This episode is an inspiring one where Grant Phypers, a leadership coach, and I discuss how Grant defines mental toughness, we chat about how he overcame adversity in his life and rebuilt his identity and character. We also chat about a topic men tend to avoid – vulnerability. Enjoy listening. Key Learning Points: Mental toughness is a state of mind, it's about getting your thoughts in the right order, and thinking about the right things, thinking positively. It is about not allowing whatever yo...
Jul 30, 2021•51 min•Ep. 75
Today’s question comes from a parent, Anna to a talented golfer. Anna’s son, Harry is 14 years old however he lacks confidence and she worries about him. She also recognises to succeed in golf, in other sports or in education he’s going to need confidence. So she asked me – How do I give him confidence? I go onto share 3 ideas which can help you as a parent to help your child begin to see things differently. Enjoy tuning in. Key Learning Points: Set mini goals with your children to help aid thei...
Jul 27, 2021•9 min•Ep. 74
This is Part 2 of a series of episodes on being comfortable in your own skin, where I unpack 3 more common “toughness” themes where we can unconsciously behave in certain ways or put up barriers. The barriers I discuss today are concerned with goal-setting, prejudice and delegation at individual and organisational levels. As always, this episode is designed to help you question your approach and become the best version of yourself. Key Learning Points: Goal Setting if done right can aid confiden...
Jul 23, 2021•14 min•Ep. 73
The psychological challenges in cricket are immense, whether you're a batsman or bowler, a wicket-keeper, or a fielder. The sport has got very unique challenges including the fact that it is a team sport but can frequently feel like an individual sport, the difficulty of having to accept repeated failures, and the walk of shame! Today, Tom Jones, a highly qualified youth cricket coach and owner of Cricket Coach 365, and I chew the fat, we talk about these challenges, we discuss mental toughness ...
Jul 16, 2021•36 min•Ep. 72
We’re in the height of the summer of sport here in the UK where Wimbledon is currently being played. For those that aren’t familiar with Wimbledon I’m talking about a grand slam tournament in the sport of tennis. Accordingly, in this episode, I delve into the psychological side of tennis. It's a game that I follow closely, and it's a game in my mind, which is hugely psychological where matches ebb and flow and can be lost in the blink of an eye. My guest, is also a racquet sports specialist and ...
Jul 09, 2021•34 min•Ep. 71
We are now 70 episodes into the Demystifying Mental Toughness podcast. Today our first-class guests provide many short snippets of advice with some of the best bits from the previous 9 episodes. Listening to the insights and tips I’m sure will help you learn more about the importance of Mental Toughness, self-awareness and being honest with yourself. Key Learning Points: Paul Lyons chat about what mental toughness is and why is it so important. Edu Rubio elaborates on optimising your potential b...
Jul 02, 2021•31 min•Ep. 70
To maximize your potential, to perform at your very best consistently, and to feel truly content there is an argument to say that being comfortable in your skin will help you. Today is part one of a number of episodes, where I will go on to unpack “toughness” some common myths around mental toughness, and some typical barriers that people put up. I also go on to highlight some real examples, case studies and offer different strategies to help you. This episode is designed to help you question yo...
Jun 25, 2021•27 min•Ep. 69
Many young golfers have a dream to turn professional and then compete at the highest level, on the European Tour or PGA Tour, winning major championships. In this episode, Andrew Nicholson, a highly respected golf coach, who has coached a number of European Tour winners and many up-and-coming elite amateurs and budding professionals tells me about what he thinks the young golfer needs to consider in order to breakthrough onto the different tours. He discusses the finer details and differences in...
Jun 18, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 68
In today’s episode, I answer a popular question that I get asked from parents of young athletes. “My daughter can perform really well when she practices or trains but when she competes she often looks like a different person and freezes. How can I help her?” I go onto explain that there are many complexities which surround this question from cultures and environments set up, coach or parent interference or pressures, outside pressures in education and home life. I also share 3 tips to help child...
Jun 15, 2021•11 min•Ep. 67
Our guest today is very inspirational, Marilyn Okoro was a top-class athlete, an Olympic bronze medalist, and now an athletepreneur and mentor. In this episode, we discuss what it takes to compete to such a high level in elite sport. We chat about perfectionism, being yourself despite the challenges sport brings, the cultures that exist in elite sport, and how they can be helpful and equally damaging. Marilyn also discusses some mental health challenges that she has had and what she is up to now...
