Demystifying Mental Toughness

In this milestone episode #300 of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, David Charlton is joined by former Newcastle United defender and current Assistant Loans Manager Peter Ramage. In the second part of our conversation Peter shares powerful insights into what truly drives progression and resilience in young footballers. Peter discusses the importance of personal responsibility in career development highlighting how top performers take ownership of their learning, habits, and mindset. Through examples such as golfer Matthew Fitzpatrick and Harry Kane, he explains why success is never defined solely by minutes played, but by growth, adaptation, and the ability to fight for a place. A major theme throughout the conversation is the redefinition of success on loan spells. Peter emphasises that adversity, periods of not playing, dealing with pressure, or competing for a spot is often the very challenge that shapes long-term success. He also explores the dangers of external hype, the importance of staying grounded, and the value of breaking performance down into controllable actions. Listeners gain a behind-the-scenes look at loan player support, including emotional wellbeing, communication, and the powerful role of peer-to-peer mentoring. Peter also reinforces that speaking up and asking for help is not weakness, it's a critical part of thriving in football. >> Key Takeaways Success Isn't Linear: Loan spells and tough periods are vital learning experiences, not signs of failure. Take Responsibility: Growth accelerates when players own their development, behaviours, and mindset. Stay Grounded & Speak Up: Managing hype, living in the present, and asking for support are essential parts of sustaining performance. If you enjoyed this episode, check out our previous blogs and podcasts on all things football, mental toughness and player development. For more on all things football or soccer psychology, check out these resources: Ep299: Emotional Flexibility & Adaptability: Inside the Minds of Professional Footballers on Loan with Peter Ramage Ep086: David Charlton - Observations: How to Learn from Setbacks Blog: The Psychology of Loan Moves: How Football Coaches Can Build Mentally Tough & Adaptable Young Players Blog: 5 Reasons Why Being Released from a Football Academy is Difficult Research Review: When the Dream Ends: What Academy Release Really Does to Young Footballers Soccer Psychology and Mental Skills for Football Library of Resources Connect with Peter Ramage · LinkedIn · Instagram Connect with David Charlton · Sign Up To The Mental Edge · Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub · LinkedIn

In this episode of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, host David Charlton is joined by former professional footballer and coach, and current Assistant Loans Manager at Newcastle United, Peter Ramage, who pulls back the curtain on what it's really like for young players when they go out on loan. We talk about the often-unseen side of the loan pathway: adapting to new environments, dealing with being away from family, handling uncertainty and change, and the social-media comparison trap that many players fall into. Peter provides real world insight from his time at clubs like Newcastle United and Crystal Palace and how versatility and flexibility becomes a mindset, not just a tactical attribute, and how building relationships and trust with teammates and coaches is absolutely key. Whether you're a footballer, coach or parent, this conversation throws light on how mental toughness emerges from more than just performance. It's about mindset, adaptation, presence and communication. We also tie this back to themes we've covered before such as the 4 C's model of mental toughness (control, commitment, challenge, confidence) and creating psychologically safe and growth-focussed environments. >> Key Takeaways Adaptability is everything – Being able to thrive when you're out of your comfort zone (new club, new role) is a super-power. Comparison is the silent pressure – Young players often measure themselves against highlight reels on social media; learning to focus on your journey matters. Relationships build the foundation of success – Trusting teammates, coaches and the environment gives you the mental platform to perform and grow. If you enjoyed this episode, check out our previous blogs and podcasts on all things football, mental toughness and player development. For more on all things football or soccer psychology, check out these resources: Podcast Ep151 - Football Psychology: 50 Ways You Can Improve Your Performance Podcast Ep173 - How To Deal With Other People In Professional Football #BITESIZE Blog: The Psychology of Loan Moves: How Football Coaches Can Build Mentally Tough & Adaptable Young Players Blog: Footballers are People, Like You and Me Blog: Do You Start Matches with a ONE-NIL DOWN Mindset? Book Review: Soccer Tough 1 and 2 with Dan Abrahams Connect with Peter Ramage · LinkedIn · Instagram Connect with David Charlton · Sign Up To The Mental Edge · Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub · LinkedIn

Join endurance athlete and coach Pierce Showe, a world record holder for completing 153 consecutive half marathons, as he shares his insightful philosophy on 'running your race.' He emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal progress over social media comparisons. Discover how goal-setting and consistent habits lead to growth, while faith can anchor you beyond performance metrics. Pierce also explores mental toughness in younger generations, proving that steady discipline outperforms fleeting motivation. This conversation is packed with inspiration!

