#683: Mental Stamina Over Muscle: How Pros Win the Game You Never See with Jacob Newton

Episode Overview In this episode of One Big Fire, John Kitchens and Al Stasek sit down with former NHL pro and elite mindset coach Jacob Newton. Jacob takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings in a small California desert town to the professional hockey stage, and ultimately into the world of mindset coaching. He unpacks how a lack of mental preparation kept him from sustaining his NHL career, and how the realization that "million-dollar legs need a million-dollar mindset" transformed not just his life, but the lives of the high performers he now coaches. This is a powerful conversation about performance anxiety, negative self-talk, resilience, and the habits that separate amateurs from true pros. Whether you're a real estate entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone looking to upgrade your daily performance, this conversation delivers mindset shifts you can use immediately. Key Topics Covered From Roller Rinks to the NHL Jacob's unconventional journey from roller hockey in the desert to pro ice hockey. The sacrifices his family made to help him chase his dream. What it felt like to play in a packed NHL preseason game — and what happened next. The Wake-Up Call Why being sent to the second Italian league was the mirror moment. The book that changed everything ("Mind Gym"). Realizing he was the problem—and also the solution. Million Dollar Legs, No Mindset The mental patterns that held him back. Why talent without mental stamina isn't enough. How he began to build mental muscle through breath work, daily routines, and gratitude. Coaching High Performers The biggest blocker: negative self-talk. Why 90% of our thoughts are the same every day—and 70% of them are negative. Tools to shift into presence, mental control, and clarity. The breathwork protocol that regulates anxiety and resets emotional control. Forgiveness and Inner Peace Why forgiveness isn't for them, it's for you. Healing childhood wounds that silently control adult performance. The power of releasing resentment to unlock your next level. Practical Routines for Peak Performance Why your first 20-30 minutes set the tone for your entire day. How to use gratitude, breathwork, and visualization to create powerful inner shifts. The "wind" that moves the storm: How breathing re-centers you in chaos. Resources Mentioned Mind Gym (book recommendation) Newton's Mind coaching practice Headspace app (John's recommendation for mindfulness) "We don't forgive others for them—we forgive for us. So we can drop that weight and step into a better version of ourselves." - Jacob Newton Connect with Jacob Newton Instagram: @newtonsmind55 Facebook: Jacob Newton LinkedIn: Jacob Newton Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