Dr. Alexander Latinjak, a psychological skill trainer, discusses the role of self-talk in athlete's success. Learn how self-talk affects performance, and ways to practice positive self-talk and combat self-defeating self-talk. Topics covered include the impact of environment, keyword interventions, self-talk under pressure, emotions, staying calm, improving self-control, and gaining control over self-defeating self-talk.

Mike Brown is an English professional rugby union player who plays fullback or wing for Leicester Tigers in Premiership Rugby. Brown joined the Harlequins senior team in 2005, having played youth rugby at Salisbury and Melksham, and began playing for the England first team two years later. During his career, Mike has won 3 Six Nations Championship titles with England and two Premiership Rugby titles with Harlequins. In this episode, we dive deep into what it takes to achieve 19-year success in pro rugby. Expect to learn ways to develop great coach-athlete relationships, how to find and build your super strength, and the best way to respond to feedback as an athlete.  [00:00] Introduction [03:37] The Sacrifices Athletes Make [07:16] Coming Through the Youth Ranks [09:29] Mike's Journey to Pro Rugby [15:26] Mike's Mindset as a 15-Year-Old Amateur [19:13] Do You Need to Outwork Everyone Else? [24:20] The Power of Self-Improvement as an Athlete [28:12] How Athletes Should Respond to Feedback [31:20] Finding and Developing Your Super Strength  [33:46] Mike's Professional Debut [39:01] What it Was Like Not Playing For England for 4 Years [41:02] How to Develop Good Relationships with Your Coaches [47:02] The Secret Source to 19 Years in Pro Rugby [49:30] How Mike Mentally Prepared For Games [52:15] Hobbies and Passions Outside Rugby [55:43] How Mike is Preparing For Life Outside Sports [59:17] The Benefits of Embracing the Beginners Mindset [01:04:40] Positively Visualizing Your Future [01:06:27] Mike's Favorite Quote [01:08:36] Parting Thoughts   Links and Resources: Mike on LinkedIn  Join the MindStrong Academy (14-Day Free Trial): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindstrong.lewishatchett.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get my Free Friday email 'The Game Plan': ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lewishatchett.com/the-game-plan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Lewis at: TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lewis_hatchett⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lewishatchett⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠For more on the podcast visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lewishatchett.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Contact the show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@lewishatchett.com⁠

Learn about the importance of pre-performance routines, the difference between superstitions and routines, and how to build your own routine for pressure moments. Discover how routines can enhance concentration, consistency, and performance under pressure. Explore the steps to figuring out your best routine and how to put it into practice. Don't panic if it doesn't work immediately, as it takes time to adjust.

Dr. Andrew P. Hill is a Sport and Exercise Psychology Professor at York St John University, UK. Andy's research focuses on the motivational antecedents and consequences of participation in sports and physical activity. His main areas of interest are the consequences of perfectionism (an achievement-related personality trait) for athletes, exercisers, and youth sports participants. In this episode, expect to learn some really thought-provoking stuff on perfectionism. Dr. Andy covers topics such as the rise of perfectionism and the death of imperfectionism, exactly what perfectionism is (and what it's not), as well as some practical advice to perfectionistic parents and coaches. [00:00] Introduction [01:20] Where Does Perfectionism Come From? [04:08] High-Achieving Parents and Inherited Perfectionism [05:51] Perfectionism and Self Esteem [09:56] Losing Talented People to Perfectionism [12:04] The Negative Consequences of Perfectionism  [18:14] Studying Perfectionistic Climates [20:35] Environmental Contributors of Perfectionism [25:33] Understand that Failure is a Part of Growth [28:17] Perfectionism and Burnout [33:35] The Benefits of Embracing Imperfection [36:40] The Pursuit of Self-Acceptance [39:34] Falling Short of Your Goals  [41:03] Advice to Perfectionistic Parents and Coaches [44:03] Andy's Go-To Resource Recommendations  [45:35] Parting Thoughts  Links and Resources:  Dr. Andy's Book - The Psychology of Perfectionism in Sport, Dance, and Exercise Dr. Andy on Twitter Dr. Andy's publications - Researchgate.net/profile/Andrew-Hill-25 In the Water They Can't See You Cry: A Memoir by Amanda Beard Join the MindStrong Academy (14-Day Free Trial): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindstrong.lewishatchett.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get my Free Friday email 'The Game Plan': ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lewishatchett.com/the-game-plan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Lewis at: TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lewis_hatchett⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lewishatchett⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠For more on the podcast visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lewishatchett.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Contact the show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@lewishatchett.com

Dr. Gordon Flett, a psychologist known for research on personality and depression, discusses the concept of perfectionism among athletes. They explore topics such as perfectionism assessment, development, the role of mindfulness, and the importance of adaptability over perfection. They also discuss resilience, overcoming perfectionism, and its prevalence among young people.

