Demystifying Mental Toughness
Demystifying Mental Toughness is for people who want to reach their goals faster and are curious what high performing athletes and professionals do to fulfil their potential. David Charlton shares insights, strategies and stories from leading athletes, coaches, psychologists and specialists to help you perform to your optimum level on a more consistent basis. If you’re a motivated athlete, coach, sport psychologist, mental game coach or executive listen in for proven and practical advice in this podcast.
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269 Do You Want to Make Next Year a Great Year? Why Contact A Sport Psychologist!
12/20/2024
269 Do You Want to Make Next Year a Great Year? Why Contact A Sport Psychologist!
In episode #269 David addresses the question, “What Can I Expect When Working With A Sport Psychologist” for the final time as this episode marks the end of an 8 part series. This time he focuses on the following statements “Performance Enhancement: The sports psychologist will help you identify and overcome mental barriers that may be hindering your performance” and “Feedback and Reflection: Expect regular discussions about your progress, experiences in training or competition, and adjustments to your mental training plan.” David highlights that a high percentage of athletes who contact sports psychologists are reactive often acting on emotion seeking to deal with challenges they are going through. Whilst proactive clients, especially top performing elite athletes, contact sports psychologists when they are in a good place, seeking continuous improvement and looking to embrace a marginal gains approach. He concludes by encouraging listeners to reflect on their 2024 achievements, failures, and lessons learned, offering a blog post with additional questions for self-analysis so that you can make 2025 a great year. Key Learning Points One typical challenge athletes bring to sports psychologists, link to not performing at the level that they train at, which can be caused by the need for social approval, perfectionist tendencies, questionable culture and processes at a club or organisation, with fear then kicking in for the athlete. Sharing surprising statistics about elite athletes such as Harry Kane’s goal scoring success rate and Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross accuracy can help perfectionists recognise how many times elite performers do actually miss or fail, forcing athletes to revisit their own expectations. He shares a case study of a proactive top cricketer who used detailed performance profiling to benchmark and measure progress, therefore challenging them to get out of their comfort zone. A skill of a sports psychologist is to ask athletes great questions so that they go on to assess how they can continually strive to improve their methods and performance levels. Connect with David Charlton , , and To Listen to Related Podcasts To Help You Improve Your Performances Next Year Relevant Blogs and Resources To Help You Make Next Year a Great Year
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268 Confidentiality: Ethical Considerations for Sport Psychologists
12/13/2024
268 Confidentiality: Ethical Considerations for Sport Psychologists
In today’s episode David explores the importance of confidentiality when working as a Sport Psychologist when supporting clients. He discusses how various environments, such as cafes, public spaces, and formal meeting rooms, can impact a client's comfort and confidentiality. He also emphasizes the need for tailored settings, considering factors like social anxiety, neurodiversity, and the client's familiarity with the space. The episode also covers the ethical considerations in working with athletes, including transparency with coaches, the involvement of parents with young clients, and the use of well-known names. David underlines the significance of confidentiality in building trust and facilitating effective behaviour change development. Key Learning Points: · Reminding yourself who is your client when you work as a Sport Psychologist is important especially in organisational settings or when supporting children. · Obtain written consent when using well-known names or client reviews for marketing purposes. · Establish clear processes when working with clients in an organisational setting. · When training to become a fully accredited sports psychologist the importance of maintaining ethical practices is covered in depth. Connect with David Charlton , , and To Listen to Related Podcasts To Help You Improve Your Understanding of Sports Psychology Relevant Blogs And Resources To Help Your Understanding of Sports Psychology
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267 How to Help Sports Coaches Navigate Anxiety
12/06/2024
267 How to Help Sports Coaches Navigate Anxiety
In episode #267 of Demystifying Mental Toughness, David discusses the role of a Sport Psychologist in helping coaches manage anxiety. He differentiates between state anxiety, which occurs in specific situations, and trait anxiety, a personality trait influenced by factors such as childhood, genetics, trauma and environment. David goes on to share to insights to aid the understanding of coaches on the topic, with some solutions discussed too. Key Learning Points: · State anxiety can be managed through understanding triggers and subsequent thoughts, and behaviours. · Trait anxiety may require referrals to clinical or counselling psychologists. · Understanding and managing bodily experiences of anxiety, such as heart racing and tension, can help coaches navigate their emotions better. · Techniques associated with Self-Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness can help coaches stay present and manage their anxieties better. Connect with David Charlton , , and To Listen to Related Podcasts To Help You Improve Your Coaching Methods Relevant Blogs And Resources To Help You Improve Coaching Methods
