Demystifying Mental Toughness

David Charlton hosts the Demystifying Mental Toughness podcast with his colleague and a fellow competitive amateur golfer, Colm O'Donoghue today. Colm discusses his journey from playing golf as a child to returning to the sport in his mid-20s, driven by an interest in the psychological aspects of golf. He shares his struggles with perfectionism and the importance of maintaining a present-focused mindset. Together they talk about a case study of a young golfer, who excels in match play but struggles with stroke play due to focusing too much on the score. Colm and David emphasize the importance of a pre-shot routine in maintaining his focus and staying present, which can help manage his arousal levels, in turn, lowering his scores. Key Learning Points: · Trying to play perfect golf and focusing too much on the score can impact enjoyment of the sport. · Colm explains the difference between match play and stroke play, emphasizing the reset nature of match play and the need to focus on the process in stroke play. · Self-awareness is critical, recognising and being able to reset when you are ahead of yourself and predicting future holes, shots or score and identifying when you are stuck in the past, dwelling on mistakes. Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Podcast Episodes To Help Golfers Focus On The Process Ep243 David Charlton - How I Would Help Rory McIlroy Win The British Open Ep099 Trevor Jones - How to Deal with Overthinking on the Golf Course Ep167 Karl Morris - How To Manage Your Emotions To Improve Your Golf #BITESIZE Other Valuable Resources To Help Children, Young Golfers, Parents and Youth Sport Coaches Youth Sports Psychology Library Conversations With Kids Ideas Frequently Asked Questions - Sport Psychology for Children and Parents Resources To Support Golfers So That They Focus Better Frequently Asked Questions on Golf Psychology and Golf Mental Skills Golf Psychology and Mental Skills for Golf Library Control Your Thoughts on the Golf Course Play Your Best Golf More Often

Today, in episode #279 David and Gerard discuss the challenges faced by a 12-year-old cricketer named Amir (pseudonym), who is a leg spinner struggling with inconsistent selection due to the club's preference for pace bowling. Amir's fluctuating motivation and confidence, as well as the potential for dropping out of cricket are attributed to poor communication from coaches and his own difficulty in expressing frustrations. Key Learning Points: · Helping the cricketer develop psychological flexibility to separate his self-worth from the selection decisions made by the coaches is key. · Encourage the cricketer to focus on the controllables, such as his attitude, effort, and the key ingredients that make up a good performance, rather than the uncontrollable factors like the perfect delivery. · Coaches should consider carefully how they communicate to prevent young cricketers and athletes from feeling undervalued and potentially quitting the sport. Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Podcast Episodes Related To The Youth Sport Experience Ep176 Camilla Knight: How To Help Enhance The Psychological Wellbeing Of Children In Sport #BITESIZE Ep168 - Andrew Simpson: How To Navigate Youth Sports So That Children Enjoy The Experience More Ep141 -David Charlton: How to Help a Child Who Wants to Quit Sport Other Valuable Resources To Help Children, Young Athletes, Parents and Youth Sport Coaches Youth Sports Psychology Library Conversations With Kids Ideas Frequently Asked Questions - Sport Psychology for Children and Parents Resources To Support Cricketers So That They Play With Confidence Cricket Psychology Library 7 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Bowl Every Delivery Make Bowling Simple by Avoiding these 3 Common Mental Game Errors

In today's episode, #278 David and Gerard discuss the impact of a shouty coach on an 18-year-old rugby player named Tom (pseudonym). They explore how such coaching styles can lead to self-doubt, low self-esteem, and increased self-criticism, affecting both on-field performance and confidence levels. They emphasize the importance of coaches fostering a supportive environment where players can express themselves freely. Key Learning Points: · The conversation highlights the broader issue of youth sports participation and the need for a supportive coaching culture. · Develop standardised behaviour routines for young athletes, focusing on the attributes of their favourite players (e.g., work rate, commitment, shooting of Ronaldo). · Ask the athlete questions to understand their perspective on what behaviours mean to them personally (eg. work rate and commitment). Often a coaches' or parents' interpretation can be very different. · Focus on solutions to help young footballers and athletes manage their emotions effectively. Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Podcast Episodes Related To The Youth Sport Experience Ep055: Natalie Henderson, John Fletcher & James Maurice – How to Develop Mental Strength in Young Athletes Ep064: Edu Rubio – How to Support Young Footballers Ep074: David Charlton – How Can I Make My Child Feel Confident Other Valuable Resources To Help Children, Young Athletes, Parents and Youth Sport Coaches Youth Sports Psychology Library Conversations With Kids Ideas Frequently Asked Questions - Sport Psychology for Children and Parents

