Meet Arianna Shimits, MA, CMPC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Arianna Shimits, MA, CMPC and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arianna, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
After spending a little under a decade as a professional ballet dancer and many years before that as a pre-professional dancer, I was inspired to develop a business focused on helping performing artists and athletes perform their best. During my dance career, I experienced firsthand the immense mental and emotional challenges that come with striving for peak performance. Performance psychology was something I was introduced to later in my dance career, and it had a significant impact on both my dance career and personal wellness. This revelation motivated me to help others who might be struggling with the mental side of performance.

After working with a performance psychologist, I finished my BA and applied to MA programs for sport and performance psychology. Shortly after finishing my MA, I earned my CMPC credential from the Association for Applied Sport Psychology and founded Persistence Psych, a sport and performance psychology private practice specializing in working with performing artists.

In the two years I have had the business, I have also worked with many endurance athletes and become an avid runner myself. Through my work at Persistence Psych, I aim to bridge the gap between physical training and mental performance, helping my clients overcome their mental barriers and achieve their full potential in their respective fields. My goal is to empower performers and athletes to not only excel in their craft but also maintain their mental and emotional well-being.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After spending nearly a decade as a professional ballet dancer, I transitioned into the field of performance psychology. My career began with an interest in helping performing artists and athletes optimize their mental performance, drawing from my own experiences in the demanding world of ballet. The challenges I faced as a dancer—balancing physical demands with mental resilience—inspired me to support others in similar situations.

What sets me apart from others in my field is my unique background as a former professional ballet dancer. This firsthand experience allows me to deeply understand the mental and emotional struggles performers and athletes face. My approach is holistic, integrating my knowledge of psychology with my personal experiences to provide tailored strategies that address both mental performance and overall well-being.

One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is founding Persistence Psych, a private practice specializing in sport and performance psychology. In just two years, we have helped numerous clients, from all different types of performance domains (performers, athletes, business execs, tactical populations, etc.) achieve their full potential. I am particularly excited about the positive impact we have made on our clients’ lives, helping them overcome mental barriers and achieve their goals.

Getting to where I am today professionally was not easy. The transition from dance to psychology required a lot of dedication and hard work. I faced numerous challenges, including the need to return to school to earn my MA, and CMPC certification, and the decision to start pursuing a doctorate in counseling psychology. Overcoming these obstacles required perseverance, resilience, and a strong support system.

Along the way, I have learned several valuable lessons:

1. Resilience and Adaptability: Embracing change and being adaptable is crucial for growth.
2. The Importance of Support Systems: Having a strong network of supportive people can make a significant difference in overcoming challenges.
3. Openness to New Experiences: Being open and accepting of new experiences can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth.
4. Holistic Well-being: True performance excellence integrates mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that Persistence Psych is dedicated to bridging the gap between physical training and mental performance. Our mission is to empower all types of performers to not only excel in their craft but also maintain their mental wellness. Our approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and a deep commitment to helping our clients succeed.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d plan a mix of outdoor activities and local food experiences. We’d start by exploring a range of hiking trails, from scenic coastal paths to more challenging mountain routes. Mornings would kick off with runs along picturesque trails to get the day started right.

For food, we’d dive into the local scene with visits to casual seafood spots and farm-to-table restaurants. We’d also explore neighborhood markets and chat with other small business entrepreneurs. To round out our experience, we’d check out local breweries for craft beers and maybe even take a brewery tour. Evenings would be perfect for relaxing at cozy cafes or catching live music in local venues.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are several people and influences that have played a crucial role in my journey. First and foremost, I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family. Their unwavering support and encouragement throughout my ballet career and academic pursuits have been invaluable.

I also want to recognize my husband, who has been a constant source of support and inspiration. His understanding and encouragement have been crucial in helping me balance my professional and personal life.

I must also acknowledge my clients. Working with them has been incredibly rewarding and their dedication continues to inspire me every day.

To everyone who has been part of my journey, thank you for your support, mentorship, and inspiration.

Website: https://www.persistencepsych.com

Instagram: @persistence.psych

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/persistence-psych

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Persistencepsych

Other: Medium: https://medium.com/@persistence.psych 

Image Credits
Ron Brewer Francisco Estevez Revel Races