Joe Leszner: Acknowledgement, Acceptance & Authenticity (Comprehensive Recap + Transcript)

From Nervous Energy to Net Neutral: The Mental Performance Revolution That's Changing Competitive Archery

What does it take to transform from a nervous Archer standing on the line into a confident competitor who can perform under the world's most intense pressure? The answer might surprise you (and has nothing to do with "feeling good" or "faking it").

In this revealing conversation, Joe Leszner, the Certified Mental Performance Consultant who became an internet sensation during the 2023 World Archery Championships in Berlin, shares the strategies that have helped Canadian Archers achieve breakthrough performances on the world's biggest stages.

From his work with Olympic and Paralympic athletes to his role in Team Canada's historic bronze medal win at the 2024 Yecheon World Cup, Joe's insights challenge conventional thinking about mental performance and offer practical tools that can benefit Archers at every level.

Meet the Mind Behind the Method

Joe Leszner brings impressive credentials to his unconventional approach. As a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) with a Master's Degree in Human Kinetics specializing in sport psychology, he has supported athletes and teams at multiple major Games, including the 2024 Paris Olympic & Paralympic Games. His years of collaboration have contributed significantly to athletes' mental and overall performance outcomes, but it's his practical, real-world approach that sets him apart.

The Foundation: Why "Net Neutral" Changes Everything

At the heart of Joe's philosophy lies a concept that challenges how we think about support systems in Archery. He introduces the idea of achieving a "net neutral" impact from external influences (particularly from parents and coaches). This approach creates an environment where Archers can perform without the burden of excessive pressure from those around them, even when that pressure comes from well-meaning loved ones.

Central to this philosophy is developing what Joe calls "the plan": a comprehensive framework that combines technical, mental, physical, and tactical elements. This plan becomes each Archer's North Star during competition, helping them focus on controllable factors regardless of the emotions they may be experiencing in the moment. It's not about eliminating nerves; it's about performing effectively despite them.

The Truth About Emotions and Performance

Perhaps the most revolutionary aspect of Joe's approach is his assertion that athletes "don't need to feel good to be good." This perspective completely overturns the common assumption that confidence and positive emotions are prerequisites for success. Instead, Joe encourages athletes to focus on executing their plans while acknowledging that various emotions (including anxiety, nervousness, and doubt) are simply part of the competitive experience.

This reframing proves particularly valuable for parents who worry when their Archers appear nervous or anxious before competitions. Rather than trying to "fix" these feelings, Joe's approach teaches both athletes and families to work with them as natural responses to meaningful competition.

When Being the Underdog Becomes Your Superpower

Joe's philosophy came to life dramatically at the 2024 Korean World Cup in Yecheon, where the Canadian Men's Recurve Team embraced their underdog status to achieve something remarkable. The team, consisting of Eric Peters, Brandon Xuereb, and Reece Wilson-Poyton, won Canada's first-ever World Cup Recurve Men's Team medal, a Bronze.

But this wasn't just about positive thinking. Joe worked with the team to strategically position themselves mentally, finding joy in competition while leveraging their underdog status as a psychological advantage. As team member Reece Wilson-Poyton later explained, "We knew we were the underdogs, our mental performance consultant told us that's the attitude we had to have. We had nothing to lose, went all in for every arrow and didn't look back."

This example demonstrates how perceived disadvantages can become psychological strengths when approached with the right mindset and strategy.

Why "Fake It 'Til You Make It" Actually Hurts Performance

In a particularly eye-opening segment of our conversation, Joe dismantles one of the most popular pieces of advice given to nervous competitors. The phrase "fake it 'til you make it" might work in some life situations, but in high-level Archery competition, it can be actively detrimental.

Joe emphasizes how authenticity plays a crucial role in helping athletes reach flow states where performance feels natural and effortless. Rather than encouraging athletes to adopt false personas or manufactured confidence, his approach focuses on creating environments that allow their genuine selves to emerge and thrive. This authentic approach proves not only more sustainable but also more effective than maintaining artificial confidence or demeanour under pressure.

Navigating the Unique Challenges of Archery Competition

Archery presents mental challenges that are uniquely demanding. Joe provides practical guidance for handling scenarios that can derail even experienced competitors: managing emotions when competing against friends and teammates, dealing with the pressure of anticipated match-ups, and maintaining focus through the extended format of outdoor competitions with 72 individual arrows.

His approach consistently emphasizes preparation and focusing on manageable aspects of performance rather than trying to control external factors. It's about building mental resilience that works in the real, unpredictable world of competition.

The Berlin Moment That Changed Everything

Of course, no conversation with Joe would be complete without addressing the moment that made him famous throughout the Archery world. His memorable appearance at the 2023 World Archery Championships in Berlin, where his enthusiastic support from the coaching box captured global attention, wasn't just spontaneous excitement. It was strategic psychology in action.

Every element of his animated support, from the high-fives with spectators to his famous "I love you, Sjef!" moment, was carefully planned to create an environment where Eric Peters could perform authentically while taking control of the competitive atmosphere. As Joe reveals in our conversation, this wasn't about creating a distraction; it was about ensuring that he and Eric controlled their environment rather than letting external pressures control them.

Joe's visible enthusiasm served as a powerful reminder that Archery should remain enjoyable while still being taken seriously at the highest levels. The reactions from fans and media - ranging from delight to controversy - only reinforced the impact of his approach.