In episode #277 David and Gerard Fitzgerald discussed how to help shift the focus of an extra competitive footballer or athlete, using the example of a boy named Joe who hates losing. Key points included the importance of harnessing anger positively, as seen with Wayne Rooney's iconic goal in 2005 for Manchester United versus Newcastle United. They also share the need to normalise emotional responses like anger where footballers may kick out, tackle over aggressively, shout at team-mates or display poor body language. Parents and coaches are advised to avoid adding to the child's stress and activating their sympathetic nervous system anymore by shouting and yelling at them, instead helping them regulate emotions. Key Learning Points: · Develop standardised behaviour routines for young footballers, focusing on the attributes of their favourite players (e.g., work rate, commitment, shooting of Ronaldo). · Ask the athlete questions to understand their perspective on what behaviours (work rate, commitment) mean to them as often a coach or parents' interpretation can be very different. · Accept and seek to understand individual perspectives, traits and subsequent behaviours without being overly judgemental. · Focus on solutions to help young footballers and athletes manage their emotions effectively. Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Podcast Episodes Related To The Youth Sport Experience Ep082: David Charlton – Supporting Children in Sport with Positive Feedback Ep122: Prof Camilla Knight – Helping Your Children Get The Most From Their Sporting Experiences Other Valuable Resources To Help Children, Young Athletes, Parents and Youth Sport Coaches Youth Sports Psychology Library Conversations With Kids Ideas Frequently Asked Questions - Sport Psychology for Children and Parents Helpful Resources For Young Football and Soccer Players, Parents and Youth Sport Coaches Frequently Asked Questions - Goalkeeping Psychology Frequently Asked Questions - Football Psychology Ep276: How To Help A Footballer Who Focuses Too Much On Other People Ep049: James Maurice – How Does Sport Psychology in Elite Football Academies Help

Today marks the start of an 8-episode series where David Charlton is joined by a colleague. Gerard Fitzgerald features in this episode, as well as the next 3 episodes. They go on to discuss a case study of a young female footballer, 11 years old with a pseudonym name called Carly who is a sensitive soul who worries too much about other people (team-mates specifically in this case). We go on to normalise emotional sensitivity in young athletes, highlighting that it can be a strength if managed properly. We also talk about the challenges of emotional sensitivity where young athletes often face mental drain and self-doubt. David and Gerard then go on to share some advice for parents and coaches to manage emotionally sensitive players who can focus too much on their team-mates. Key Learning Points: · Explore ways to normalize the emotional experiences of young athletes and help them manage the mental demands of the sport. · Develop strategies to shift the focus from negative self-criticism and comparison to a more positive, responsibility-based approach. · The conversation explores how a neutral third party can provide a fresh perspective and help both parents and children understand each other better. · Constant comparison to teammates can lead to self-doubt and criticism in young athletes and footballers. · The discussion concludes with a reminder that the win-at-all-costs attitude can sometimes drive young athletes away from sport emphasising the need for fun and enjoyment. Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Podcast Episodes Related To The Youth Sport Experience Ep049: James Maurice – How Does Sport Psychology in Elite Football Academies Help Ep082: David Charlton – Supporting Children in Sport with Positive Feedback Ep122: Prof Camilla Knight – Helping Your Children Get The Most From Their Sporting Experiences Ep131 David Charlton – How to Deal with Self-Criticism using Self Compassion – FINAL PART Ep141: David Charlton – How to Help a Child Who Wants to Quit Sport Other Valuable Resources To Help Children, Young Athletes, Parents and Youth Sport Coaches Youth Sports Psychology Library Soccer and Football Psychology Library Conversations With Kids Ideas Frequently Asked Questions - Sport Psychology for Children and Parents

Get ready for a fresh take on mental toughness! The host discusses a creative break, kicking off with a new format focusing on youth sports. Expect an engaging eight-week series tackling the challenges young athletes face, featuring insights from expert guests. They also dive into the benefits of having a support system and the crucial lessons from 'The 12 Week Year.' Join the journey of revitalizing motivation and creativity while navigating the world of youth sports!

This discussion dives into how control and challenge shape mental toughness, drawing on Danielle Collins’ clever use of heckling as motivation during matches. Expert guests share self-care strategies to improve emotional regulation, especially for perfectionists. The conversation also touches on the significance of understanding one’s motivations and the benefits of mindfulness. Insights into managing anxiety beyond sports and the power of positive reinforcement for children provide valuable takeaways. Finally, the host’s personal break underscores the need for mental health.

