Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is Heather Mate, and what is her experience?

  • Heather Mate is a certified Mental Performance Mastery coach with over 25 years of experience as a teacher and coach, including 23 years coaching softball. Her program, Happy Heart Mindset, was born from her passion for helping athletes, youth, and adults overcome challenges through mental performance techniques. Heather has guided countless individuals to achieve their goals and handle life’s obstacles using the tools she’s developed through her education, coaching, and personal experiences.

• What makes mental performance coaching different from traditional coaching?

  • While traditional coaching focuses on physical skills and strategies, mental performance coaching targets the mind. It helps individuals build confidence, manage emotions, develop focus, and maintain motivation, all of which are essential for consistent success. By strengthening the mental side of performance, you can elevate your game, work, or daily life beyond what physical training alone can achieve.

• How is the coaching program personalized?

  • Every individual and team is unique, and so is their journey. The coaching program begins with an initial consultation to understand your specific goals, challenges, and needs. From there, Heather designs sessions that focus on the mental skills and techniques most relevant to you, with real-world strategies you can immediately apply in sports, school, work, or life.

• What age groups can benefit from this program?

  • The program is designed for all age groups:

    • Youth and teens gain tools to navigate academic, social, and personal pressures.

    • Athletes of all ages develop focus, confidence, and resilience to excel in their sport.

    • Adults learn strategies for managing stress, staying organized, and achieving life balance.

• What happens during a typical session?

  • A typical session includes:

    • Discussion: Reviewing your progress, challenges, and insights from the previous session.

    • Learning: Introducing new mental skills, such as visualization, focus, or goal-setting.

    • Application: Practicing techniques and creating a plan for integrating them into daily life.

    • Reflection: Setting actionable goals for the week ahead to continue your growth.

• Is this program available online or in-person?

  • Yes! Coaching sessions are available both online and in-person, providing flexibility to fit your schedule and location. Whether virtual or face-to-face, every session is designed to be just as impactful.

• What is mental performance coaching, and who can benefit?

  • Mental performance coaching focuses on strengthening the mind to achieve peak performance in sports, academics, work, and life. It provides tools to build confidence, enhance focus, manage stress, and develop mental toughness. This coaching benefits athletes striving to excel, students balancing school and social pressures, professionals seeking clarity and productivity, and anyone looking to overcome mental barriers and achieve personal growth.

• How long does the program take, and what commitment is required?

  • Well, this depends on your commitment level.  The core program is structured into 8 sessions, typically delivered weekly or biweekly, depending on your schedule. In addition to the one-on-one sessions, clients are encouraged to practice techniques and strategies daily, dedicating time outside of sessions to fully integrate the skills. For those seeking an intense transformative experience, daily content is available to reinforce learning over 40+ days, in addition to the 8 sessions, creating a comprehensive 3-month journey.

• Can the program help with school and life challenges beyond sports?

  • Absolutely! Mental performance coaching isn’t just for athletes—it’s for anyone facing challenges in life. Whether you’re a student navigating academic stress or a professional balancing responsibilities, the program offers tools to improve focus, manage emotions, build resilience, and create habits that support success. The skills you learn are applicable to all areas of life, helping you perform at your best, no matter the challenge.

• How can mental performance coaching help my team?

  • Team coaching enhances communication, builds trust, and fosters a shared focus on goals. By developing skills like resilience, mental toughness, and focus, teams improve their overall performance. Team members also gain individual tools to handle high-pressure moments, creating a stronger, more cohesive group.

• Can this program fit into my team’s busy schedule?

  • Yes! Sessions can be scheduled around your team’s practices, games, or events. Heather works with your timeline to ensure the program integrates seamlessly into your existing commitments.

• How much does the program cost, and are there payment options?

  • Pricing varies based on the program structure (e.g., individual, team, intensive, or hybrid options). Contact Heather to discuss pricing and find a plan that works for you.

• What results can I expect, and how soon will I see them?

  • Results depend on your level of commitment to practicing the techniques learned in sessions. Many clients notice immediate benefits, such as improved focus and confidence, while long-term gains like resilience and habit-building take consistent effort over weeks or months.

• What if I’ve never done this before? Will it still work for me?

  • Absolutely! No prior experience is necessary. Mental performance coaching is for anyone willing to learn and grow. Heather will guide you step-by-step, ensuring the process is accessible and tailored to your starting point.

• Can I schedule a consultation before committing to the program?

  • Yes! Heather offers a free initial 15-minute consultation to discuss your goals, challenges, and how the program can help. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and ensure the program is the right fit for you or your team.