Making Mental Performance Accessible

For parents considering mental performance support for their Archer, Joe offers practical starting points. He recommends beginning with educational materials and potentially seeking professional guidance, emphasizing that establishing this foundation early in an Archer's development can have profound long-term benefits for their competitive journey.

The key insight is recognizing that mental skills, like physical techniques, require development and practice over time. They are practical tools that can be learned, refined, and applied systematically.

The Path Forward

Joe's approach illuminates the significant role mental performance plays in Archery success, whether working with developmental Archers or those competing on the world stage. His methods offer a roadmap for understanding and developing the mental aspects of the sport that can help unlock any Archer's full potential.

Perhaps most importantly, his philosophy embraces the Archer's journey as one focused on seeking progress rather than demanding perfection. This perspective helps Archers and their parents maintain healthy expectations while still striving for excellence. This balance proves essential for long-term success and enjoyment in this demanding sport.

Connect with Joe

For those interested in learning more about Joe's approach to mental performance, connect with him:

Email: jleszner@gmail.com

Instagram @jleszner

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joe-leszner-2b5445284

Connect with the Archery Parent Podcast

Instagram: @archeryparentpodcast

The Archery Parent Podcast continues to bring valuable insights to the community, supporting families as they navigate this journey together, one arrow at a time.

To hear the complete conversation with Joe Leszner and dive deeper into these concepts, visit www.archeryparentpodcast.com for the latest episode.

Resources referenced in this episode:

YouTube: World Archery - 2023 World Championships: Men’s Recurve Quarterfinal 2. November 19, 2023: Eric Peters (CAN) vs Steve Willer (NED): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7515_1H7RE

YouTube: World Archery - 2023 World Championships: Men’s Recurve Semifinal. November 21, 2023: Eric Peters (CAN) vs Arif Pangestu (INA): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CCQP3eVRno

YouTube: World Archery - 2023 World Championships: Men’s Recurve GOLD Medal Final. November 23, 2023: Eric Peters (CAN) vs Mete Gazoz (TUR): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3RiKfS3GE4

YouTube: World Archery - Canada's Controversial Coaching at the World Championships: https://youtu.be/6mlnEpPGE_Q?si=GpLNP2Xk-kNqnyrZ

Book: How Champions Think by Bob Rotella. https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/How-Champions-Think/Bob-Rotella/9781476788654

Reactions to Joe’s support at both the 2023 World Archery Championships and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games:

The Bridge (@the_bridge_in) on X:

“A special word of appreciation for Joe Lesner [sic], Peters’ mental performance coach!

His animated reactions and ability to get the crowd going made Dhiraj vs Peters arguably the best Archery match at #Paris2024 so far.” July 30, 2024, 2:39pm

Reddit.com (r/onguardforthee, boisemi):

“Eric Peter’s [sic] coach Joe Lesner [sic] when introduced in Paris Olympics 2024”

“This guy got me so entertained during Eric Peters [sic] performance. From someone who does not follow archery outside of the Olympics, I could see how other coaches had a serious stance with athletes…But not him!

He was super casual with Eric, he looked like he’s his buddy that joined him to enjoy the show. He was screaming these “oh yeah” after Eric’s amazing shots…. Encouraging the crowd to cheer as it was tied!

Great job Eric, he beat his Indian competitor by a few cm on a “10” core. Hope he wins a medal.”

WorldArchery.sport:

“Peter’s admitted there were plenty of nerves ahead of shooting in the finals arena.

Those qualms were quickly alleviated as Peters visibly enjoyed the spectacle of shooting with the eyes of the world watching, in part thanks to spotlight-stealing (and controversial) secret weapon Joe Lesner [sic].

The mental performance coach broke the fourth wall as he entered the arena, screaming ‘I love you Sjef’ loud enough for the on-field microphones to pick up clearly, and causing broadcast analyst Sjef van den Berg - plying his trade from a remote studio some 2000 kilometres away in Scotland - to chuckle.

Lesner [sic] continued to whip up the crowd and cheer on his athlete throughout Peters’ three-match campaign on Sunday afternoon in Berlin.

It seemed to dispel any butterflies despite it’s unorthodoxy in the sport.

…Lesner’s coaching style helped Peters. But it wasn’t to everyone’s liking. Stern words were had between the Canadian box and Turkish coach Goktug Erin in the arena following the final.”

“How Eric Peters defied the odds to clinch world silver for Canada.” World Archery News. www.worldarchery.sport August 11, 2023. https://www.worldarchery.sport/news/201337/how-eric-peters-defied-odds-clinch-world-silver-canada

SIRC.ca

“That result put Canada fighting for the Bronze Medal match. The Canadian team knew they were being labeled the underdogs, and used that mentality to keep the momentum going. “We knew we were the underdogs, our mental performance consultant (Joe Leszner)  told us that’s the attitude we had to have,” said Wilson-Poyton. “We had nothing to lose, went all in for every arrow and didn’t look back.

“Recurve Men’s team earns a historical result for Canadian Archery, with first ever Men’s Recurve Team podium finish at a World Cup”. The Sport Information Resource Centre. www.sirc.ca May 23, 2024. https://sirc.ca/news/recurve-mens-team-earns-a-historical-result-for-canadian-archery-with-first-ever-mens-recurve-team-podium-finish-at-a-world-cup/

——————

NOTE: See Episode for Transcript. It's too long. https://www.archeryparentpodcast.ca/joe/