To perform a dangerous, world-first dive, Carlson consciously uses overwhelming positivity to override her brain's fear signals. She calls this "gaslighting" herself into believing she's capable, a technique for extreme mental preparation under pressure.
A mental performance coach taught diver Molly Carlson to visualize fear as a piece of paper in front of her eyes. Instead of trying to destroy the paper, she gently shifts it to the side, allowing it to exist without consuming her focus, freeing her to perform.
High diver Molly Carlson explains that fear is a necessary safety mechanism in her sport. Her worst injury occurred not from a difficult dive, but when she was overly comfortable and distracted while filming content. This highlights that in high-risk fields, complacency is more dangerous than fear.
Diver Molly Carlson describes how the pressure to achieve her Olympic dream led to an eating disorder and severe anxiety. When she narrowly failed to qualify, the overwhelming feeling was relief. This "failure" liberated her from a toxic environment, allowing her to seek help and find a healthier path.
Molly Carlson created the "Brave Gang" online community to support others, but it has become her own shield against relapse. When she struggles with body image or anxiety, sharing with the community provides the positive reinforcement she needs to stay strong, creating a powerful personal support loop.
After facing a career-ending eating disorder driven by toxic sports culture, Molly Carlson found a new "why" for her sport. Her motivation is no longer just winning, but using her platform to ensure no young athlete feels alone in their mental health journey, a purpose that transcends personal achievement.
Molly Carlson, who has Generalized Anxiety Disorder, finds that the three seconds she's in the air during a high dive are the most silent her brain ever is. The extreme physical risk and focus required create a temporary state of pure presence, making the dangerous act a powerful mental escape.