In this episode of the Wrestling Mindset Podcast, Gene Zannetti talks with double style Pan Am champion and Nebraska state champion JT Smith about starting with Wrestling Mindset in eighth grade to fix a confidence problem that was holding him back, despite already having the technique and athleticism to beat top-level guys.

JT describes the prey mindset that had him going in timid, not ready to attack or score, and how shifting to a predator mindset unlocked his aggression on the mat. He now says he feels ready at 100 percent almost every time he steps out to compete.

He also talks about getting sick midseason and having to rebuild his conditioning, teching everyone at districts, and pinning his first two state tournament opponents in under 50 seconds combined. He describes watching his two best friends lose in the state finals right before his own match, then taking an injury timeout in the final, refocusing, and pulling away to win 11 to 2. His goals are graduating from West Point, becoming an All-American, and making a U20 Greco or freestyle national team.

Timestamps

• 1:41 – Started with Wrestling Mindset with a confidence problem
• 2:54 – The prey mindset: going in timid, not ready to attack or score
• 3:18 – Feels ready at 100% almost every time he steps on the mat
• 5:23 – Got sick mid-season, had to come back and rebuild conditioning
• 6:23 – Teched everyone at districts, pinned first two state opponents in under 50 seconds combined
• 8:36 – Two best friends lost in the state finals right before his match
• 10:11 – Took an injury timeout in the finals, refocused, and pulled away to win 11 to 2
• 14:52 – Going to West Point, wants to be an All-American and make a U20 national team

Sponsored By

This episode is proudly sponsored by:

• Eat Clean Bro – eatcleanbro.com
  Use code MINDSET for 15% off your order.
• Champion Athletes Sports Nutrition – champion-athletes.com
  Use code MINDSET25 for a special discount.

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