R.E.S.E.T. – 5 Tips to Build a Resilient Foundation Against Mental Blocks

Mental blocks can be really frustrating, especially if you don’t understand them. The RESET Framework is designed to help you recognise, break down, and move through those moments with clarity and control. Instead of pushing harder or getting stuck in the cycle, RESET gives you a structured way to pause, understand what’s happening, and respond with intention — so you can get back to performing with confidence and consistency.

R – Realistic Expectations
If we were hardwired to tumble, we’d have hands for feet and fingers for toes. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Fear of tumbling is normal—it’s a form of self-preservation. But remember, not every fear of tumbling equals a mental block. It’s important when working with young people or athletes suffering with a mental block to always have realistic expectations. Having a strong understanding of fundamentals and proper progression is key to having realistic expectations.

E – Effective Communication
Good communication is clear, concise, and ensures the other person knows where they stand. Avoid sarcasm when teaching. Instead, talk with your athlete or child—they’ll often tell you what’s going on in their head.

S – Safe Spaces for Growth
Build capacity for success by creating a safe place to fail first. Make your gym a space place for people to take risk and mess up. This level of safety becomes the foundation for resilience in any organisation. Eliminate negative verbiage and language and reward process-focused behaviour. Celebrate the kid who shows up consistently and gives their best effort, not just the one who lands the new skill.

E – Empathy for the Athlete
Put the athlete first by putting the person first. Bad days happen to everyone, even our kids. A bad day just proves they’re human and not from outer space! Empathy is about connection, while sympathy is about comforting. 

T – Trust the Science
Understand the science behind mental blocks. They’re complex, often stemming from stress or subconscious responses by the amygdala. A true mental block is a “freeze” response and can originate from many different forms of stressors, training while stressed, or might have no clear cause at all.