The Gold Medal Mindset Anyone Can Learn - Kerri Pottharst OAM

Introduction and Event Announcement

Gratitude and Excitement for the Back Fence Disco

• The hosts express gratitude to listeners for their feedback and ticket sales for the upcoming Back Fence Disco.

• A light-hearted moment occurs as one host shares a personal experience of dancing in a chemist while listening to "I Will Survive."

• The joy of music is emphasized, highlighting its deep emotional impact and the positive energy it brings when shared among friends.

Event Details

• Proceeds from the event will support Beyond Blue, an organization focused on mental health.

• Attendees can expect exciting giveaway prizes, enhancing community engagement at the event.

• The atmosphere is described as inclusive, encouraging attendees to come solo or with friends, regardless of dancing ability.

Guest Introduction: Kerry Potthast

Celebrating an Aussie Icon

• Olympic gold medalist Kerry Potthast joins the discussion, recognized for her impactful presence at events like the Wynn Gala Ball.

• Kerry's powerful insights on mindset and performance are highlighted as key aspects of her speaking engagements.

Athletic Achievements

• Kerry is celebrated not just for her medals but also for her multifaceted roles as a speaker, author, mindset coach, and mother.

Personal Reflections on Olympians

Insights into Athlete Stories

• Discussion shifts to how Olympians' backgrounds contribute to their success stories; listeners are encouraged to explore these narratives further.

• The importance of understanding athletes' journeys beyond their achievements is emphasized—what struggles did they face?

Kerry's Early Life and Journey into Sports

Beginnings in Volleyball

• Kerry recounts her initial connection with volleyball through her brother’s social game invitation that changed her life trajectory.

Overcoming Challenges

• She reflects on being teased during school due to her height but ultimately found confidence through sports.

Embracing Height and Identity

Personal Anecdotes about Growing Up Tall

• Kerry humorously discusses childhood teasing related to her height and unique last name, illustrating common challenges faced by tall individuals.

• Her brother's influence in sports highlights familial support in overcoming self-consciousness associated with height.

The Dynamics of Friendship and Height in Sports

Introduction to Friendships

• The speaker discusses their close friendships, noting a pattern of having shorter friends, which leads to humorous interactions when looking down to talk.

• Mentions Catherine Cox and Carolyn as notable tall friends who are also involved in sports commentary.

Experiences in Indoor Volleyball

• The speaker reflects on their decade-long experience playing indoor volleyball for the national team from ages 17 to 27 during the 80s and 90s.

• Highlights the lack of funding for women's sports, echoing sentiments shared by Wayne Beachley about ongoing financial disparities.

Transitioning from Indoor Volleyball to International Play

Journey Abroad

• Describes moving to Italy for a season after feeling like the best player in Australia, emphasizing personal growth through international competition.

• Shares experiences trying out at an Italian club where they faced scrutiny from male coaches and club members.

Contract Negotiations

• Recounts receiving a contract offer that was financially significant compared to Australian standards but still minimal ($30,000).

• Discusses the financial burden of competing internationally while not earning any income back home.

Challenges Faced During International Competition

Team Dynamics and Personal Growth

• Narrates being sacked halfway through the season due to team performance despite personal success on the court.

• Explains how they were initially kept on the team after a Brazilian player joined, leading to mixed emotions regarding competition with teammates.

Emotional Impact of Team Changes

• Reflecting on feelings of happiness for staying while being empathetic towards a teammate who had to leave under similar circumstances.

Injury and Career Transition

Return Home and Injury Setback

• After returning home, the speaker suffered a severe knee injury during national championships that ended their indoor volleyball career.

Shift to Beach Volleyball

• Discusses transitioning from indoor volleyball to beach volleyball, highlighting differences in impact on joints between surfaces.

Lessons Learned Through Adversity

Personal Development Post-Injury

• Emphasizes self-development during recovery after losing physical fitness due to surgeries and inactivity following injury.

Resilience and Future Directions

• Reflecting on how setbacks can lead individuals toward new paths; shares insights into resilience gained through adversity.

