We recently connected with Ariana Leblanc and have shared our conversation below.
Ariana , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
It wasn’t until my late 20s that I discovered my purpose: helping others navigate the struggles I once faced. Today, I work as a mental health counselor and sports performance coach for gymnasts. As a teenager, I battled mental health challenges, including an eating disorder and anxiety, which took a toll on my gymnastics. I spent more time in the gym crying than enjoying the sport, often paralyzed by fear and the belief that I wasn’t good enough. I eventually quit gymnastics at 16, right after qualifying for elite. It took over a decade of therapy and soul-searching to find my true purpose. Along the way, I coached gymnastics, became a personal trainer, and taught high school before returning to school to earn my master’s in clinical mental health counseling. With the encouragement of great mentors, I started my own private practice focused on mental health and sports performance. I realized that my passion is to provide others with the support and tools I wish I had growing up.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I currently own two businesses. My private practice focuses on mental health counseling, primarily supporting teens and adults working through eating disorders. Additionally, I am the owner of The Mindful Gymnast LLC, where I provide sports performance coaching to gymnasts both across the United States and internationally. In this role, I help gymnasts overcome mental blocks, manage fear, and build confidence. What makes my work unique is that I have personally experienced the same challenges my clients face, both in clinical settings and as gymnasts. This firsthand understanding allows me to connect with them on a deeper level. The most exciting part of my work is celebrating my clients’ progress, whether it’s small or significant milestones. I’m also launching a new virtual course in Fall 2024 called *Breaking Through Mental Blocks*, where gymnasts can learn about the root causes of mental blocks and the essential tools to overcome them!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that had the greatest impact on my journey are perseverance, self-belief, and the ability to ask for help. As I’ve mentioned, I’ve faced numerous challenges and setbacks, both in gymnastics and in life. During my teen and young adult years, I struggled significantly with mental health issues. Perseverance, or the determination to keep going, was crucial in helping me navigate these difficult times.
Secondly, developing self-belief was transformative. In my younger years, I often doubted myself and questioned whether I could reach my goals, both in sport and in life. However, years of therapy allowed me to reflect on my strengths and cultivate a belief in my ability to succeed—whether it was making it through graduate school or starting my own business.
The third key skill was learning to ask for help. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family and professionals. Even now, I regularly seek supervision and continue to learn from others. Asking for help isn’t a weakness but a strength.
For those just starting their journey, my best advice is to understand that failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of it. Reframing failure as an opportunity to learn, rather than a setback, allows you to persevere, believe in yourself, and seek support when needed.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most important thing my parents did for me was give me unconditional love, no matter what. They’ve always been my rock and continue to be my greatest source of support. As a child, they were there to celebrate my successes, but I also knew I could rely on them during tough times. In gymnastics, they never focused on scores or placements—they always believed in me and made sure I knew I was loved. After a bad meet, they were there to comfort me. That unwavering love made all the difference in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themindfulgymnast.com
- Instagram: themindfulgymnast
- Facebook: Ariana Eydenberg
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