Want to continue learning from the world’s experts on time management, networking, career development, better sleep, overcoming burnout, and so much more?

→ Click here for your customized podcast playlist

Derin 'Dmac' McMains is a former baseball player, coach and manager turned Director of Mental Performance at global cybersecurity company, ReliaQuest. He's taken mental performance principles to train athletes, executives and other high performers to take their game to the next level. In our conversation, Derin and I talk about mindsets and how changing your relationship with your goals will allow you more freedom to make mistakes and trust the process instead of the outcome.

We explore how your self-image has a big impact on the goal setting process. Derin reveals his unique framework to setting goals that lets you see not only the action plan but also the story you need to tell yourself to make it happen. He puts it simply:

"How I see myself determines how I see the world. So how I see myself, my identity, determines my perspective and my perspective is going to determine my thoughts and my thoughts are going to determine my emotions and then it's my emotions that influence my actions."

This perspective flips the script on how we typically think of goals. Instead of relying on achieving goals to boost our self image, Derin suggests it starts with a positive self image and the goals come second. No doubt that this conversation with Derin will not only give you a fresh perspective about goals but also lets you walk away with the right mindset and more importantly, action steps to take them on.

Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?

» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode

Here's What You'll Learn:

The ‘comparison trap’ and the importance of identity
How to rewrite your story to get out of the ‘comparison trap’
How to find your ‘best performance’
The three questions to ask yourself when rewriting your story
How changing your relationship with your goals gives you more freedom to make mistakes
Breaking down Carol Dweck’s ‘Growth Mindset’ to make every moment a refining moment
The danger of getting to the top and what you can do to avoid the trap
The SMART-AS(S) Goals framework and why SMART Goals are not enough
Why the first decision of the day is important to achieving your goals
How to get into the ‘flow state’ and develop your skill to be present

Useful Resources Mentioned:

Ep230: The Performance Paradox - How Only Focusing On Performance Leads to Performing Worse | with Eduardo Briceño

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Dweck, Carol S. S.

The No Show Dogs Podcast

Continue to Listen & Learn

Ep32: Why People Fail And How To Properly Set Your Goals | with Jeanette Goodrich

Ep216: Chase Jarvis On Building Your Network of ‘A-Gamers,’ Designing the Life You Want, and Fulfilling Your ‘Creative Calling’

Here’s Why Over 90% of People Fail to Achieve Their Resolutions

Ep240: Stop Delaying Your Dreams and Live a Life Rich in Experiences | with Bridget Hilton & Joe Huff

Ep175: Defining Your Own Version of Success & Overcoming the Loneliness of Being a Freelancer | with Michael Bauman

Ep33: Winning at The Ultimate Game of Life | with Jim Bunch

Ep48: Feeling Lost? It’s Time to ‘Find Your Why’ | with David Mead

Ep55: How Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James Clear

Ep143: Mastering the “Chess Mindset” to Achieve Any Difficult Goal (and Get Really Good at Failing Along the Way) | with Misha Tenenbaum

Ep94: [CASE STUDY] How to Identify Your “One Thing” and Accomplish It Every Day | Mastermind Q&A

Guest Bio:

derin-dmac-mcmains-bio Derin 'DMac' McMains

Derin McMains is a former professional baseball player and manager, now Director of Mental Performance at global cybersecurity company ReliaQuest. McMains has spent the last decade-plus training athletes, executives and other high performers using mental performance principles to take their game to the next level. He’s built out mental performance programs for the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, and the University of Notre Dame. One of the most important skills he teaches is a simple (yet not easy) one: learning how to be a high performer by staying in the present moment.

Show Credits:

This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.

The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Ep242: A Mental Performance Expert on Shifting Your Mindset to Endure Setbacks | with Derin ‘DMac’ McMains

Optimize Yourself