The Journey of Setting Goals Through a Volleyball

Discovering Purpose

• The speaker reflects on receiving a white volleyball and the instruction to write goals on each panel, which sparked an emotional response.

• After three months of feeling depressed, this exercise provided a newfound purpose and direction for returning to Australia.

• The process began with setting a specific date to return to playing volleyball, emphasizing the importance of starting with the end goal in mind.

Planning Steps Towards Goals

• The speaker outlines how they worked backward from their goal date to identify necessary steps for achieving it.

• Despite not knowing how to rehabilitate properly, they embraced uncertainty and began planning their recovery journey in pencil, allowing flexibility.

• This approach is likened to manifesting desires by writing them down and making them tangible.

Accountability Through Visualization

• Sharing the goals written on the volleyball with others created accountability and prompted discussions about progress towards those goals.

• The speaker emphasizes that having clear goals requires actionable steps; otherwise, individuals may forget or abandon them.

Overcoming Challenges

• After 12 months of effort, the speaker faced setbacks in returning to indoor volleyball but remained open to new opportunities like beach volleyball.

• They wrote "beach volleyball" on the ball as a new goal after realizing indoor play was not feasible at that time.

Embracing New Opportunities

• The transition from indoor to beach volleyball became significant as beach volleyball was set to debut in the Olympics three years later.

• This metaphor illustrates how personal struggles can lead individuals toward unexpected paths when they remain open-minded about their goals.

Finding Purpose Beyond Sports

Importance of Having Goals

• Acknowledging that everyone needs something meaningful to strive for; without goals, life can feel aimless.

• Even if one does not reach their highest aspirations, working towards any goal is more fulfilling than remaining stagnant.

Creating Personal Goals

• Encouragement is given for listeners who feel lost; simple actions like going for walks can help establish a sense of purpose.

• Engaging in creative activities such as painting or drawing can also foster passion and motivation.

Self-discovery Through Reflection

• Individuals are urged to find quiet moments for self-reflection—whether during showers or before sleep—to discover what truly resonates with them.

Transitioning from Indoor Volleyball to Beach Volleyball

Shifting Focus

• The speaker discusses transitioning from indoor volleyball due to injury limitations and recognizing potential as a beach player.

• They highlight that success in beach volleyball requires different skills compared to indoor play due to its two-on-two format.

Forming New Partnerships

• After realizing they were ranked third nationally with their partner, they considered teaming up with Natalie Cook instead.

• Conversations between the speaker and Natalie led her partner's departure from her team, creating an opportunity for collaboration.

Navigating Relationships and Partnerships in Sports

The Importance of Environment and Support

• The speaker reflects on how one's environment and the people around them can significantly influence personal growth, emphasizing that sometimes it is necessary to change partners or friends to achieve goals.

• Despite advice from peers to stay with a long-time friend, the speaker chose to partner with Natalie, highlighting the uncertainty of their potential success together.

Embracing Pressure as Motivation

• Both athletes discovered that they thrived under pressure, which became a motivating factor for their partnership leading up to significant competitions.

• They enjoyed the support from fans during competitions, feeling uplifted by the collective encouragement rather than overwhelmed by expectations.

Competitive Spirit and Personal Anecdotes

• A humorous anecdote about a walking event illustrates differing levels of competitiveness among friends, showcasing how motivation can come from camaraderie.

• The speaker likens their experience to "Forrest Gump," indicating that seeing the finish line ignites a competitive spirit within them.

Synchronization in Team Sports

• A question arises regarding how athletes synchronize in team sports like beach volleyball amidst distractions such as cheering crowds.

• The key to synchronization lies in having shared goals; both partners must align their objectives and work collaboratively towards achieving them.

Reflections on Olympic Experiences

• The Sydney Olympics were pivotal not only for the athletes but also for uniting an entire nation, creating a sense of shared pride among Australians.

• Reflecting on past experiences at previous Olympics reveals how fear of failure impacted performance; they entered matches focused on avoiding loss rather than aiming for victory.

Overcoming Adversity Through Inspiration

• The narrative emphasizes recognizing worst-case scenarios can hinder performance; overcoming this mindset is crucial for success.