Jun 11, 2021•41 min•Ep. 66
Today's podcast episode looks at how elite sporting environments can impact an athlete’s mental health and psychological wellbeing. My guest, Clinical Psychologist, Amy Izycky has recently released a book called Skewed to the Right Sport Mental Health and Vulnerability which we go on to discuss. The episode helps you understand the intricacies of different sports such as rowing and combat sports where we go on to discuss the complexities of weight restrictions in these sports. We also chat about...
Jun 04, 2021•35 min•Ep. 65
If you’re a football coach, player or parent of a young player or simply a fan of football you’ll enjoy this. I speak to Edu Rubio who has coached at Valencia and Chelsea and now works as a technical consultant at Crystal Palace. The conversation flowed as we chatted about the challenges young academy footballers have and how to best support them. We unpick Edu’s interest in Motivational Interviewing and how this has helped his coaching. We also discuss the role of the coach and parent in having...
May 28, 2021•41 min•Ep. 64
In today’s episode, I answer a popular question I get asked by golfers, “I struggle with my confidence, overthink, and can be indecisive on the golf course how can I put this to one side and play my best golf more often?” You’ll find I share an important tool to help in this regard, visualisation, and sell the benefits of using this psychological skill to help you shoot lower scores. Key Learning Points: Visualisation helps you develop your skills. Imagery, otherwise known as visualisation can h...
May 25, 2021•11 min•Ep. 63
In my conversation today with talented PGA Golf Professional and Regional England Golf Coach, JJ Vallely, we discuss if it is possible to master the mental side of golf. As you’ll learn and already likely know this is a big challenge due to the unique nature of golf and the skills needed to do well! We do however give it our best shot to arm you with some useful tools and ideas to take away so that you can become the best golfer you can be. Or if you’re a coach or interested in the mental side o...
May 21, 2021•48 min•Ep. 62
Today, I chat to a Mental Toughness expert, Paul Lyons where we discuss what mental toughness is. The crossovers that exist from the sport and exercise domain that transfer into the business world. Paul goes on to share how he supports leaders, business owners, and entrepreneurs to build the mental strength needed for their chosen fields and the type of benefits that his typical clients experience. Key Learning Points: Peter Clough talks about Mental Toughness being comfortable in your own skin....
May 14, 2021•34 min•Ep. 61
A lot of people don't view mental toughness in the correct light. Many have preconceived ideas that mental weakness is the opposite of being mentally tough so in this episode, we look to get the point across that this isn't the case. Especially to those that then go on to connect mental weakness with someone who has mental health issues. Even the mentally tough are vulnerable to mental health challenges as I go on to discuss. I also chat with Kieron Brady about how the culture in professional fo...
May 10, 2021•41 min•Ep. 60
Success is very different for everyone. It can mean earning more money to some, medals or power to others, fame, getting fitter or even losing weight. In this episode, we look at helpful ways to ensure that you set yourself up for success in whatever you do. Robbie Thompson tells you about keeping in shape and losing weight and some key principles that can help you. Penny Mallory describes the immense commitment levels required in becoming the first and only female professional world championshi...
May 09, 2021•34 min•Ep. 59
In conversations with golfers, I often ask them what their biggest obstacle is to shooting lower scores and playing better golf. The following words are usually uttered, “I need to be more consistent”, I don’t hole enough putts” and “I’m erratic off the tee.” Many golfers also come out with “I’m my own worst enemy.” In golf, as Jack Nicklaus once said “Success depends almost entirely on how effectively you learn to manage the game's two ultimate adversaries: the course and yourself.” Yet why is ...
May 08, 2021•47 min•Ep. 58
If you have a fixed mindset, you believe that basic qualities such as your intelligence, skills or talents fixed. In other words, they are considered a part of you that cannot be changed. However, the individual with a growth mindset believes that even basic talents and skills can be developed over time through practice and dedication. Where do you stand? If you have a growth mindset you’ll likely “go for it” and have a CAN DO attitude. Whereas if you have a fixed mindset you’ll be plagued by do...
May 07, 2021•38 min•Ep. 57
Motivation is defined as “a reason or reasons for acting or behaving in a particular way”. Whereas according to Professor Peter Clough and Doug Strycharczyk commitment is “To what extent you make promises and the extent to which you will keep those promises. In short, motivation is simply a desire for something. Many individuals are motivated to perform better, however, what separates people is that only a small percentage are actually committed to doing the things that are necessary to perform ...
