The Empowered Christian Athlete Journal: Faith-Based Growth Mindset for Athletes: Build Confidence & Habits, Overcome Nerves & Perfectionism, and Compete with Identity Beyond Sports Paperback – May 9, 2025

Daily Devotional & Mental Toughness Training for Teen Boys, Teen Girls, and Youth Athletes to Build Confidence, Overcome Fear, and Strengthen Identity in Christ. The Empowered Athlete Journal is a 90-day guided mindset and faith training system designed specifically for teen boys, teen girls, college and youth athletes ages 8-22 who want to perform at their best, in sports, school, and life by grounding their strength in Christ.Most parents and coaches focus on toughness, grit, and motivation, but this devotional goes deeper: it connects performance to purpose. Written by Derek Ward, a three-time collegiate football champion at Amherst College, with a degree in psychology, and veteran coach of over 400 athletes from youth to professional, across almost every sport from swimmers, to football, lacrosse, hockey, tennis, squash, golf, baseball, softball and more, this devotional journal blends sports psychology, Christian faith, and daily repitition to build true mental toughness that lasts beyond the scoreboard.Over 90 days, athletes learn to:Develop a strong growth mindset anchored in scriptureBuild confidence rooted in faith, not performanceStrengthen mental resilience under pressureOvercome fear, perfectionism, and negative self-talkForm daily habits of prayer, and reflectionCompete with clarity, gratitude, and purposeEach short, engaging entry (just 10–15 minutes per day) includes reflection prompts, gratitude practices, and goal-setting, all inspired by real athletic experience and spiritual truth. This isn’t just a journal it’s a Christian devotional for athletes who want to sharpen focus, build character, and live with eternal purpose.Whether you’re a parent guiding your son or daughter's faith journey, a coach mentoring your team, or a young athlete wanting to grow stronger in Christ, this devotional offers the tools to silence fear, strengthen mindset, and step boldly into who God created you to be.Kids love this journal and engage with it because it doesn't feel like work. With scripture-based encouragement, affirmations, gratitude practices, and goal setting. all in just 15 minutes, it's not overwhelming, burdensome, or just a "chore".This isn’t just another journal. It’s a faith-driven mindset coaching. Whether your child is an 8-year-old just starting out, a high schooler chasing a college dream, or a Christian teen simply needing to rediscover their joy in sports or life, this workbook is for them.Give your athlete the tools to silence fear, sharpen focus, and step fully into who God created them to be. Read more