In this powerful episode of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, David sits down with endurance athlete, coach, and world record holder, Pierce Showe. From a lacrosse player to completing gruelling 200-mile ultra marathons, Pierce shares his journey of developing resilience, faith, and belief through extreme endurance. Pierce opens up about how early life challenges shaped his hunger for growth, the defining moment that unlocked his belief system, and why mental toughness isn't something you're born with and it's built through hardship, practice, and reflection. He and David also explore the psychology of endurance, how to manage setbacks mid-race, and how techniques like segmentation and staying present can help athletes, business professionals, and anyone facing adversity stay composed under pressure. >> Key Takeaways Mental Toughness is Built, Not Born: It grows through consistent exposure to challenge and reflection. Segment the Impossible: Break big goals into smaller, achievable chunks, focusing only on the next step. Reset and Reframe: When things fall apart, rest, refuel, and reset your mindset. This can change everything. Listeners and Viewers to the full conversation will receive inspiring lessons on endurance, mindset, and belief. Enjoy Tuning In! For more on this topic, check out these resources: Ep215: Fenwick Ridley - How Ice Swimming And Cold Immersion Can Help You Take Control Of Your Destiny Ep214: Ellen McDermott – How To Create Helpful Eating Habits To Benefit Your Sport Performance Blog: Developing Mental Toughness in Young Athletes: Coaching Lessons from Ultra Running Blog: Coach Development – Helping Athletes Overcome Fear of Failure Conversations With Kids – Grit and Determination Connect with Pierce Showe · Instagram · Website Connect with David Charlton · Sign Up To The Mental Edge · Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub · LinkedIn

In this discussion, anxiety and fear coach Matt Young shares insights on mastering emotional control to foster lasting confidence and calmness. He challenges the notion of merely managing emotions, proposing that anxiety and fear are learned traits with purpose. Matt outlines how to create a personal emotional playbook with practical routines to combat procrastination and handle stress. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of ownership, emotional mastery, and surrounding oneself with positive influences for sustained mental resilience.

Matt Young, a former professional footballer and anxiety coach, shares insights on achieving emotional control for enhanced performance. He reveals how his career exposed insecurities and fueled anxiety, often masked by superstitions and rigid identities. Matt advocates for proactive emotional training in sports, emphasizing the need for athletes to master their emotions rather than seeking control over external factors. He highlights the importance of emotional awareness and consistency in pursuing growth, key elements for long-term resilience and well-being.

High performance in cricket and sport in general is about far more than technical ability. In this episode of The Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, I'm joined by Stuart Barnes, Bowling Coach at Warwickshire County Cricket Club, for the second part of our conversation. Together we explore the unique pressures cricketers face and how coaches and psychologists can work hand in hand to support player growth, confidence, and resilience. The Player at the Centre Stuart highlights the importance of a joined-up approach between coaches, psychologists, and teammates, with the athlete always at the centre. Players often need space to talk, offload, and process challenges. Stuart shares how his own journey as a "failed professional cricketer" shaped his empathy and perspective, allowing him to connect with players authentically. Slowing the Game Down Under Pressure Cricket is both a team and an individual sport, making the psychological demands unique. Stuart describes how small pauses, two to five seconds between deliveries help bowlers reset, design a plan, and avoid rushing into a threat mindset. He shares practical questions bowlers can ask themselves in pressure moments to regain clarity, confidence, and control. Handling Selection Pressures One of the toughest realities in professional cricket is being dropped. Stuart emphasises the value of focusing only on what players can control; fitness, preparation, mindset, and energy in the dressing room. He describes these as the "free stuff" that costs nothing but adds significant value to team culture. >> Key Takeaways Slow the world down – Use strategies to pause, reset, and regain focus under pressure. Keep growing – There is no standing still; consistent small improvements matter. Build belief through actions – Confidence grows when you fulfil your daily commitments to yourself. This episode is packed with insights for cricketers, coaches, and parents of young athletes about the importance of mental toughness, supportive environments, and developing confidence from within. For more on this topic, check out these resources: Sports Psychology for Cricket Players · Ep 293: Stuart Barnes: How Cricket Coaches Build Mental Toughness: High Challenge, High Support Ep 115 - Jeremy Snape: Mental Strength to Succeed: Learning Lessons from International Cricket · Blog Mental Preparation for Bowlers in Cricket · Blog: Thriving Under Pressure: Mental Toughness Lessons from Cricket Coaching Connect with Stuart Barnes · LinkedIn · Website Connect with David Charlton · Sign Up To The Mental Edge · Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub · LinkedIn

