#39 - James Taylor | How to Build Mental Toughness Through Training
Aug 27, 2020
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Former England cricketer James Taylor talks about building mental toughness through training. He shares his journey of coping with a career-ending heart condition and emphasizes the importance of being fit to make good decisions. The podcast also discusses the evolution of technology in sports, the fear of failure as a driving force for success, and the challenges of facing a career-ending heart condition. Physical fitness is highlighted as a crucial factor for excelling in the game.
Mental toughness can be built through training, leading to resilience and confidence.
Effective communication and collaboration are essential in the selection process for a national cricket team.
Intense training focused on mastering the basics forms the foundation for success in high-pressure situations.
Deep dives
Transition to Professional Sport and Mental Resilience
James Taylor discusses his own journey to professional sport and the importance of mental resilience and work ethic in his training. He emphasizes the significance of training hard to build confidence and prepare for high-pressure situations both mentally and physically.
Role of an England Selector and Communication
James Taylor talks about his role as an England selector and the importance of communication within the selection process. He highlights the collaboration and communication among selectors, coaches, and talent identification personnel, emphasizing the need for comprehensive coverage of players and matches.
Training with Intensity and Emphasizing the Basics
James Taylor explains the importance of intense training and how he focused on mastering the basics. He emphasizes the need to train hard and ensure that the fundamentals of one's game are strong, as they form the foundation for success in high-pressure situations.
Transitioning into the England National Team
James Taylor shares his experience of joining the England national cricket team and playing alongside established players. He discusses the initial nerves and excitement, as well as the confidence he gained from his previous performances in domestic and international cricket. He also highlights the support and mentorship he received from his teammates.
Dealing with a life-threatening health crisis
The podcast episode recounts James Taylor's experience with a life-threatening heart condition that forced him to retire from professional cricket. He describes the terrifying moments leading up to his cardiac arrest and the subsequent surgeries and treatments he underwent. Despite the challenges, James maintains a positive outlook and emphasizes the importance of mental resilience in facing difficult situations.
The significance of physical fitness in sports
James Taylor highlights the importance of physical fitness in sports, especially in cricket. He explains how being physically fit not only improves performance but also enhances decision-making abilities under pressure. James stresses the need to prioritize fitness to achieve success and longevity in sports, and encourages young athletes to dedicate themselves fully to their training and enjoy the process to reach their potential.
In this episode I’m speaking with James Taylor, Former England Cricketer and now national selector. James’ career was suddenly cut short when he was diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy,a rare and life threatening heart condition that you’ll hear nearly killed him, it mean’t that he had to immediately stop play all sport and now can’t do anything to get his heart rate up.
If you’re interested or intrigued by what mentally tough people do and think to have that mental toughness then James is someone to listen to. We talk about how his training built his mental resilience, the importance of being fit to make good decisions, not making excuses, taking every opportunity, how intense training really prepared him for international level and how all of that leaves you feeling satisfied and content with your effort.
