adams State University. One of the recently published papers I read hit home, Intervention Fidelity in Mindfulness-Based Research and Practice: Overview of the Special Collection and State of the Field. This paper points to some of the unique elements at play in the relationship between meditation training and traditional sport and performance psychology.
Meditation Based Programs emphasize not just what is taught but how it is taught; the teacher’s embodiment of mindfulness (the relational/experiential dimensions) in addition to curriculum content. As Meditation Based Programs become more mainstream, there are pressures: scaling up, adapting to new contexts and populations, shorter or less intensive teacher training, etc. If fidelity slips, programs may no longer deliver the “active ingredients” shown in exciting early research in the field. This paper marks an important turning point in the Meditation Based Program field moving from “does this work?”to “how and under what conditions does this work (or fail)?”
One of the things we know that works is investing in personal practice. This is true both for the performer (end user) and for the person who is teaching/coaching. And for many people, finding the right community of practice can be tricky. That’s why we have created opportunities for people to learn, practice and grow community together around rigorous meditation and mental performance training.
Here are 3 different trainings we designed for you to start a practice or grow your practice. Please let me know if you have any questions.
I look forward to training with you!
Chad
Actionable Practice: The Fidelity Mirror
The Fidelity Mirror is a check-in to ensure you’re practicing what you expect from others and living the standards you talk about. Integrity is the real competitive advantage. The person who actually lives their principles gains a sustainable edge, not because they work harder, but because there’s no friction between who they are and how they perform. The alignment of identity, values, and action is more powerful than talent alone.
A reflection for performers and coaches alike.
Pause: Take a few mindful breaths, bring awareness to your body and focus your attention.
Drop into this reflection:
Performers: How do I practice the mental skills I rely on in pressure moments?
Coaches: Am I embodying what I ask others to cultivate?
*With either reflection, drop into the question a few times and track what comes up in your mind and body. There may be thoughts, memories, images, feelings, sensations in your body. Observe, track, be curious about whatever comes up and be curious about your automatic reactivity. You're collecting data on your experience in a non-reactive, non-judgmental way.
Align: Reflect on what you do well and where you can get better. Rate your alignment (1–10). Choose one small step this week to move one point higher.
Commit: Write it down and make it visible.
The goal isn’t perfection, it’s integrity. Fidelity means practicing what you teach, and teaching what you practice.