The "Demystifying Mental Toughness" podcast episode #273, hosted by David Charlton, features insights from various team sports coaches and athletes, on commitment and confidence. Key points include the importance of individual motivation in team sports, maintaining a balance in life, and the necessity of standing out in training and matches. Guests emphasize the need for authenticity and surrounding oneself with positive influences, as well as many other great points. Key Learning Points: · Prioritize your own performances and progress, saying no to activities that are incompatible with your development. · A combination of confidence and commitment characteristics can lead to optimistic and challenging goal-setting. · To overcome fear and procrastination you could chunk down, planning goals in small steps towards your larger goals. · Cultivate a brave and determined mindset when it comes to goal-setting, where failure is not an option. Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Relevant Podcast Episodes To Help You Improve Your Commitment and Confidence Levels as Relayed in Episode 273 Ep104: Seb De Chaves – The Psychological Demands of Elite Professional Rugby Ep091: Jarrod Leathem - How to Transfer Your Cricket Skills to Matches Ep077: Danny Thomas – Before, During and After Professional Football Ep072 Tom Jones: Mastering the Mental Side of Cricket Ep043: Jamie Forrester – Thriving in Professional Football Ep029: Lome Faatau – How to Play Professional Rugby with Confidence Ep018: Kieron Brady – From Professional Football to Alcoholism Consultant Ep007: Toby Flood – How Elite Athletes Mentally Prepare Ep003: Peter Ramage – Developing a Premier League Mindset Other Valuable Resources To Improve Your You Improve Your Commitment and Confidence Levels Podcasts for Sport Coach Development Cricket Psychology Resources Goalkeeping Psychology Resources Hockey Psychology Resources Rugby Psychology Resources Soccer Psychology Resources

Today's podcast episode #272, focuses on helping coaches develop themselves and improve their relationships with their athletes, in turn, positively influencing performances. Many different guests from the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast emphasize the following points when considering self-improvement: sport coaches should be open-minded, focus on continuous learning and film themselves frequently. In developing their athletes: the importance of high support in coaching, understanding athletes have lives outside of sport, adapting their communication to athletes different learning styles and process-oriented coaching are also touched on, as well as a lot more. Key Learning Points: · Develop a psychosocial plan for your athletes/players and consider how to deliver it in a language they can understand and engage with. · As a coach, start where you are, considering your skills and personality and look to make the environment better. · When coaching focus on developing all aspects, including the psychological, biomechanical, technical and tactical, to help athletes fall in love with their role. · When coaching film yourself regularly and review the footage to understand how you are interacting with athletes/players. · Focus on the process, not just the outcome, and help athletes stay committed to the process, especially under pressure. Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Relevant Podcast Episodes To You Help You Become A Better Sport Coach as Relayed in Episode 272 Ep249: Dr Edward Hall – Understanding Workplace Collaboration In Coaching In Team Sports Ep209: Felix Lehmann – How To Create Better Decision Makers On The Football Pitch Ep166: Mark Bennett MBE – How To Help Athletes and Coaches Reflect On Their Performances Ep165: Andy Elleray – How To Master the Mental Challenges Goalkeeping Throws at You EP147: Aaron Walsh – The Application of Mental Performance Coaching in Elite Professional Rugby Ep105: Hannah Bromley – Overcoming Psychological Challenges in Professional Women's Football Ep096: Gary Curneen – Developing Mentally Strong Footballers Ep094: Professor Adam Nicholls – How to Develop Mentally Strong Rugby Players Ep093: Dan Abrahams – How to Overcome Mental Blocks in Football Ep087: Carl Bell – From Professional Football and Goalkeeping to Physiotherapy Ep039: John Fletcher – How to Develop Fearless Athletes Ep027: Natalie Henderson – How to Develop Mental Toughness with Young Footballers Other Valuable Resources To Improve Your Level Of Sport Coaching Podcasts for Sport Coach Development Cricket Psychology Resources Goalkeeping Psychology Resources Hockey Psychology Resources Rugby Psychology Resources Soccer Psychology Resources

Kickstart your year by boosting your mental toughness with powerful insights! Discover the importance of your self-narrative and how authentic connections can propel personal growth. Learn to identify and adjust your routines and habits, using fear as a stepping stone to greatness. Understand and navigate your character traits that may be holding you back while embracing vulnerability. Finally, reflect on your experiences and make impactful habit changes to enhance your well-being!