• An inspiring moment occurred when Kieran Perkins won gold after being underestimated, serving as motivation for Natalie and her teammate following their own disappointing loss.

Mindset and Motivation in Sports

The Power of Mindset

• The speaker discusses the importance of mindset, highlighting a moment where their coach expressed confidence by stating, "I don't need a bloody massager. I'm going to go and win a bronze medal," showcasing how inspiration can shift one's perspective.

• A conversation about what "mindset" truly means ensues, prompting reflection on personal feelings and experiences related to competitive sports.

Developing a Winning Mindset

• The speaker emphasizes that developing a strong mindset involves belief, passion, positivity, and focusing on future goals rather than dwelling on past mistakes.

• An anecdote reveals the realization that opponents targeted them due to repeated mistakes; this awareness led to strategies for overcoming self-doubt.

Overcoming Self-Sabotage

• The discussion highlights how individuals often dwell on mistakes, leading to negative self-talk and potential giving up.

• Awareness is identified as the first step in overcoming self-sabotaging behaviors in various aspects of life.

Visualization Techniques

• The speaker illustrates how focusing thoughts can manifest reality—comparing it to wanting a specific car model and suddenly noticing it everywhere.

• They suggest applying this principle in relationships by visualizing desired qualities rather than conforming to others' expectations.

Personal Manifestation Practices

• Sharing personal experiences, the speaker describes writing affirmations about finding love and happiness, reinforcing positive thinking daily.

• They stress the importance of steering one’s mindset towards positivity instead of succumbing to negativity from external sources like news media.

The Role of Action in Achieving Goals

Embracing Opportunities

• A story unfolds about purchasing concert tickets impulsively while on holiday; this act symbolizes stepping out of comfort zones.

• Encouragement is given for listeners to take risks without overthinking logistics—"Say yes and work it out later."

Serendipity in Life Events

• Following the ticket purchase, the speaker met their partner who joined them for the concert—a testament to how taking chances can lead to unexpected joys.

• Reflecting on their relationship dynamics with long-distance elements (Hawaii vs. Sydney), they express contentment with current life circumstances.

Reflections on Body Image and Sport

Embracing Confidence in Athletic Wear

• The speaker recalls a moment of admiration for an athlete confidently wearing a bikini while playing sports at Bondi Beach, highlighting the cultural significance of body image in sports.

• A humorous exchange about the challenges of body image leads to discussions on mindset and self-acceptance, emphasizing that athletes can overcome personal insecurities.

Diversity in Sports Attire

• The conversation shifts to the variety of clothing options available today for athletes, including skirts, shorts, leggings, and burkas, showcasing inclusivity in sports attire.

• Despite the freedom to choose attire, many players still opt for bikinis due to tradition and confidence associated with beach volleyball.

The Atmosphere of Competitive Sports

The Party Vibe vs. Traditional Sports

• Discussion about how beach volleyball has a lively atmosphere compared to quieter sports like golf or tennis; noise is welcomed rather than discouraged.

Personal Achievements and Memories

• Reflecting on past achievements brings joy; the speaker emphasizes the uniqueness of their experiences leading up to significant moments in their career.

Goal Setting and Belief Development

Workshops and Inspiration

• The speaker conducts goal-setting workshops aimed at inspiring corporate teams through tangible activities like writing on balls as part of setting goals.

Building Inner Belief

• Importance is placed on not just setting goals but also developing belief systems that support achieving those goals.

Overcoming Challenges Through Mental Resilience

Facing Strong Opponents

• Discusses the mental challenge faced when competing against dominant teams like Brazil; highlights the necessity of inner belief when facing such odds.

Techniques for Building Confidence

• Various methods were employed over 18 months to build team confidence, including working with a success coach who introduced unconventional techniques like fire walking.

Stepping Out of Comfort Zones

Daily Challenges for Growth

• Encouragement is given to listeners to engage in daily activities that push them slightly out of their comfort zones as a means for personal growth.

Rewiring Mindsets

• Engaging in new experiences helps rewire brain patterns towards increased confidence; this process becomes more pronounced with age.

Embracing New Challenges Later in Life

Increased Confidence with Age

• As individuals age, they may find themselves more willing to take risks and embrace challenges without hesitation compared to earlier years.