May 06, 2021•44 min•Ep. 56
You’ve got mental strength or you haven’t some people often wrongly assume. Mental strength or mental toughness can be developed with self-awareness, from experiences, coaching or psychological support. The upside then is an individual or a group of individuals are likely to make smarter decisions which goes on to positively influence their levels of performance and well-being. Today, I'm joined by three guests, John Fletcher, Natalie Henderson and James Maurice where we consider how you can dev...
May 05, 2021•38 min•Ep. 55
An important element of mental toughness that is often not thought about is our ability to communicate effectively, both on a 1-2-1 basis and in groups. In some individual sports, this skill is arguably not as important as it is in team sports or in the workplace. However, you will still be required to assert yourself with your coach or team on occasions so it shouldn’t be forgotten about. In team settings, it is an essential skill that can be developed and is critical if you are to fulfill your...
May 04, 2021•35 min•Ep. 54
This episode shatters the myth that mental toughness is a male macho trait. Three very talented ladies from different fields demonstrate that it is far more complex than this basic assumption that many people have. Where Kate Mackay talks about embracing fear and Taz Bricknell and Natalie Hurdley share insights into the immense commitment levels that are required to thrive in professional rugby and powerlifting. Key Learning Points: Look to recognise and acknowledge your fears and push yourself ...
May 03, 2021•36 min•Ep. 53
Today, leading Sport Psychologist Gio Valiante discusses how to overcome fear on the golf course, European Tour player Chris Paisley chats about how he gets the most from your talent when you are not at your best and well respected putting coach Andy Gorman tells us about the key fundamentals to putt successfully. Key Learning Points: Consider why you do what you do or why you play your sport and if it is because you want to be competent or master certain tasks or whether you are ego-orientated ...
May 02, 2021•39 min•Ep. 52
Mental Toughness is not just about getting your head down and gritting it out, it’s more complex than that. Simply talking about the situations that we find ourselves in, our problems or challenges can help people in lots of different ways, even if you are mentally tough. You’ll find in this episode, former professional footballers Peter Ramage, Brendan Pearson and Julian Dowe vouch for this in this episode. As the saying goes “a problem shared is a problem halved”. Key Learning Points: We’ll sh...
May 01, 2021•48 min•Ep. 51
This episode highlights some misconceptions placed on Mental Toughness where 3 leading authorities in the field; Doug Strycharczk, Professor Peter Clough MBE and Dr John Perry share insights into their applied work and academic research. Key Learning Points: Mental Toughness isn’t always a positive trait Mental weakness does not exist Mental Toughness can be developed through experiences, psychological or coaching support * Handouts to compliment this episode: Understanding yourself better – The...
Apr 30, 2021•56 min•Ep. 50
This episode is one that may interest, young footballers, football coaches, parents of talented footballers, and sports psychologists. Where James Maurice, HCPC Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist, and a member of the Sport Psychology team at Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club joins me to discuss typical challenges that young academy footballers have at different ages and how best to support them. We also provide guidance to upskill coaches and parents to ensure that the youngsters' exp...
Apr 23, 2021•40 min•Ep. 49
Training in any sport can get repetitive at times, powerlifting isn’t any different. At the elite level, you train squats, deadlifts, and other lifts till you can’t take them anymore. The focus and commitment to the cause are immense. Some days you may have mental blocks as other athletes do. In this episode, Team GB athlete Natalie Hurdley explains what her average week looks like, her dedication to the sport, her willpower around her diet, her love of personal training, and body confidence. Ke...
Apr 16, 2021•49 min•Ep. 48
On the golf course, putting is a part of the game that you must master to be able to shoot low scores and reach your golfing potential. Confidence in your ability on the greens, especially under pressure is vital. As there is no hiding place from short, nerve-jangling putts, many golfers have mental scars which they struggle to deal with and go on to putt tentatively or in fear. Today, David talks through some great questions that you can ask yourself to be able to make some changes to your mind...
Apr 09, 2021•31 min•Ep. 47
Life, sport, or our careers are not straightforward. There is no linear path that you can carve out as regularly we are faced with challenges and setbacks. Mental Toughness is all about how we deal with these times, whether we choose to move on forward positively, simply survive or drown and potentially quit. Today, author Kate Mackay shares with me some fascinating insights into learning how to snowboard in her thirties as a new mum, the difficulties that cropped up along the way, and how she f...
Apr 02, 2021•32 min•Ep. 46
