#162 - Aaron Walsh | Integrating Mental Skills

Aaron Walsh is an experienced Performance Coach who primarily focuses on developing leadership, culture, and mental performance programs for teams. Walsh is currently working with Chiefs in Super Rugby as well as consulting with Harlequins, Scottish Rugby, Texas Rangers, and Basketball New Zealand. He has also worked with various national teams and currently coaches multiple corporate leadership teams to create and maintain a high-performance working environment.  

In this episode, expect to learn how coaches can incorporate strategies for developing mental skills in teams. We cover the role of mental toughness in elite sports, why athletes need to take ownership of their careers, and why you don't need a psychology degree to strengthen your team's mental skills. 

[00:00] Introduction

[02:20] Aaron's Interest in the Mental Side of Sports

[06:30] When Aaron Started Working with Teams

[10:22] Athletes Need a Coach Who Cares

[15:32] The Benefits of Athletes Creating Identities Outside Of Sports

[19:10] Why Athletes Cannot Live Normal Lives

[22:00] Elite Athletes Make Sacrifices 

[26:03] Aaron's Framework for Working with Athletes

[27:31] Accountability and Taking Ownership of Your Career

[34:33] Integration of Mental Skills into Teams

[37:40] Why Mental Skills Training is Important For Athletes

[39:04] High-Performance Sporting Environments  

[45:17] Adding In Time For Mental Skills Training 

[51:55] Moving From Theory to Practice 

[56:42] How the Fear of Failure Destroys Creativity

[58:35] Aaron's Go-To Resource Recommendations

[01:01:34] Parting Thoughts 

Links and Resources: 

Aaron on Twitter 

Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn

Legacy: What The All Blacks Can Teach Us About The Business Of Life by James Kerr

Studies mentioned:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263922656_Enhancing_Mental_Toughness_and_Performance_Under_Pressure_in_Elite_Young_Cricketers_A_2-Year_Longitudinal_Intervention

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10413200903026066

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