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266 How to Help Sports Coaches Cope With Pressure and Stress Better
11/29/2024
266 How to Help Sports Coaches Cope With Pressure and Stress Better
Today David considers the statement: “Coping strategies: You’ll develop tools to manage pressure and stress” where he focuses on supporting coaches to improve themselves, and in turn, improve their athletes. This is a continuation of his examination into ChatGPT and its response to the question “What Can I Expect When Working With A Sport Psychologist.” David shares many insightful thoughts about the topic to be able to support coaches. With some great questions for coaches to ask themselves. Key Learning Points: How do you want your athletes to behave around your club? Do you as a coach help your athletes mind and body to work in harmony? How can you activate your parasympathetic nervous system more to influence your athletes? Coach pressures come from managing athletes, senior management, coaching colleagues, sport science staff and parents goals, expectations and personalities and much more. Fear can play a big part and influence coaches; fear of failure, fear of judgement, fear of pain, fear of regret and fear of rejection. Connect with David Charlton , , and To Listen to Related Podcasts To Help You Improve Your Coaching Methods Relevant Blogs And Resources To Help You Improve Coaching Methods
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265 How to Help Sports Coaches Self Regulate Their Emotions
11/22/2024
265 How to Help Sports Coaches Self Regulate Their Emotions
Professor Sophia Jowett’s has conducted a lot of research into understanding the interpersonal dynamics between coaches and athletes and is instrumental in raising awareness and changing attitudes around the reciprocity of the relationship and the importance of relational qualities including mutual trust, respect, appreciation, commitment, loyalty, co-operation and collaboration. In today’s episode, part 4 of David’s investigation into ChatGPT’s and its response to the question “What Can I Expect When Working With A Sport Psychologist” he goes on to discuss supporting a coach who receives negative feedback from athletes or players. The aim is to aid your understanding of applying psychological skills training (PST) techniques such as self- talk, relaxation and visualisation to improve the quality of the coach-athlete relationship, and in turn, positively impact both coaches’ and athletes’ performance and wellbeing. There are connections between the points discussed and Jowett’s work. Enjoy tuning in! Key Learning Points: Coaches can benefit from being supported by Sport Psychologists too, not just athletes. As a coach understanding your own emotions and why they occur can benefit your relationships with athletes or players. When you experience negative emotions as a coach does your self-talk become judgemental? Instructional self-talk can benefit coaches to manage situations better. Allowing your self some space to breathe as a coach is useful and can help your behaviour management, as can improving your visualisation skills. Connect with David Charlton , , and To Listen to Related Podcasts To Help You Improve Your Understanding of Sports Psychology Relevant Blogs And Resources To Help You Improve Coach Athlete Relationships
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264 How to Enhance Focus, Motivation and Confidence
11/15/2024
264 How to Enhance Focus, Motivation and Confidence
Ensuring that your focus is placed on helpful things, that you stay motivated during difficult times and that your confidence levels remain steady and intact even when you lose form are seen as vitally important components being a top class athlete. In today’s episode, part 3 of David’s investigation into ChatGPT’s and its response to the question “What Can I Expect When Working With A Sport Psychologist” he goes on to share with you some helpful tools that you can help athletes in this context. Key Learning Points: Enhancing focus is a skill that can be developed by understanding aspects that are out of your control and to be able to shift your attention purposefully on helpful things/processes that are within your control. A great question to aid your motivation is to go back to the question from time to time – Why do I play my sport? To maintain steady levels of confidence, recognising where you gain confidence from is key. Connect with David Charlton , , and To Listen to Related Podcasts To Help You Improve Your Understanding of Sports Psychology Relevant Blogs And Resources To Help You Enhance Focus, Motivation and Confidence
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263 30 Further Ideas to Aid Your Performance and Psychological Well-Being
11/08/2024
263 30 Further Ideas to Aid Your Performance and Psychological Well-Being
Welcome to episode #263 of the Demystifying Mental Toughness podcast. This week’s episode features lessons from the world of business and entrepreneurship as well as the military. Psychological well-being, mental health, mental fitness and self care are key topics that are highlighted. Enjoy! Connect with David Charlton , , and Other Valuable Resources Relevant Podcast Episodes in Order and Sequence as Relayed in Episode 263
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262 50 Ideas to Aid Your Performance and Psychological Well-Being
11/01/2024
