"A lot of the focus on "mindset" in this activity is geared towards better performance and high achievement. There's more at stake though. The age group of performers puts them in a critical period of brain development and neuroplasticity. When you couple that with the notion of how engaging in an ultra repetitive activity that demands a high level of focus can reinforce certain neural pathways, it would actually be irresponsible to allow anything but a healthy mindset to exist in what we do. If that didn't make sense, think about it this way: If you're constantly suffering and killing yourself in your head to "play clean", "win a competition" or "make a group", imagine not being able to get those feelings and thoughts out of your head for the next couple decades long after your performing days are behind you. The good news is opposite can also be true. For those that figure out how to stay in a good headspace during the thousands of hours we put in are letting the cement dry on ...