Mindset Matters Part 25: 5 Reasons Taking a Break This Christmas Will Supercharge Your Mindset in 2026

In this episode, Megan Kerrigan and Annabelle dive into the connection between enjoyment and progress in Irish dance. They chat about how, when the fun starts to fade, dancers often find themselves making more mistakes, losing focus, and feeling mentally drained, not because they aren’t capable, but because they’re exhausted. Together, they explore why enjoyment is such an important part of learning, how pressure can quietly build over time, and why taking small mental breaks can make a huge difference.

Chapters:

00:36 – Why Christmas Rest Matters for Dancers
02:42 – Annabelle’s Christmas Training Habits
04:19 – The “More Is More” Mindset in Irish Dance
06:30 – Mental Fatigue & How It Shows Up in Dancing
09:17 – Gaining Perspective: Why Stepping Back Helps You Improve
11:12 – How Reflection Helps Dancers & Parents Reset for the New Year
15:16 – Resetting Habits & Breaking the “Always Training” Loop
18:02 – Letting Your Goals Breathe & Realigning What You Want
21:16 – Why Growth Happens When You Stop Forcing It
22:10 – Remembering You’re More Than Just a Dancer
23:50 – Inside the Gold Club Christmas Challenge
26:41 – Planning Your Christmas Break & Prioritising Rest
28:34 – Final Thoughts & What’s Coming in January

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