262 50 Ideas to Aid Your Performance and Psychological Well-Being
In episode #262 of Demystifying Mental Toughness due to unforeseen circumstances David includes a large number of inspiring take home messages from guests that originated in episode 100 of the podcast. The takeaways that you will hear relate to the development of mental toughness, how you can deal better with stress and adversity. Coping with trauma and mental health challenges are also key features. Enjoy! Connect with David Charlton , , and Relevant Podcast Episodes in Order and Sequence as Relayed in Episode 262
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261 Why Are The Sporting Goals That You Set Yourself Not Helping You
10/25/2024
261 Why Are The Sporting Goals That You Set Yourself Not Helping You
In part 2 of David’s exploration surrounding ChatGPT’s and its response to the question What Can I Expect When Working With A Sport Psychologist, David explores the complexities of goal setting. ChatGPT suggests setting SMART goals for performance and psychological well-being are part of working with a Sports Psychologist, which he is in agreement with. However, David points out that not all Sports Psychology practitioners are comfortable addressing psychological well-being. He goes on to emphasize the importance of goal ownership, discuss athlete’s tendencies to set goals, and the distinction between outcome, performance, and process goals as well as a lot more. Key Learning Points: Goals are more powerful when they align with your personal core values. Management of the number of goals you set is important to avoid overwhelm. Tools such as the MTQ Plus (Mental Toughness Questionnaire) can assist Sports Psychologists and Coaches to recognise if athletes naturally set goals or not. An athlete who sets goals and an athlete who doesn’t set goals should be supported differently. Connect with David Charlton , , and To Listen to Related Podcasts To Help You Improve Your Understanding of Goal Setting Relevant Blogs And Resources To Help You Set Better Goals
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260 What Can I Expect When Working With A Sport Psychologist – Part 1
10/18/2024
260 What Can I Expect When Working With A Sport Psychologist – Part 1
Today David starts the first of a series of episodes where he looks into ChatGPT’s explanations about the field of sport psychology and adds further detail to help inform you. ChatGPT states “working with a sport psychologist can offer a range of benefits and experiences. Here’s what you might expect: 1. Assessment - Initial sessions often involve assessments to understand your mental skills, strengths, and areas for improvement.” David goes on to add the following points to this explanation. Key Learning Points: When assessing a client needs it is important to consider a range of factors. One tool David uses is the Sport-Clinical Intake Protocol (SCIP) which helps practitioners gain extensive information about the client's life within and outside of their sport. Factors that it takes into account include (1) the presenting problem, (2) life and athletic history, (3) social support, (4) health status, (5) important life events, (6) changes prior to the onset of the presenting problem, and (7) details of the presenting problem. David explains that quick fixes are not his preferred method and that to creating lasting change multiple sessions are required, varying in length and format depending on the client's needs and the sport. He also highlights the importance of context and the flexibility required when working in team settings, such as football, cricket or rugby clubs, where interactions can be brief and informal on occasions. Connect with David Charlton , , and To Listen to Related Podcasts To Help You Improve Your Sports Psychology Knowledge Relevant Blogs And Resources To Help You Understand More About Sports Psychology Helpful Sports Psychology Resources That Can Help You Improve Your Approach
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259 The “I MUST FEEL CONFIDENT” to perform well myth
10/11/2024
259 The “I MUST FEEL CONFIDENT” to perform well myth
In episode 259 of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, David discusses why thinking that you must feel confident to perform well is unhelpful. He uses getting in an ice bath as an analogy to illustrate the mindset of athletes who believe they must feel confident to perform well. He argues that this belief is unrealistic due to the unpredictable nature of sports. David references Novak Djokovic's admission of getting ahead of himself, highlighting that even top athletes experience doubts. He emphasizes that emotions fluctuate, and athletes often have negative thoughts, with 80% of our daily thoughts being negative. David concludes that acceptance of varying emotions and performance is crucial, as athletes can still excel despite feeling anxious or tired. Key Learning Points: Athletes have a tendency to draw on past experiences of feeling confident to predict future success. The average person has around 70,000-80,000 thoughts per day, with about 80% of them being negative, making it unrealistic to think positive all of the time. How many times have you played well after a poor warm up or following a disappointing last performance. Connect with David Charlton , , and To Listen to Related Podcasts To Help You Improve Your Confidence f Relevant Resources To Help You Improve Your Confidence
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258 Football: How To Overcome Mental Blocks To Improve Your Dribbling Skills
10/04/2024
258 Football: How To Overcome Mental Blocks To Improve Your Dribbling Skills
