World-Renowned Sports Psychologist Jeff Troesch: What It Takes to Be Great, the "It Factor," & Why You Don't Actually Want to Be an Olympian

For nearly 40 years, Jeff Troesch has worked behind the scenes with NBA players, MLB All-Stars, Olympic medalists, and national championship programs. He's coached athletes at every Olympic Games since 1988, helped shape the mental systems at IMG Academy, and consulted for USA Track & Field. In 2025, he distilled 150 mental performance lessons into one book: One Day Better. Jeff doesn't preach positive thinking, he teaches neutral thinking. His approach encourages athletes to define what "one day better" looks like for each specific session, preventing the overwhelm that comes from fixating on long-term goals. Adaily decision, not a distant destination. Jeff’s career path wasn't linear. After a marketing degree from Washington State University and four years as Media Relations Director for the Seattle SuperSonics, he returned to school for an advanced degree in sports psychology. He launched his performance career in 1987 as an NBA consultant, later expanding into MLB with the Mariners and Tigers. "One Day Better" isn't a slogan: it's a system. Whether you're chasing an Olympic Trials qualifier, a high school PR, or just trying to stay consistent when life feels chaotic, the mental game is the game. You don't need to win the season today. You just need to win the day. Tap into the Jeff Troesch Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word“PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz