Center for Peak Performance

04/05/2026

Packing for and had to make sure I had my shirt!

03/20/2026

Love this!

03/20/2026

Most people think performance breakthroughs come from one big change.

But in reality, they usually come from stacking small ones.

The philosopher Denis Diderot unknowingly demonstrated this in what is now called the Diderot Effect:
▶️ When one new behavior enters your life, it often triggers a chain of related behaviors.
▶️ One change creates momentum for the next.

popularized a practical version of this idea called habit stacking — linking a new habit to something you already do.

In performance settings, this is incredibly powerful.
Instead of trying to overhaul everything, start with one anchor behavior.

For example:
• A golfer starts a 2-minute breathing routine before practice.
• That leads to a more intentional pre-shot routine.
• Which leads to better focus between shots.
• Which leads to calmer emotional regulation after mistakes.

👉 Nothing dramatic happened.
👉 But one small habit pulled the next one with it.
👉 High performers rarely rely on motivation alone.
👉 They design chains of behavior that make the next good decision easier.

Because performance improvement is rarely about one habit.
🌟 It’s about the habit that starts the chain. 🌟
Start one. 🔗

03/17/2026

Executive coaching isn’t a perk. It’s a performance multiplier.

When done well, coaching doesn’t just “feel good”—it produces measurable outcomes across leadership, culture, and business performance.

03/16/2026

The brain doesn’t run well on negatives. 🚫
It runs on targets. 🎯

Instead of telling the brain what not to do, give it something specific to do.
Examples:
❌ Don’t hit it left
✅ Start it at the right bunker

❌ Don’t rush the presentation
✅ Slow your pace and pause between points

❌ Don’t get nervous
✅ Take a breath and focus on the first step

Whether you’re coaching athletes, leading a team, or talking to yourself under pressure…
👉 Your brain performs better when it has a picture of success — not just a warning about failure.

So the next time you hear the word “don’t” in your instructions or your self-talk, pause and ask:
👉 What’s the picture I actually want my brain to follow?

Because performance tends to follow the images we create. 🎯

03/14/2026

Thank you, Maureen Kyle for having Dr. Sam on the Parenting Playbook. Loved the conversation about motivating kids.

Fox 8 News

Fox 8's Maureen Kyle talks to a sports psychologist about whether bribing your kids to score goals is doing more harm than good, and how to properly motivate...

03/13/2026

Two individuals can face the exact same situation:
▶️ Same game/situation
▶️ Same stakes
▶️ Same environment

But experience it very differently.
▶️ One feels threat.
▶️ The other feels challenge.

🌟 Performance often hinges on how the brain interprets pressure. 🌟

03/12/2026

Coming soon! I had the pleasure of sitting down with to discuss the best (and worst) ways to kids.

02/25/2026

Can’t wait for this!

12/29/2025

12/29/2025

My top 10 courses played in 2025.

12/02/2025

Good luck to and her teammates as they compete in the KC Showcase. Alyssa was also chosen to represent the East in the Continental Tire "All-Star" Selection game!