A common goal when supporting attacking football or soccer players, is overcoming mental blocks when dribbling with the ball in football. This is the topic David discusses in this week’s Demystifying Mental Toughness podcast. He goes on to share’s 3 tips to help attacking players overcome such issues with anxiety and confidence, tension, and the tendency to play it safe. Key Learning Points: Elite Professional footballers are not immune to mental blocks. Keeping a journal, noting down positive moments on the ball, how you think, feel and act can help you recreate the movements in your mind. Use your time online wisely, study the best dribblers such as Messi and Neymar and practice these skills to build muscle memory. Visualise yourself ahead of matches and training to mentally prepare yourself for different situations to reduce the fear of failure. Childlike feelings that link to playfulness and fun when playing can benefit you. Connect with David Charlton , , and Football and soccer blogs to browse: Football and soccer podcasts to listen to:
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257 Should I Change My Pre-Shot Routine To Get Better
09/27/2024
257 Should I Change My Pre-Shot Routine To Get Better
In episode 257 of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, David discusses pre-shot routines in sport. With an emphasis on golf, and the importance of a personalised routine to enhance performance. Key elements include the decision making process, assessing one's state of mind, taking practice swings in a purposeful way, visualizing the shot, focusing on the target, focusing your attention ahead of execution and the use of trigger words. Key Learning Points: Write down key steps of your personal pre-shot routine to improve your understanding. Routines need practice and rehearsal if you are going to take them into competitive environments successfully. Using trigger words that direct your attention towards timing can be beneficial like "smooth swing", "commit" or “trust” to enhance focus. As humans we can get comfortable quickly therefore adjusting your approach from time to time is important to guard against complacency and to improve focus The approach discussed is applicable to various sports, not just golf. Connect with David Charlton , , and To Listen to Golf Related Podcasts To Listen to Other Podcasts to Help You Improve Your Decision Making Relevant Blogs And Resources To Help Your Judgement Helpful Resources To Help Your Decision Making
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256 The Immature Brain: How To Help An Emotional Child
09/20/2024
256 The Immature Brain: How To Help An Emotional Child
In this podcast episode, David focuses on the emotional control aspect of mental toughness. Where he discusses the emotional states that children may experience before and during competitions and matches. He shares a personal story about his son's first competitive league football match, highlighting the typical nervousness and arousal levels children and parents experience. David also emphasises the fact children have an immature brain and draws on psychological research which highlights the need for parents and coaches to adopt a calm, patient and supportive approach, recognising they act as a role model and that children easily pick up on their behaviours and reactions. Key Learning Points: It’s important for parents, parent-coaches and coaches to reflect and recognise the emotional state and arousal levels their children and players experience before and during competitive events and matches, as well as their own levels of arousal and how this can impact their children and players. It’s possible to consider ways to make the experience calmer for children, listening to their needs and wishes before and during competitions and matches. For some children, allowing them to use electronic devices, bringing a comfort item in the car, or avoiding discussions about their sport can be useful ideas. Arguably, focusing on highlighting your child's strengths and positive experiences when providing advice or support is more beneficial before and during a match, than overwhelming them with too much information, especially negatives. Connect with David Charlton , , and To Listen to Related Podcasts To Help Children In Sport Blogs And Case Studies To Support Children In Sport Relevant Resources in Supporting Sporting Children
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255 3 Tips To Overcome The Fear Of Rejection
09/13/2024
255 3 Tips To Overcome The Fear Of Rejection
In episode 255 of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, David discusses the fear of rejection, particularly in the context of how it can hinder sport performance. He shares personal experiences of overcoming this fear, emphasizing its prevalence in sports and life. David offers three tips to manage the fear of rejection; 1) viewing it as part of the game, 2) practicing self-compassion, and 3) recognizing that rejection does not define your identity. Key Learning Points: The fear of rejection can link to a fear of being rejected by new teammates, a fear of being rejected by a coach (being dropped, substituted, criticised, asked to play a different position or released) With rejection come difficult and uncomfortable emotions that people experience. Fear of rejection can manifest itself physically in our body and is different for everybody. It can mess with our decision making, rhythm and motor skills. Connect with David Charlton , , and To Listen to Related Podcasts To Help You Overcome Fear Relevant Resources to Help You Overcome Fear
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254 How Can I Perform Better More Consistently?
09/06/2024
254 How Can I Perform Better More Consistently?
Do you welcome challenges and see them as an opportunity to learn? Or do you rarely adapt your routines and fall into the trap of making the same mistakes? In order to make performance break throughs or simply perform at a more consistent level it’s important to see yourself as a “learner.” To look in the mirror and assess the decisions that you are making. To do so working on your mental game and seeking the support of a well qualified Sport Psychologist can hugely help you. Key Learning Points: When evaluating your performances looking at things holistically, considering all angles (technical, tactical, social, lifestyle, physical and psychological) is essential. The psychological side underpins all of the decisions that we make in each area. How important is the psychological side for you to perform better, more consistently? People often don’t work with a Sport Psychologist because they get comfortable working in certain ways, fear of the unknown or a lack of education on how we can help. Connect with David Charlton , , and To Listen to Related Podcasts To Help You Perform Better Relevant Blogs And Resources To Help You Perform Better Helpful Resources To Help You Perform Better
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253 You MUST get up at 4am to be a SUCCESS
08/30/2024
253 You MUST get up at 4am to be a SUCCESS
If you were to get up at 4am every morning, never had a day off and dedicated your life to one cause or goal would you be fully effective? David Charlton goes on to discuss how working hard means different things to different people. How overworking can equal poor decision making. He goes on to share the importance of self-care and being proactive about taking breaks to help people maintain perspective. Key Learning Points: Commitment is a big factor in being mentally tough though has its downsides. Motivational quotes, short videos and reels created by influencers can be very unhelpful and can be taken out of context by some people lessening their chances of reaching their goals. As a sport psychologist you can be equally effective supporting athletes and coaches working in their sporting environment as you can away from it. If you’d like to take David up on the offer of hiking a hill in the Lake District and discussing how you can improve your chances of success feel free to email [email protected] Connect with David Charlton , , and To Listen to Related Podcasts To Help You Be More Successful in the Long Term Relevant Blogs And Resources To Help You Succeed Helpful Resources To Help You Be Successful You MUST get up at 4am to be a SUCCESS David Charlton Demystifying Mental Toughness Inspiring Sporting Excellence Ltd
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252 Helping Out Of Contract Professional Footballers
08/23/2024
252 Helping Out Of Contract Professional Footballers
David Charlton discusses the psychological impact on professional footballers who are out of contract, a common issue in the summer months. These players face financial and emotional uncertainty, often without support from their former clubs. The loss of identity and routine can lead to a grief cycle, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. David emphasises how a Sports Psychologist can help professional footballers in these circumstances setting new goals, processing difficult emotions and providing a listening ear. Key Learning Points: Self-esteem and self-confidence can be impacted greatly when professional footballers are released. Often players are treated poorly by clubs and communication is lacking. In such situations it’s often the case that mental toughness is developed through experience. The grief cycle is similar to an emotional rollercoaster that many professional football players experience with no set pattern. Connect with David Charlton , , and
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251 How To View Big Events As A Challenge
08/16/2024
251 How To View Big Events As A Challenge
The Olympics in Paris has recently finished and produced some remarkable performances from many different athletes. Yet for some this Olympics was underwhelming where they may have come away with many “what if” thoughts. In today’s short solo episode I discuss preparation for big events like the Olympics and the importance of a challenge mindset for you to perform well. Key Learning Points: Adopting a threat mindset will ensure that it is much harder for athletes to succeed in big events. A threat mindset is when fear of failure, fear of not being perfect or fear of success can interrupt an athlete’s flow. Mental preparation is key, where athletes should plan ahead and get clear on how they can help themselves get their mind and body ready to compete in the hours, days and weeks building up to big events or matches. Connect with David Charlton , , and To Listen to Olympics Related Podcasts To Help You Perform At Your Best To Listen to Related Podcasts To Help You Prepare Well Relevant Blogs And Resources To Help You Prepare for Big Events Better
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250 Optimising Your Potential By Understanding Your Nervous System Better
08/09/2024
250 Optimising Your Potential By Understanding Your Nervous System Better
In today’s episode I welcomed Ruth Chiles and Dr Alessia Bruno back on the show, where they discuss helping individuals achieve their hidden potential. They do by using brainspotting, a powerful approach that works by identifying, processing and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation and a variety of other challenging symptoms. In our conversation we go on to chat about secure early attachment and its impact on brain development, intergenerational transmission of traits and how it relates to performance issues, emotional regulation is widely talked about too and how you can incorporate awareness of your nervous system through focused exercises and routines. The challenges of pressure and perfectionism with athletes and performers were touched on too, with a focus on the importance of trust, creativity, and joy in what we choose to take part in. Key Learning Points Parents' emotional regulation impacts children's brain development. Parents' legacy of trauma is passed down to child through their nervous system. Attachment and attunement are crucial for performance, as underlying issues can impact current trauma and developmental trauma. Child's brain development is discussed, including prefrontal cortex and autonomic nervous system. Coaches can help athletes by teaching them techniques to be present in their body during training and competitive events. Coaches should prioritize supporting and developing individuals, not just focusing on the performer or athlete. Connect with Alessia Bruno and Ruth Chiles Connect with David Charlton , , and Relevant Podcast Episodes To Help You Optimise Your Potential Relevant Blogs To Help You Reach Your Potential
