10 Ways Gratitude Makes You Faster

In this episode of In Deep with Olivia Smoliga, we explore how the simple practice of gratitude can dramatically enhance athletic performance, mental clarity, resilience, and recovery.

Recorded during Thanksgiving week, this episode begins with a calming breathwork practice designed to regulate the nervous system and bring the body back into presence. Olivia then guides listeners through ten research-informed ways gratitude improves performance — from increasing intrinsic motivation and strengthening the mind-body connection, to reducing performance anxiety and deepening team chemistry.

You’ll learn how gratitude:
• Enhances focus, motivation, and emotional regulation
• Builds stronger mind-body awareness during training and competition
• Reduces fear of failure and quiets overthinking
• Improves recovery, sleep quality, and cognitive sharpness
• Strengthens confidence, resilience, and long-term commitment
• Fosters deeper trust and connection with teammates

The episode ends with a powerful journaling practice designed to help you reconnect with your wins, your support system, and the strengths already inside you — anchoring confidence and restoring clarity when doubt creeps in.

Gratitude isn’t just a mindset. It’s a performance advantage.

Listen Below!