Mental Toughness, defined
What does it mean to be mentally tough? A mentally tough athlete is able to access their talent at the highest level they are capable on a consistent basis regardless of the situation
Sportsmanship is not dead
A few years ago, a senior softball player from Western Oregon named Sara Tucholsy hit her first ever homerun of her career. It was in a playoff game of her final season as a collegiate athlete. In her excitement she missed tagging first base. As she turned around to return to the bag she tore her ACL and fell to the ground. If you have or know a softball player, watch this then send her this clip.
How to Create a Mistake Recovery Routine
Here are two examples on the importance of getting your head in the game from Sunday's game. The first is the Cal Poly pitcher who started the game for the Mustangs fresh off rehabbing from surgery. As I watched him pitch I knew right away he was not ready to be on the mound. It had nothing to do with his form; in fact, he looked very strong as he sauntered up to the mound. He had heat on the ball, so it wasn't his pitching speed.
When should a youth athlete specialize?
When an athlete goes from being the best on the team in one sport to a role player in another sport, they get to learn how to deal with adversity. Adversity and learning new skills develops mental toughness. When they go back to their primary sport where they are the best, they are a better leader because they had to become a follower. This skill translates very well in the adult world.
How to Develop Mental Toughness in an Athlete
How does one develop mental toughness? As a sport and performance consultant I get asked this often. To answer, let's start with defining what it means. The short definition is: One's ability to perform at a high level under adversity. However, it isn't that simple.
An Argument Against Single-Sport Athletes
As a parent there is a lot of pressure to make sure you give your athlete every opportunity to get better. The best teams, the best league, the best coach…but at what cost? The financial cost alone is enough to reconsider, but what about what your child is missing out on? Parents are so afraid their kids are missing out on something that they over-extend themselves and their bank account thinking one day the athlete will get a scholarship. They might; they might not. There’s a high price to pay to participate in that gamble.
A Life Without Questions
Remember when you were a kid and your favorite thing to ask was why? As we get older, we stop asking that question. In return for our ignorance, we do things that make us less productive and waste energy.
If you think you are beaten…
This is a poem about "mindset" I put to memory long ago. It has served me well. Enjoy!
What is your “building” made of?
Imagine building a building with shoddy material. Upon completion you ask, “Will this building last 80-100 years?” and then the builder says, “No, but the wood sure smelled good while we were building.”
What is your “building” made of? Is it time for a remodel?
