What does it really take to become the best version of yourself—on and off the field?
In this episode of On the Field, we sit down with legendary New Zealand mindset coach David Neithe, whose clients have included golf superstar Lydia Ko and elite athletes across rugby, MMA, and beyond. David has spent decades helping athletes perform under pressure, build mental resilience, and unlock the habits that drive long-term success—not just in sport, but in life.
This conversation is one every student-athlete, parent, and coach should hear.
David opens the conversation by sharing a key principle: “Work with the end in mind.” He encourages athletes to visualise their goals—even the “unrealistic” ones—and then reverse-engineer their habits to support that vision.
“If you couldn’t fail, what would you do in your sport?”
From crafting a vision board to developing small, repeatable behaviours, David explains how long-term performance starts with belief and clarity.
At just eight years old, Lydia Ko told David she wanted to be world number one. She brought in a vision board with her face photoshopped over Annika Sörenstam on a Golf Digest cover.
“What’s done in the dark will shine in the light,” David says. Lydia’s behind-the-scenes work ethic and self-driven mindset helped carry her all the way to the World Golf Hall of Fame.
For athletes who feel like giving up when things get tough, David offers a powerful reframe.
Using the metaphor of a buffalo (which runs toward storms) vs a cow (which tries to run away), he explains why facing adversity is what separates good athletes from great ones.
“Pain means new life,” he says. “The hard is the gift.”
When challenges hit—whether it’s a tough training environment, pressure to perform, or self-doubt—leaning into discomfort is what builds mental durability.
David and the team reflect on the decline in work ethic among some young athletes today, especially when it comes to training with intent.
Too many athletes show up, go through the motions, and expect big results. But without deliberate focus, effort means little.
“The difference that makes the difference? It’s those 1% moments before you even step out of the car. Are you mentally showing up?”
David walks through practical ways to handle pressure—from breathing techniques to reframing nerves as excitement. He explains how your body’s stress response is natural, but your interpretation of it determines your outcome.
“Breathe in for four, hold for five, out slowly. Reset. Recenter.”
He also challenges athletes to focus on being present. Not the rankings. Not the outcome. Just the next play, the next shot, the next rep.
One of the most powerful segments of the episode is David’s advice for parents. While support is vital, micromanaging or fighting every battle can stunt an athlete’s emotional development.
“Winning isn’t always about coming first. Sometimes, it’s overcoming something that sabotaged your potential.”
David encourages parents to let their child own the process—from communicating appointments to navigating hard decisions. Sport is a metaphor for life, and life requires ownership.
If you’re a student-athlete—or a parent—looking to better navigate the U.S. college pathway, mindset development is just as important as physical preparation.
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