S3 E5: Annette Paterakis - The Elite Show Jumping Mental Coach

In this captivating episode, we're joined by Annette, a former equestrian turned elite mental coach, whose journey of self-discovery and mastery is nothing short of inspiring. Annette opens up about her transition from being a competitive rider to a mental coach, sharing her personal struggles and breakthroughs that shaped her career. Marie, our enthusiastic host, kicks off the conversation by expressing her admiration for Annette's work, having been introduced to it through a recommendation. Annette's story begins in the Netherlands, where her competitive nature and love for equestrian sports led her to represent Greece internationally. However, she faced a turning point when her results plummeted, leading her to a profound realization about the importance of mental strength and the connection with her horse. Annette's journey of self-improvement and mental coaching began with a simple Google search, evolving into a deep dive into psychology and peak performance. This path led her to a career shift, where she now leverages her experience and knowledge to help athletes, particularly show jumpers, dressage riders, and eventers. She emphasizes the unique challenges of equestrian sports and how her background equips her to address them effectively. Marie relates Annette's experiences to the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, highlighting the commonalities in their journeys. They discuss the importance of self-development, continuous learning, and the ability to listen – a skill both find crucial and challenging. Annette shares insights on how she assists athletes in overcoming their mental barriers, emphasizing the learning opportunities in both successes and failures. The conversation is a blend of personal anecdotes, professional insights, and motivational advice, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in personal growth, sports psychology, or equestrian sports. Annette's story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-reflection, and the relentless pursuit of improvement, both in sports and life. https://annettepaterakis.comhttps://annettepaterakis.com/books/