Aaron Walsh, an experienced Performance Coach, discusses strategies for developing mental skills in teams. They cover the role of mental toughness in elite sports, athletes taking ownership of their careers, and why psychology degrees aren't necessary for strengthening mental skills. They also explore the challenges of athlete careers, the importance of mental skills training, and the impact of the fear of failure on innovation and creativity.

Dr Mustafa Sarkar, Associate Professor of Sport and Performance Psychology, discusses resilience in sports. Topics include the difference between resilience and mental toughness, building resilience within teams, creating environments for resilience, and personality traits of resilient people.

As an athlete, you will get injured. There's just no avoiding injuries. So how can you speed up your recovery, come back stronger, and even get the most out of your time on the side lines?   In today's episode, Lewis discusses ways athletes can mentally deal with injuries. Expect to learn how you can do a better job of addressing mental as well as physical aspects of athletic injuries to stand a better chance of getting back to your physical peak faster.   [00:00] Introduction [02:18] The Emotional Impact of Injuries [03:37] The First Step to Recovering from an Injury [07:02] Injuries Are a Time of Reflection [09:32] Use Recovery Time to Learn Something New [12:09] Things to Do While Recovering from an Injury [14:02] Using the Mind to Heal the Body [17:41] The Difference Between Pain and Discomfort [22:07] Parting Thoughts    Sign up to the Controlling Anxiety Mindset Masterclass Get my Free Friday email 'The Game Plan': ⁠⁠https://www.lewishatchett.com/the-game-plan⁠⁠ Join the MindStrong Academy (14 Day Free Trial): ⁠⁠mindstrong.lewishatchett.com Connect with Lewis at: TikTok: ⁠⁠@lewis_hatchett⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@lewishatchett⁠ ⁠⁠⁠For more on the podcast visit ⁠⁠http://www.lewishatchett.com/podcast⁠⁠ Contact the show at ⁠⁠⁠podcast@lewishatchett.com

This podcast explores managing anxiety for performance. It discusses different types of anxiety, causes of anxiety, and strategies to manage anxiety mentally, physically, and in the moment. The hosts share personal experiences and discuss the relationship between anxiety and performance. They provide techniques such as setting up pre-performance routines, overcoming fears, and viewing anxiety as an opportunity. They also explore methods like yoga, music, breath work, and visualization to manage anxiety before a performance. Techniques for managing anxiety in high-pressure situations are also discussed.

Tara Norris is a professional cricketer who currently plays for Thunder, London Spirit, and Delhi Capitals. She plays as a left-arm medium bowler and has previously played for Loughborough Lightning and Southern Vipers. Fresh off of her debut in the WPL, Tara comes on the podcast to talk about her journey to professional women’s cricket. Expect to learn what it's like hitting a five-wicket haul in the WPL, how professional athletes manage their emotions on game day, why women's cricket is such a unique sport, and so much more.  [00:00] Introduction [02:53] Why Tara Chose Cricket [06:59] Your Role Model Doesn't Have to Play the Same Sport as You [09:03] The Professionalism in Women's Cricket [10:50] How Crowds Influence Athlete Performance [14:12] Challenges in Professional Women's Cricket [16:14] Tara Turning Pro [18:15] Playing and Training with Men [20:05] The Courage It Takes to Move Teams [24:46] Tara's Biggest Career Highlight - The WPL Draft [26:22] Tara's Five-Wicket Haul in the WPL [29:20] The Gap Between Australian Players and the Rest of the World [31:19] Difference Between Feeling Ready and Being Ready [35:08] How to Manage Your Emotions During Games [38:03] What to Expect From Tara This Summer [39:04] Parting Thoughts Resources  Follow Tara on Twitter and Instagram Get my Free Friday email 'The Game Plan': ⁠⁠https://www.lewishatchett.com/the-game-plan⁠⁠ Join the MindStrong Community: ⁠⁠www.lewishatchett.com/community⁠ Start the MindStrong Course: ⁠⁠www.lewishatchett.com/mindstrong⁠⁠ Connect with Lewis at: TikTok: ⁠⁠@lewis_hatchett⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@lewishatchett⁠ ⁠⁠⁠For more on the podcast visit ⁠⁠http://www.lewishatchett.com/podcast⁠⁠ Contact the show at ⁠⁠⁠podcast@lewishatchett.com