Derin "DMac" McMains Talks About Talks About Transitioning from Sports to Mental Performance Coaching

04/03/24 • 38 min

In this episode I sit down with Derin McMains, affectionately known as DMac, a former professional baseball player turned mental performance coach. DMac shares the journey behind his nickname and how it has followed him from high school baseball to the major leagues. Our conversation delves into the critical transition from sports to life after, highlighting the mental challenges and breakthroughs that come with changing career paths. As someone who has always been intrigued by the pivot points in athletes' careers, I found DMac's insights into mental performance and identity beyond sports truly enlightening.

DMac's transition to a mental performance coach stemmed from a profound realization about the importance of mental health in sports. Over the last 12 years, he has dedicated himself to helping athletes navigate their own transitions, focusing on the power of mindset and the fundamental skills that underpin peak performance. Our dialogue uncovers the layers of athlete identity, the struggles with self-doubt, and the path to mastering fundamentals that define a successful transition from sports to any next chapter in life.

Key Discussion Points

The origin of Darren's nickname, "DMac," and its significance throughout his career.
Transitioning from a professional athlete to a mental performance coach and the realization that led to this career shift.
The role of athlete identity in performance and retirement, including the challenge of seeing oneself beyond an athletic career.
The universal struggle with self-doubt among professional athletes and strategies to overcome it.
Emphasizing the mastery of fundamentals in sports and their importance for long-term success.
The concept of balance through presence in various aspects of life, rather than striving for a traditional work-life balance.
Practical advice on cultivating mindfulness and presence in daily activities, from enjoying a meal to setting intentional goals in both professional and personal spheres.

My conversation with DMac sheds light on the intricate journey from the baseball diamond to the field of mental performance coaching. His personal anecdotes, coupled with his professional insights, offer a roadmap for anyone facing a significant career transition or identity shift. His emphasis on mastering the fundamentals, whether in sports or life, alongside the need for presence and mindfulness, resonates beyond the athletic world. This episode is a reminder that the skills we cultivate in one arena can powerfully impact every other aspect of our lives, offering a foundation for growth, resilience, and fulfillment.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with DMac: ReliaQuest Website | X/Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn
Check out DMac's podcast: Listen here
A "Swift" story that aligns with DMac's story shared during our conversation: Read it here
Kobe Bryant's commitment to fundamentals and 4am workouts: Watch the story here
Related Conversation: Episode 241: What Sports Can Teach Us About Greatness with Don Yaeger
Related Blog Post: Why Small Wins Can Make Or Break Your Productivity

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Key Discussion Points

The origin of Darren's nickname, "DMac," and its significance throughout his career.
Transitioning from a professional athlete to a mental performance coach and the realization that led to this career shift.
The role of athlete identity in performance and retirement, including the challenge of seeing oneself beyond an athletic career.
The universal struggle with self-doubt among professional athletes and strategies to overcome it.
Emphasizing the mastery of fundamentals in sports and their importance for long-term success.
The concept of balance through presence in various aspects of life, rather than striving for a traditional work-life balance.
Practical advice on cultivating mindfulness and presence in daily activities, from enjoying a meal to setting intentional goals in both professional and personal spheres.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with DMac: ReliaQuest Website | X/Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn
Check out DMac's podcast: Listen here
A "Swift" story that aligns with DMac's story shared during our conversation: Read it here
Kobe Bryant's commitment to fundamentals and 4am workouts: Watch the story here
Related Conversation: Episode 241: What Sports Can Teach Us About Greatness with Don Yaeger
Related Blog Post: Why Small Wins Can Make Or Break Your Productivity

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Previous Episode

FROM THE VAULT: Ian Morgan Cron Talks About Enneagram Self-Discovery

In this episode of the podcast, we delve deep into the realms of self-discovery and personal growth with the insightful Ian Morgan Cron, a renowned author and Enneagram expert. Our conversation, originally released in March 2022, revolves around Ian's book, "The Story of You," which introduces a fresh perspective on understanding our personalities through the Enneagram. As someone constantly seeking ways to better understand myself and enhance my productivity, I found Ian's approach not just fascinating but deeply helpful.

