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Connection to Self
Episode
20

Finding Confidence After Setbacks | The Mental Toll of Athletic Performance with Joshua Aruya

January 14, 2026
47 min

Hosts Dave Barney and Luke Olson sit down with Division I athlete Joshua Aruya for a conversation about the mental side of elite performance. Josh shares how his journey into men’s volleyball began unexpectedly and evolved rapidly, leading him to...

Show Notes & Chapters

Hosts Dave Barney and Luke Olson sit down with Division I athlete Joshua Aruya for a conversation about the mental side of elite performance. Josh shares how his journey into men’s volleyball began unexpectedly and evolved rapidly, leading him to compete at the highest national and international levels.

Chapters
[Start] Discovering Competitive Drive: Josh shares how he found men’s volleyball and what drew him to elite competition.
08:15 Learning Through Setbacks: Being cut from national teams and how adversity reshaped Josh’s mental approach.
20:20 Injury, Identity, and Mental Health: Josh recounts a major ankle injury and the fear of losing identity.
31:32 Faith and Rebuilding Confidence: How prayer, mental fitness tools, and relationships helped Josh recover mentally and emotionally.
43:29 Daily Mental Fitness Habits: Josh shares the daily practices that build resilience and well-being.

Links and Resources
Sign up for early access and get 3 months free with NUE - Your Mental Fitness Platform
ElizaChat - Your Personal Mental Fitness Coach