Mindset Performance

“I help athletes perform better under pressure by teaching them how to intentionally control the TRAP (Think, Respond, Act, and Perform).” Dr. Kirby

Dr. Kirby helps athletes, coaches, leaders, and teams improve performance under pressure through mindset training, leadership development, and the TRAP Framework—a practical system designed to strengthen confidence, resilience, emotional control, and consistency.

Combining doctoral research with real-world leadership experience, executive coaching, endurance athletics, and years working with Gen Z and Gen Alpha athletes, teams, and organizations, Dr. Kirby equips individuals with the tools to think better, respond better, and ultimately perform better.

Dr. Kirby’s work is grounded in one core belief: performance is never just physical. How we think shapes how we respond, and how we respond shapes how we perform.

Why Organizations, Coaches, and Teams Work With Dr. Kirby

Recognized national expert in generational dynamics, with specialized expertise in Gen Z (ages 15-30) and Gen Alpha (ages 15 and below) behaviors, motivations, mindset, and communication styles
National speaker, consultant, and trainer for hundreds of colleges, K-12 systems, athletic programs, coaches, and organizations
Experience training thousands of athletes, employees, coaches, parents, and leaders nationwide
Specialized expertise in organizational psychology, culture building, organizational behavior, leadership development, and team dynamics
Distinguished award-winning educator, manager, attorney, and thought leader
Extensive doctoral-level research focused on leadership, identity, mindset, and performance
Creator of the Control the TRAP mindset-performance framework
Endurance athlete with multiple 100-mile ultra-marathons
Extensive real-world experience leading and developing high-performing teams
Parent of four Gen Z and two Gen Alpha student-athletes

Popular Workshop & Training Topics for Student-Athletes and Teams

THINK — Master Your Mind

Growth vs. Fixed Mindset
The Power of Self-Talk
Building Lasting Confidence
Focus and Attention Control
TRAP in Action: Your Thoughts Shape Your Game
Understanding Yourself as an Athlete

RESPOND — Control Your Reactions

Dealing With Pressure
Emotional Control Under Stress
Resilience and Bounce-Back Ability
Handling Criticism and Becoming More Coachable
Developing a Team-First Mindset
The Energy You Bring: Shaping Team Culture

ACT — Build Who You Are

Identity Beyond the Jersey
Self-Motivation and Discipline
Leadership Development
Social Media and the Comparison Trap
Mental Health and Burnout Prevention

PERFORM — Train Your Mental Game

Goal Setting That Works
Visualization and Mental Rehearsal
Positive Habit Creation
Preparation and Performance Routines
Competing Under Pressure

The TRAP Framework (+ book series)

Control The TRAP

The TRAP Framework helps athletes improve the way they:

Think: Mindset, identity, confidence, self-talk, and belief systems

Respond: Emotional regulation, resilience, pressure management, and adversity response

Act: Habits, discipline, leadership, consistency, and behavioral alignment

Perform: Execution, focus, preparation, and performing under pressure

Mission-Driven Purpose

By supporting Control the TRAP—through book purchases, donations, or mindset-performance training—you are also helping support Gen Z and Gen Alpha athletes in need. Proceeds provide opportunities and resources such as camp fees, equipment, shoes, and other support to young athletes in need. To donate, please Venmo: @Janae-Kirby

“If we want better performance, we can’t just train harder—we have to think better.” – Dr. Kirby