Extreme Experiences: SAS Australia

• The speaker shares her experience participating in SAS Australia—a physically demanding reality show designed to test limits—highlighting its extreme nature.

Taking Risks for Inspiration

Accepting New Opportunities

• After receiving an invitation from Yana Pittman regarding SAS Australia, the speaker initially hesitated but ultimately recognized it as an opportunity for personal growth and inspiration.

Challenging Societal Normatives

• There’s a call-to-action against societal pressures that discourage older women from challenging themselves; instead advocating for continuous self-improvement regardless of age.

How to Overcome Challenges and Build a Supportive Team

Seeking Guidance from Experienced Individuals

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from those who have successfully navigated similar challenges, mentioning Shannon Ponton from "The Biggest Loser" as a key figure in their journey.

• The speaker recalls how they met with Shannon, who provided practical advice on physical training, specifically learning how to lift someone onto their shoulders.

Building a Support Network

• The speaker discusses assembling a team of medical professionals, including physiotherapists and trainers, to ensure proper care and support during their training.

• They highlight the significance of having a trainer twice a week to maintain motivation and physical readiness for upcoming challenges.

Facing Personal Fears and Physical Limitations

• Despite hating swimming, the speaker humorously describes their commitment to overcoming fears by practicing laps at Manly Pool, even joking about "drowning" themselves in the process.

• They mention working on breathing techniques with lifeguard Dino Gladstone as part of their preparation.

Mental Resilience and Positive Mindset

• The discussion shifts towards mental strength; the speaker notes that many participants enter competitions without adequate preparation or mindset.

• A personal creed was created by the speaker to combat negative thoughts about their physical limitations. This included affirmations that reinforced positivity and determination.

Inspirations and Motivators

• The speaker identifies various sources of inspiration throughout their life, including family members like their sister for personal life goals and partners in sports for professional growth.

• They express hope for future commentary roles at events like the Olympic Games while emphasizing storytelling's role in connecting with audiences.

Importance of Friendship and Connection

• Reflecting on friendships developed over time, especially during challenging periods such as being single, the speaker underscores how vital supportive relationships are for emotional well-being.

• They advocate for maintaining connections across distances due to travel experiences while highlighting that strong friendships can still be formed later in life.

Guilty Pleasures and Habits

Discussion on Guilty Pleasures

• Nick shares his guilty pleasure of having snakes everywhere, including in his car and home.

• The conversation shifts to chocolate, with a preference for dark chocolate as a healthier option.

• Coffee consumption is discussed; the speaker admits to drinking two or three cups daily but acknowledges it's not ideal.

Habits and Their Impact

• The speaker reflects on how coffee has become a habit tied to activities like walking the dog.

• Emphasis is placed on the difficulty of breaking bad habits solely through willpower; replacing them with better alternatives is suggested.

Personal Preferences and Quirks

Dislike for Sand

• Kerry reveals her dislike for sand due to its gritty texture and feeling when it sticks to her skin.

• A humorous scenario is painted about being at a beach in Brazil while dealing with sweat and sand during an athletic event.

Importance of Sunglasses

• The necessity of sunglasses is highlighted, not just for sun protection but also for preventing sand from getting into the eyes.

Keys to Success

Essential Tips for Achieving Goals

• The speaker outlines three keys to success: passion for what you do, hard work in preparation, and building self-belief.

• Building belief involves stepping out of comfort zones, setting goals, accountability, and consistent growth towards opportunities.

What Brings Happiness?

Sources of Joy

• The speaker identifies happiness as stemming from fun times with friends, laughter, music, and uplifting tunes.

Inspirational Figures

• When asked who she would like to share a back fence with, Kerry chooses Arnold Schwarzenegger due to his humor and diverse career path.

• She admires him not only for his strength training advocacy but also for his ability to reinvent himself throughout different life stages.

Final Thoughts

Closing Remarks

• The conversation wraps up with gratitude expressed towards listeners while encouraging ratings and subscriptions.

• Kerry humorously rates the experience "two thousand out of five," emphasizing her enjoyment.