“Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.” I’ll credit Tom Hanks and The Polar Express with this quote.  And although it’s a children’s Christmas movie, it couldn’t hold more true in the real world today. In today’s episode, Dr. John Kiely explains how our beliefs impact our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and gives us several tactical takeaways for success in any realm. Well known for his role as a performance coach, Dr. Kiely has worked with athletes of all ages, in a variety of settings, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the 2015 Rugby World Cup, the 2008 Olympics, and the 2004 Paralympics, as well as both junior and senior IAAF World Athletics Championships. He’s a prolific writer, speaker, and presenter with more than 60 articles to his name and currently supervises professional doctorate candidates pursuing practice-based doctoral-level qualifications while working in professional multi-disciplinary performance environments. To help us understand the complexity of the placebo effect and managing people, Dr. Kiely details: The different methods that can be used to manage high-pressure situations (17:20) The “secret” behind how the placebo effect works (42:25) How to leverage the relationship between pain and placebo (52:20) The danger of placebo’s evil twin and what thought processes to avoid (1:08:45) Referenced Materials: The Placebo Prescription A fascinating landmark study of placebo surgery for knee osteoarthritis A controlled trial of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee Attribution and Person Perception Connect with Dr. Kiely: Twitter: @simplysportssci Instagram: @simplysportssci Research Gate: John Kiely If you liked this episode, we would truly appreciate it if you would leave a review. It helps us not to get buried under some of these bigger podcasts, and we want this information to reach as wide of an audience as possible. So share it with a friend or family member who might be interested! There are only a few days left in our holiday book sale. Please help us support the Leukemia Lymphoma Foundation and the Alzheimer's Association by purchasing a signed copy of Conscious Coaching.  This is not only a great cause, but also gives us the chance to personally say thank you for supporting our small family-owned business.  Your support makes a tremendous difference and we appreciate our community more than you know! CLICK HERE to make your purchase of $11.99/ each! Today’s episode is brought to you by:  Momentous: With their new, melatonin-free sleep formula, I can enjoy the benefits of a great night’s sleep without having to deal with the next day's grogginess. All of their products are tested at the highest level, and they are for anyone who wants to feel better without overthinking their nutrition. Use Code: BRETT15 for 15% off your order. Dynamic Fitness & Strength: These guys are our go-to equipment partner. Fully customizable and manufactured in the heartland of America- whether you’re looking to outfit your home gym or entire weight room, visit mydynamicfitness.com to get started. Tell them Brett and the Art of Coaching Team sent you!