Ian Morgan Cron's expertise illuminates the intricate ways our self-narratives shape our identities and behaviors. We explore how the Enneagram can act as a powerful tool for unraveling these narratives, offering a path to more authentic living. The discussion spans from the technicalities of identifying our Enneagram types to practical advice on confronting and rewriting the self-limiting stories we've clung to.

Key Discussion Points

My curiosity about the Enneagram and the journey to discover my number with Ian's guidance.
Insights from "The Story of You" on how our personal stories and Enneagram types intertwine.
The concept of negative passions and virtues in the Enneagram, and how understanding these can foster personal growth.
The importance of recognizing and moving beyond stereotypes to truly understand our core Enneagram number and subtypes.
Reflecting on the role of the Enneagram in identifying and altering self-sabotaging narratives.
Strategies for using the Enneagram to explore our shadow sides and the impact of our stories on our lives and relationships.
Personal anecdotes from both Ian and myself on how the Enneagram has facilitated our paths to self-awareness and transformation.

Understanding the Enneagram and its application in dissecting and rewriting our personal narratives holds immense power for anyone on a path to self-improvement. Ian's insights not only shed light on the complexities of human personality but also offer tangible steps towards cultivating a life of greater authenticity and fulfillment. Whether you're new to the Enneagram or looking to deepen your understanding, "The Story of You" is a resource I cannot recommend highly enough.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Ian: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Ian's Book: The Story of You
Ian's Podcast: Typology
Ian's Other Book: The Road Back to You
The iEQ9 Assessment: Take It Here
Related Conversation: Episode 270: The Daily Decision with Brian Dixon
Related Blog Post: Introducing The Awareness Building Class

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Next Episode

PM Talks S1E4: Failure

In this month's installment of our PM Talks series, Patrick Rhone and yours truly (Mike Vardy) dissect the multifaceted concepts of failure, choice, and the consequent growth that can emerge from these experiences. Through a series of engaging stories and personal reflections, we delve into how our perceptions of failure and the choices we make in response to it can profoundly shape our personal and professional lives. Patrick brings a depth of insight to the conversation, prompting us to consider the power of reframing our narratives around failure and the critical role of choice in steering the course of our growth.

Our dialogue traverses various landscapes, from the humor and empathy found in college rejection letters to the daily choices that influence our habits and the monumental decisions that define our paths. We explore the importance of embracing failure as a crucial element of learning and growth, the impact of parenting on our perception of obstacles, and how personal experiences with technology and art can offer unexpected opportunities for expansion. The richness of our discussion highlights not only the inevitability of failure and choice in life but also the potential for meaningful growth that lies within these experiences.

Key Discussion Points

The perception of failure in the entrepreneurial space and its potential for reframing as growth.
The significance of choice in shaping our actions and their outcomes, underscored by personal anecdotes.
The role of parenting in teaching resilience through teenage failures and the navigation of new challenges.
The process of college admissions as a microcosm for broader life decisions and the acceptance of various outcomes.
The exploration of failure and success within the context of art and society, using Henri Toulouse-Lautrec's work as an example.
The balance between seizing opportunities and stretching beyond comfort zones, illustrated through personal contemplations on travel and financial decisions.
The concept of tolerance in decision-making and how it evolves with age, impacting our approach to risks and opportunities.

Wrapping up our conversation, Patrick and I touch on the underlying theme that binds these topics together: the intrinsic value of embracing life's uncertainties and the growth that emerges from this embrace. Whether discussing the finer points of art, the practicalities of technology and travel, or the philosophical depths of failure and success, our dialogue reaffirms the importance of stepping into the unknown with openness and curiosity.

This episode not only challenges listeners to rethink their relationship with failure but also encourages a deeper appreciation for the choices we face daily and the potential they hold for personal and professional evolution.

Links Worth Exploring

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices