Demystifying Mental Toughness

It is not enough to be motivated if you are going to fulfil your talent. You must also be able to show immense commitment, where the promises you make to yourself and others you follow through with and do what you say you will do. Especially, through the tough times. In this episode, Mark Bennett MBE and I go on to discuss the differences in commitment levels between leisure and high-performance athletes. How coaches can get the best out of their athletes, and parents can best support talented children. Mark's tagline - Performance is a Behaviour, not an Outcome is also debated. Key Learning Points: Whether you are a leisure or a high-performance athlete, it has nothing to do with technical ability, physicality or skill, it is all to do with your behaviours and the attitude you take to your craft each and every day. A high-performance athlete is somebody that will do what they need to do to be the best they can be supervised or unsupervised 24/7. The high-performance athlete will ask themselves questions such as "What do I need to do?" How much sleep do I need?" "What am I going to eat the next day? "What's my plan for the week ahead?" For high-performance coaches, they'll be looking at the everyday behaviours of the athlete and won't get caught up in their technical ability in the moment of what they see. The coach will seek to understand the athlete's everyday behaviours, to understand where their mindset is and what their commitment is to their goal. On learning from mistakes, we expect people to make effective decisions, under different levels of pressure without getting caught up in the outcome but often they don't get taught how to reflect and evaluate. For parents, when considering being the best parent that you can be to support your child, have you pre-agreed certain behaviours for yourself as a parent, and for your child that you both agree on? For parents after training or matches, it's not about asking questions about did you win or how did you do or how many minutes did you play on the pitch? It is about asking "did you enjoy the match?" "What was the most challenging thing that you experienced today?" "What did you learn today?" Connect with Mark Bennett MBE LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook Performance Development Systems, PDS Coaching Website Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Other Resources to Help You THE FOCUSED ATHLETE CHECKLIST Podcast Ep36: David Charlton - How to Improve Your Intensity when Training and Competing Podcast Ep15: Nick Grantham – Essential Elements of Rest and Recovery Podcast Ep02: Steve Judge – How to Deal with Adversity Blog: Developing your Mental Game in your Downtime Blog: Training Hard Vs Training Smart | I Must Work Harder Blog: Are you Motivated or Committed

To have confidence in your ability is a necessity to achieve your potential. To have a lot of interpersonal confidence is also appealing and can give you an advantage on others. In this episode, Professor Paul McGee, one of Europe's leading speakers and authors shares with you all about communicating so that you can assert yourself where necessary, build better relationships, deal with difficult people and manage criticism more effectively. It's a great listen, go on tune in! Key Learning Points: • Monitoring your self-talk is critical as it's very easy to talk yourself out of doing things and take absolutely no action at times. • How to deal with people can be frustrating, especially those who are fixed in their mindset • Managers and leaders should stop and understand the real reasons why people don't change behaviours: is it fear of failure, avoiding discomfort or complacency? • Command and control leaders should consider how they develop relationships, how they engage with people so that they are prepared to listen to them. • Give someone 5 minutes of your time and you'll be better placed to understand where they are coming from. • On people who intimidate you, look at the person as a human and not their title. • When we've put a lot of time and energy into something and we are criticised we often need to acknowledge that we can get super defensive, then to help ourselves we just need to stay with this and accept this is okay, that I'll deal with it. Connect with Paul McGee LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook The Sumo Guy Website Paul McGee's Books S.U.M.O. Your Relationships: How to Handle Not Strangle the People You Live and Work With How to Speak So People Really Listen: The Straight–Talking Guide to Communicating with Influence and Impact S.U.M.O (Shut Up, Move On): The Straight-Talking Guide to Succeeding in Life Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Other Resources to Help You 5 Reasons team captains should work with a Sports Psychologist Coaches - Are you and your team pulling together during tough times? 3 Tips to deal with bullying in sport Communicating with children in sport

Where does the time go! We're now 40 episodes in so it's time for another compilation episode which is action-packed with the best bits from the previous 9 episodes which include some great tips and stories. Listening to the advice I'm pretty sure will help you learn more about what Mental Toughness actually is and its importance. Key Takeaways • Dave Jueno talks about the impact of bullying and advises coaches and leaders on how to deal with such behaviour. • I ask you to consider living life with an attitude of gratitude sharing a sporting story. • Aly Dixon talks about her experience of breaking the world record over 50km • Nathan Sherratt and I talk about grieving and on how I helped myself get through a really tough time when my wife died and talk about the great work of the WAY Foundation. • Dr John Perry tells us about flow and finding the zone when under intense pressure. • I mention 5 tips for professional athletes to improve their intensity levels in training and when competing • Penny Mallory and I discuss principles of high performance and the importance of knowing your "why" • Taz Bricknell shares the realities of being a woman playing professional sport and it's challenges • John Fletcher tells me about supporting athletes to play fearlessly and deal with difficult periods. Find out about the WAY Foundation and The Sports Business Club The WAY Foundation The Sports Business Club Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Inspiring Sporting Excellence Resources Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast: Episodes 31-40 Ep10: Mental Toughness Compilation 001 Ep20: Mental Toughness Compilation 002 Ep30: Mental Toughness Compilation 003 To read one of our 140+ blog posts

In this episode, John Fletcher who is recognized as an outstanding coach chats to me about helping athletes express themselves so that in pressure situations they can play fearlessly. Fletch's impressive career began with Newcastle Falcons, in the academy before becoming the club's Director of Rugby and Head Coach. As well as working with England's best young players for over 10 years as the England Rugby Under 18's Head Coach. John brings a great deal of experience and knowledge into our conversation and shares some great pieces of advice for coaches, parents of athletes, and athletes themselves. Key Learning Points: Fear in sport can occur because of a range of factors; including past experiences and their response to those experiences, team-mates, parents, coaching, spectators or an individuals' personality can influence this type of behaviour. To get over those fears holding you back, knowing why you play your sport can help you. As can playing to your strengths and building positive relationships with other people. As coaches and parents, verbal and non-verbal cues are so important to help children who are fearful. Acknowledging there will be setbacks and challenging periods when you play sport and supporting athletes through these times is vital. A role of an adult is to help children become independent so that they can make their own decisions, which is vital to perform at a high level in sport. As children are developing look to give everyone, regardless of talent the same opportunities. The future of Sport Psychology in breaking some barriers is also discussed. CONNECT WITH JOHN FLETCHERLinkedIn Twitter The Magic Academy CONNECT WITH DAVID CHARLTON Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIN RELEVANT PODCAST EPISODES Dr Gio Valiante: How to Play Fearless Golf (Ep 017) Robbie Thompson: How to Feel More Confident (Ep 022) USEFUL BLOGS THAT ARE RELATED TO THIS TOPIC Case Study: Developing A Fearless Approach With A Professional Footballer Being Perfect Comes at a Cost

Taz Bricknell is a professional rugby union player, playing in the Premier 15s for Worcester Warriors. She plays in the back row and has also played for Gloucester-Hartpury and England Under 20's. Today I'm joined by Taz Bricknell, a professional rugby player for Worcester Warrior where she talks about the challenges involved in playing professionally in a male-dominated sport. We also discuss how COVID-19 has impacted her daily routines and her role as an ambassador in The Sports Business Club. Key Learning Points: Taking a positive mindset towards negativity and using it as motivation. Don't listen to what outsiders have to say, focus on yourself and your teammates. It's natural that the Coronavirus has an impact on your motivation. Managing playing professional rugby yet working many hours too. Dealing with criticism on social media. The importance of exercise and social contact for your mental health. Connect with Taz Bricknell LinkedIn Instagram The Sports Business Club Connect with David Charlton To book a call with David Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn Useful Podcast Episodes Nick Grantham: Essential Elements of Rest and Recovery (Ep 015) David Charlton: How the Mentally Tough Deal with Lockdown (Ep 025) Aly Dixon: Mental Toughness Lessons from a World Champion (033) Dr John Perry: Thrive, Don't Just Survive 2021 (Ep 035) Other Useful Resources All blogs and podcasts that support you during the coronavirus pandemic A well-being Menu to help your mental health

This episode is an inspiring one, where Penny Mallory, the first woman to have driven a rally car for Ford and to drive in the world championships tells David about her journey. We go on to discuss her difficult childhood, her mentality to turn what seemed impossible into reality. Penny's story is a very inspiring one, enjoy tuning in! Key Takeaways: Penny's experiences helped her develop qualities associated with Mental Toughness, Resilience. Taking risks are necessary to achieve your dreams. There can be prices to pay for committing yourself to your craft. Goal setting and being focused is what energizes me. By investing more time in the psychological side I could have achieved a lot more. The journey can be so much fun. Knowing why you are doing what you are doing is hugely important when you are faced with difficulties. When COVID-19 has passed where going to blessed with more mentally tough people due to the experience. Taking care of yourself, giving yourself a rest from time to time is important to keep operating at a high level. Consider your environment and adapt it if you need to, to help yourself. Connect with Penny Mallory LinkedIn Website Penny's Books 1. World Class Thinking, World Class Behaviour: Adopt a winning mindset to get what you want 2. Take Control of Your Life: An Extraordinary Guide To Achieving Transformation and Success in Your Best Years Connect with David Charlton To book a call with David Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN Useful Podcast Episodes Steve Judge: How to Deal with Adversity (Ep 02) Nick Grantham: Essential Elements of Rest and Recovery (Ep 015) David Charlton: How the Mentally Tough Deal with Lockdown (Ep 025) Dr John Perry: Thrive, Don't Just Survive 2021 (Ep 035) Other Useful Resources All blogs and podcasts that support you during the coronavirus pandemic A well-being Menu to help your mental health

In this solo episode, I share my thoughts on some difficulties that athletes are having during the coronavirus pandemic, especially now in the UK with the most recent lockdown. How this has gone to make them feel and the impact it is had on their intensity levels in training and for those who are lucky enough to practice or still compete. Key Takeaways: A lot of negative emotions are evident with athletes and coaches right now during the lockdown. The more mentally tough amongst them are better able to focus on what they can control. Do distractions mean that you don't train at a high level of intensity? Do you use training to really challenge yourself? Top athletes push themselves so much in training that when they compete it's easier. Build a motivational playlist. Does your warm-up help you feel energized? Check your self-talk and use motivation buzz words to gee yourself up. Could you get angry or use rivalry's to help yourself Use visualization to improve the intensity of your performances CONNECT WITH DAVID CHARLTON To book a call with David to chat about organizing a personal mp3 for you or to discuss all things Mental Toughness Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN USEFUL PODCAST EPISODES Steve Judge: How to Deal with Adversity (Ep 02) Chris Paisley: Life on the European Tour (Ep 04) David Charlton: How the Mentally Tough Deal with Lockdown (Ep 025) Dr John Perry: Thrive, Don't Just Survive 2021 (Ep 35) OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES All blogs and podcasts that support you during the coronavirus pandemic A well-being Menu to help your mental health

Today we talk about an extremely important topic, dealing with stress so that we don't simply survive but move forwards more positively. I'm joined by Dr John Perry who has led the exploration of specific aspects of Mental Toughness and a variety of applications – including new insights into understanding stress management all of which have direct implication for practitioners. Key Takeaways: Motivation is a complex phenomenon. How people respond to pressure situations. Sport teaches you that failure and disappointment is a consistency in life. Developing your skills through reflection and self-awareness can improve your mental toughness. Counselling skills are important to help people who struggle to learn from their mistakes and don't enjoy reflecting. When we're in a flow state or are present minded it's a feeling. It's a skill transitioning from a cognitive to affective state. People performing at the very top of their fields are able to access affective states more easily. Connect with Dr John Perry: Twitter: @johnperry81 Email: John.Perry@mic.ul.ie Connect with David To book a call with David Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Useful Resources Well-Being Menu Other Useful Podcast Episodes Doug Strycharczyk: The Importance of Mental Toughness David Charlton: How the Mentally Tough Deal with Lockdown Professor Peter Clough: Why is Mental Toughness Important David Charlton: How Can I Be Grateful For The Little Things

After being interviewed on a series of podcasts, I realised there were parts of me that I haven't talked about on my own podcast. So I invited a great interviewer, resilience trainer for referees and managing director of The Third Team, Nathan Sherratt to give me a grilling and ask me some difficult questions so that you can get to know more about my background. What we cover in this episode: Why I changed career and chose Sports Psychology as a new calling. How my background helps me relate to client challenges that they bring. Why I'm fascinated with Mental Toughness and place such a huge value on the trait. How the demands and pressures of life and sport are intertwined. Some of the difficulties I had after the death of my late wife, Alex. How I moved forward with my life and tried to look after myself. How as a Sports Psychologist we support injured athletes and people who are going through difficult times. About the interviewer - Nathan Sherratt Website: https://thethirdteam.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearethethirdteam/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTheThirdTeam/ To find WAY Widowed & Young - Bereavement support UK: Website: https://www.widowedandyoung.org.uk/ About the Host – David Charlton David helps ambitious athletes, teams and executives achieve their goals faster by improving their Mental Toughness. He is a HCPC Sport and Exercise Psychologist and Executive Coach who supports many professional athletes, some of whom play at the highest level in their chosen sport. To join The Sports Psychology Hub a Facebook group that David hosts to help ambitious athletes, serious sport coaches, sporting parents, sports psychologists and mental game coaches to support each other. The Sports Psychology Hub: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesportspsychologyhub

Aly Dixon is an English long-distance runner who currently holds the 50km world record and won the 2019 50km World Championship in Brasov, Romania. She has also won the British marathon championships two times. Aly is also a proud ambassador for St Benedict's hospice in Sunderland, a charity which specialises in end of life care for cancer patients, which is close to her heart after losing family members to the illness. Aly talks about her journey into running, why she runs. How she sets goals and maintains perspective when dealing with difficulties and much more… Key Takeaways include: Remember your why Keep your goals visible Enjoy the process of what it takes to achieve your end goal How to overcome bad training sessions Don't allow the numbers dictate to you Look to prove the doubters wrong Connect with Aly Dixon: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alydixon/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/alydixon262 St Benedict's Hospice: https://www.stbenedicts.co.uk/ About the Host – David Charlton David helps ambitious athletes, teams and executives achieve their goals faster by improving their Mental Toughness. He is a HCPC Sport and Exercise Psychologist and Executive Coach who supports many professional athletes, some of whom play at the highest level in their chosen sport. To join The Sports Psychology Hub a Facebook group that David hosts to help ambitious athletes, serious sport coaches, sporting parents, sports psychologists and mental game coaches to support each other. The Sports Psychology Hub: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesportspsychologyhub