In the Media: Stories From the Dirt - The Mindset Game

Competing in the Rebelle Rally is about more than just navigation, off-roading skills, and endurance—it’s also a mental game. How we approach each day, how we handle adversity, and how we process the standings can make all the difference in both our performance and our experience.

In a recent interview with Avis, the host of Stories From The Dirt on YouTube, Jessi and I, Jessica, shared insights on a crucial aspect of our 2025 Rebelle strategy: how and when to check the standings. It might seem like a small thing, but understanding the impact of this information on our mindset is key to staying focused and grounded throughout the competition.

Be sure to watch the interview video above to hear more about how we’re refining our mental game for the 2025 Rebelle Rally!

Lessons from 2023: Balancing Awareness with Performance

In 2023, I (Jessica) had my rookie year in the Rebelle Rally with a different teammate, placing 4th as rookies. It was a strong showing, but I also learned a valuable lesson: checking the scores every day can fuel motivation, but it can also shift our focus in unexpected ways. Sometimes, seeing a high ranking made us tighten up, second-guess ourselves, or feel extra pressure. On the flip side, seeing a drop in placement would sometimes lead to frustration creeping in.

In 2025, my new teammate Jessi and I decided together that we would be intentional about how we approach the standings. We want to find the right balance between being aware of where we stand and staying locked into our strategy. That means knowing when to check the scores and how to process that information without letting it control our emotions.

The 2025 Plan: Checking Standings with Intention

As we gear up for the 2025 Rebelle Rally, our goal is to minimize the emotional swings that can come from constantly checking our standings. Instead of letting the scores dictate our mood or energy, we’ve developed a structured approach:

Morning Focus

We’ll start each day with a clean slate. No matter what happened the day before, we’ll begin with positive affirmations and a clear game plan. Our goal is to execute each day as if we have no idea where we stand—focusing only on the next checkpoint ahead.

Pre-Score Affirmations

Before we look at the standings, we’ll take a moment to read affirmations and grounding reminders. These will include statements like:

• “We are here to compete, but also to enjoy the experience.”

• “Our success is measured by execution, not just numbers.”

• “Stay in our lane, trust our process.”

Why Mindset Matters

During the Rebelle Rally, mindset is everything. You can have all the technical skills in the world, but if your head isn’t in the right space, your performance will suffer. By controlling when and how we engage with the standings, we take back control of our mental energy and ensure we stay sharp, focused, and adaptable throughout the rally.

For anyone preparing for the Rebelle Rally—or any endurance competition—consider how you engage with feedback, scores, and external factors. Set a plan that keeps you in control, rather than being controlled by the numbers.

With this strategy in place, we’re excited to take on 2025 with clarity, confidence, and a commitment to navigating our own course.

With gratitude and grit, until next time,
Jessica H. - Navigator - Jess² reRouting

Want to hear more about how we’re preparing mentally for the 2025 Rebelle Rally?
Click the button below to watch our interview with Avis on Stories From The Dirt!