Stuart Barnes, an experienced bowling coach at Warwickshire County Cricket Club, shares insights from over 27 years in coaching. He discusses the brutal demands of elite cricket schedules and how they affect mental toughness. High challenge, high support coaching is explored, emphasizing empathy and tailored direction. Stuart highlights the importance of process over outcome, revealing how top athletes use routines for consistency. He also delves into the fear of success and advises on managing pressure during performance, offering practical tips for players and coaches alike.

Today's episode is the second part of my discussion with Gayatri Bhushan, co-founder of Mind Matter Performance. We go onto continue to explore the importance of being curious and open to learn about the experiences of others in sport. Gayatri goes onto share further insights from India and the Middle East, where cultural, social, and gender barriers can put limits on opportunities for different athletes, participants and coaches. Key Learning Points: · The discussion highlighted the significant impact of Premier League Football in India, with personal stories illustrating the feeling of belonging that fans can feel. · Challenges in sports accessibility in India are apparent, including socio-economic barriers, gender disparities, and cultural norms. · Sunil Chhetri's unfulfilled potential due to bureaucratic hurdles, underscored questionable policies and procedures. · Sport can transform the lives of families. Connect with Gayatri Bhushan Mind Matter Performance Website Connect with David Charlton The Mental Edge with David Charlton Instagram LinkedIN Podcast Episodes To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience For All Athletes and Participants Ep291: Gayatri Bhushan - From India to the Premier League, Sport Psychology, Belonging & Barriers Ep290: Gordon MacLelland - Stop Focusing On Results: Developing Life Skills Through Sport Ep287: Duncan O'Brien - Is A Blame Culture In Team Sports Helpful For Performance? Ep286: Nathan Sherratt - How To Understand Neurodiversity Better In Football Refereeing Ep285: Adam Batstone - Football Coaches: How To Help Neurodiverse Players Thrive Other Valuable Resources To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Podcasts for Sport Coach Development Cricket Psychology Resources Hockey Psychology Resources Rugby Psychology Resources Soccer Psychology Resources

Join us for an inspiring episode as we welcome Gayatri Bhushan, HCPC-registered Sport and Exercise Psychologist, who shares her deeply personal journey into the world of sports psychology. Born in India and now based in New Delhi, Gayatri reflects on her early years as a national-level 400-metre athlete and the pivotal challenges she faced, from performance pressures to the lack of mental health support. Her story of searching for guidance—often in vain—sparked a passion for ensuring no athlete is left without support, especially young girls navigating the complex intersection of sport and well-being. Having studied at Loughborough University and worked with Premier League clubs in London, Gayatri discusses the profound impact of being immersed in diverse sporting environments. She highlights the crucial role of equality, diversity, and inclusion in building mental toughness, emphasising that access to psychological support should not be a privilege but a right for all athletes. Tune in to gain insight into the challenges, learnings, and the ongoing journey toward a more inclusive and resilient sporting world. Key Learning Points: · The implementation of regulations and standards to protect the title of Sport Psychologist in India is important. · Advocate for more inclusive and diverse staffing policies in sports organisations to improve relatability and representation. · Encourage athletes to be comfortable in their own skin and not suppress their emotions and cultural identity. Connect with Gayatri Bhushan Mind Matter Performance Website Connect with David Charlton The Mental Edge with David Charlton Instagram LinkedIN Podcast Episodes To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience For All Athletes and Participants Ep290: Gordon MacLelland - Stop Focusing On Results: Developing Life Skills Through Sport Ep287: Duncan O'Brien - Is A Blame Culture In Team Sports Helpful For Performance? Ep286: Nathan Sherratt - How To Understand Neurodiversity Better In Football Refereeing Ep285: Adam Batstone - Football Coaches: How To Help Neurodiverse Players Thrive Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky – Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport Other Valuable Resources To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Podcasts for Sport Coach Development Cricket Psychology Resources Hockey Psychology Resources Rugby Psychology Resources Soccer Psychology Resources