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249 Understanding Workplace Collaboration In Coaching In Team Sports
08/02/2024
249 Understanding Workplace Collaboration In Coaching In Team Sports
Today’s conversation revolves around the challenges of collaboration in coaching in team sports. Where Assistant Professor Dr Edward Hall and I discuss research and practical applications. Points that we touch on include coaches' relationships, preparation and planning in order to foster a culture of trust, loyalty, and accountability. Key Learning Points: Winning is hugely important in a high performance context and is a huge driver when designing training sessions and creating key performance indicators. There is a huge need for coaches to work together collectively to achieve organisational goals, parking their own ego’s and motivations. Coaches can fear competition, limited job opportunities, job safety and short-term contracts, which go on to lead in Machiavellian behaviours. Preparation is key to collective work, with a cyclical approach to planning and preparation helpful. Sport coaches should be careful, prudent, and honest in their deliberations before and after practice to maximize athlete engagement and performance. Connect with Edward Hall Connect with David Charlton , , and To Listen to Podcasts To Help Sport Coaches Relevant Helpful Resources To Improve Sport Coaches
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248 Embracing Fear And The Dreaded Yips
07/26/2024
248 Embracing Fear And The Dreaded Yips
The “yips” is a word that strikes fear into many golfers, cricketers, darts players and many other performers. With the yips, comes huge emotional and physiological responses. Lack of enjoyment, and often thoughts about and decisions to quit your chosen sport or pastime. It doesn’t have to be that way however as Trevor Jones a PGA Professional Golf Coach and Mental Performance Coach and I discuss in this episode. We go on to talk about leaning into your fears, embracing discomfort, Acceptance Commitment Therapy or Training (ACT) and mindfulness to help golfers and performers. Key Learning Points: The yips is a significant problem which can escape into other areas of your sport and life. The practice of "dropping anchor" remaining still for extended periods can help you remain present. Consider what values would make enduring discomfort worthwhile as motivation to regularly practice exercises of this type. Explore ways of incorporating mindfulness techniques into other areas of your life to build mental flexibility. The still lake exercise is a helpful technique to find flow. Connect with Trevor Jones Connect with David Charlton , , and To Listen To Golf or Yips Related Podcast Episodes To Help You f For More Resources so You Can Shoot Lower Scores on The Golf Course
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247 David Charlton Gets Grilled By Tom Jones
07/19/2024
247 David Charlton Gets Grilled By Tom Jones
In today’s episode, I chat with Tom Jones, the founder of Cricket Coach 365 and the University of Manchester Men’s Cricket First Team Coach. Tom goes on to ask me many questions about mental toughness, the role of the environment, how we can help cricketers play to the best of their ability more often and a whole lot more. By listening to this episode you’ll learn more about how I work as a Sports Psychologist, and my thoughts on how cricket coaches can better support their players. Key Learning Points: As a coaches seek to understand your players have environmental preferences that help or hinder their focus and concentration. Music can be a positive warm up tool for some cricketers however individual needs should be respected. Coaches should tread with caution when you mention the words “YOU MUST WORK HARD.” All players are coachable despite what many people assume. Playing and coaching cricket is awash with changing emotions that can have a huge influence on decision making. Connect with Tom Jones Connect with David Charlton , , and Relevant podcasts with a focus in cricket For More Resources for Cricketers
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246 How To Deal With The Highs And Lows Of Sport
07/12/2024
246 How To Deal With The Highs And Lows Of Sport
Emma Raducanu is a great example of someone whose career was on an upward trajectory, after winning the US Open tennis championship in 2021, aged 18 years old. Since then, her career has been dogged with setbacks and challenges. At Wimbledon this year it was nice to see her perform near to her potential reaching the last 16. Without knowing the detail of what has happened in Emma’s world since her big breakthrough I discuss as a Sport Psychologist the types things we may look at to help athletes such as Emma to rekindle their love for the sport and navigate the challenges that inevitably occur. You’ll note in the episode people are complex and supporting athletes in this way can be multifaceted with their unique experiences, personality, environmental preferences, support network and culture of the sport shaping our support. Key Learning Points: When success arrives an athlete’s personal identity can shift a great deal. High and rigid expectations can cause athletes challenges as they come to terms with success. Self-esteem and mental health challenges can occur for some athletes when they don’t perform to the standards that they expect of themselves. Sports psychologist often use counselling style approaches to help athletes process difficult experiences and emotions associated with them. Clean language is a helpful too for practitioners to use during this process. Shifting expectations and talk of outcomes to small process goals can be beneficial for athletes to stay grounded and remain present. Visualisation can be a useful tool in rekindling thoughts and feelings associated with being in love with your sport. Connect with David Charlton , , and Related resources to help you navigate the challenges that sport provides.
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245 How To Overcome The Fear Of Winning
07/05/2024
245 How To Overcome The Fear Of Winning
During the Wimbledon tennis tournament this week there will many players who are faced with great opportunities to win matches yet will struggle to close out victory. Future thoughts will fill their head about the draw in the next round or the importance of the next point. Their attention may also flit into the past where they replay key points from other matches that they have played that didn’t go their way. In today’s episode I talk about fear of success, a common challenge not only for tennis players but for cricketers, footballers, golfers and many other athletes. I go on to share some strategies that can help you. Key Learning Points: Future thoughts about success take you away from the present moment or “The zone”. Thinking about past events or predicting the future is OK, it proves that you are human. The key is recognising your thoughts and accepting them, not allowing them to consume you so that you end up in “judgement mode”. Judgement mode can see athletes get caught out reading too much into their thoughts. Negative thoughts about past situations and thoughts where you try to predict the future can easily turn into tension and naturally rhythm and timing disappears. Even top athletes like Djokovic don’t remain present all of the time, however they have great processes and routines to overcome such situations. Connect with David Charlton , , and Related Resources to help you manage your emotions better
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244 How To Deal With Playing Out Of Position In Football
06/28/2024
244 How To Deal With Playing Out Of Position In Football
Currently the European Football Championships are taking place and there has been a lot of talk in the media and with fans about some of England’s footballers playing out of position. With many venting their frustration! In today’s episode I offer my thoughts as a sport psychologist on the challenges of playing out of position as a player, I talk about the relationship with elements of mental toughness such as confidence in ability, interpersonal confidence, risk orientation and emotional control. I also go on to offer some ideas for players to consider when they are placed in this situation and for coaches to think about when selecting certain players to play in unfamiliar roles. It’s not straightforward for some players as you’ll hear in this episode when I talk about the complexities to consider! Key Learning Points: The football or soccer player who is confident in their ability will react to situations without hesitation, seeing and having a feeling of what they wish to do and then executing accordingly. When playing out of position learning new ways of playing, being faced with new situations, different opponents, areas of the pitch you aren’t used to playing equals more conscious thoughts are required impacting on how instinctive players will be. Some people are more prone to take risks as part of their personality some are more likely to play things safe, this should be factored in when considering whether someone is likely to succeed when playing out of position. Emotional control is a characteristic that comes naturally to some people and can aid performance, however it can also be difficult for coaches to fully understand you as a player if you fall into this category and are good at hiding your feelings and emotions. Interpersonal confidence can play a part in the coach-player relationship impacting how well the coach can help players integrate into new positions. As a footballer, when playing new positions - do you say to yourself in situations; “I can”, “This is easy”, “I love playing …” or is it more of a challenge where you say to yourself “this is a struggle”, “I can’t do…”, “I want to do … but”, “I need to be doing… but” Connect with David Charlton , , and Football and soccer blogs to browse: Football and soccer podcasts to listen to:
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243 How I Would Help Rory McIlroy Win The British Open
06/21/2024
243 How I Would Help Rory McIlroy Win The British Open
On Sunday June 16th at Pinehurst Golf Course in North Carolina, Rory McIlroy had a great opportunity to win the US Open and break his 10 year major trophy drought. Sadly, it didn’t happen for him and two missed short putts on holes 16 and 18 in the final round cost him the win. Bryson DeChambeau went on to be the victor. In today’s episode I offer my thoughts as a sport psychologist on Rory’s misfortunate and share some ideas on how I would help him win the British Open at Royal Troon in one month’s time. Key Learning Points: When we’re under pressure it’s normal to feel uncomfortable. Feeling uncomfortable can mean different things to different people, for some it means butterflies in the stomach and for others it means an overactive imagination. Trying to get to the point of feeling confident is over-rated and unrealistic in some situations. Helping Rory get comfortable being uncomfortable would be something that I would train. Mindfulness is a skill that can be developed that can help athletes manage their arousal levels. Pro-active visualisation, pre-empting difficult situations, shots and emotions at Royal Troon would be something that I would advise. Connect with David Charlton , , and To Listen to Golf Related Podcasts To Help You Manage Your Emotions For More Golf Related Resources so You Can Deal With Pressure Better
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242 What Is The Difference Between Mental Toughness And Resilience #BITESIZE
06/14/2024
242 What Is The Difference Between Mental Toughness And Resilience #BITESIZE
We’re now 4 years on since the creation of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast therefore David Charlton the host of the podcast made the decision to go back to basics and share an important message busting a myth that exists, that resilience and mental toughness are the same concepts. Today, we go back to the very start of the podcast, where well respected pioneer in the field, Doug Strycharczyk, shares his insights into the differences between mental toughness and resilience in this BITE-SIZED episode taken from the hugely popular episode #1. David also encourages you to learn more about your own mental toughness and highlights the importance of self-awareness. Key Learning Points: With the wrong attitude you won’t use your skills and abilities well. Peter Clough recognised that four key psychological constructs; control, commitment, challenge and confidence (4C’s) are at the heart of mental toughness. Resilience and mental toughness are very different concepts. The textbook definition of resilience is “the ability to recover from a situation”, therefore describing your reaction to something that happens. Mental toughness offers a wider explanation of how we cope with different situations. “Resilience is the element that helps you to survive however mental toughness is the element that enables you to thrive, to make the most of the situation area and come out, hopefully with a bit of a smile on your face.” Connect with Doug Strycharczyk: LinkedIn: Email: Connect with David Charlton , , and Relevant Podcast Episodes Explaining Mental Toughness Other Useful Resources Blog -
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241 How To Cultivate A Limitless Mindset #BITESIZE
06/07/2024
241 How To Cultivate A Limitless Mindset #BITESIZE
In this BITE-SIZED episode of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, Dr. Bob Winters, an internationally recognised sport psychologist who has supported US Men’s and Women’s Open Golf Champions and many other elite professional athletes across a variety of sports joins me. He goes on to tell me about how champions think and cultivating a limitless mindset by the way that you think. Key Learning Points: How good would you be if you didn’t know how good you could be? How good would you be if you were unrealistic in your thinking? Champions are great at not thinking realistically. Conditional confidence comes from outcomes and results not deep internal confidence. Do you still walk, talk and act like a champion when you play like a chump? Connect with Dr Bob Winters Connect with David Charlton , , and To Listen to Golf Related Podcasts To Listen to Other Podcasts to Help You Create a Limitless Mindset For More Resources so You Can Shoot Lower Scores on The Golf Course Other helpful resources to help you learn how to perform better
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240 How To Transfer Your Skills From Training to Competitive Situations #BITESIZE
05/31/2024
240 How To Transfer Your Skills From Training to Competitive Situations #BITESIZE
Why do athletes work with a Sports Psychologist? One of the biggest reasons is that they struggle to transfer their skills from training to competitive situations. Which provides the topic for today’s episode of the Demystifying Mental Toughness podcast. Former professional basketball player and author Dre Baldwin goes on to tell me his thoughts on why athletes can struggle to compete as well as they practice. We also share some useful ideas and strategies to help you. Enjoy tuning in! Key Takeaways include: Getting used to trusting your skills in live uncontrolled situations is crucial for success. Understanding that you must respond instinctively to the randomness that sport throws at you is important too. You will get beaten and fail often, this is ok, you’ll survive and will learn as a result. Any amount of thinking is overthinking when you are performing. Fear of trying to be perfect breeds tension and causes your rhythm and timing to go out of sync. Consider the key ingredients of a great performance, aspects that are within your control and strive to repeat them time and again. Connect with Dre Baldwin: Connect with David Charlton: , , and Helpful Podcast Episodes
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