As a former sports coach, I can relate to the frustration coaches feel after witnessing how their athletes falter during critical moments of competition due to the perceived lack of mental toughness. During these times, mental toughness can seem elusive, especially when it is one of the most used but least understood terms used in sport psychology (Jones et al., 2002). We should explore some of the misinformation related to this construct to gain clarity.
1. Sheer willpower: Contrary to popular belief, mental toughness is not about being inflexible and grinding through adversity without considering the impact on one’s mental and emotional well-being. Mental toughness encompasses resilience and adaptability, allowing individuals to learn from failures and embrace new perspectives while also recognizing the need for self-care and recovery.
2. Suppressing emotions: Mental toughness should not be confused with suppressing or ignoring emotions. Mentally tough individuals can acknowledge their emotions and be aware of whether their emotions are working for or against them. This awareness allows them to make use of psychological skills to navigate emotions that are maladaptive.
3. Ignoring the importance of support systems: Contrary to the image of a lone warrior, mental toughness does not imply going alone without any support. Mentally tough individuals recognize the value of social support networks, seeking guidance, and surrounding themselves with positive influences. They understand that collaboration and seeking help when needed are not signs of weakness but rather strategies for growth and success.
So, what is Mental Toughness?
Mental toughness has been defined as the natural or developed psychological edge that enables you to:
- Generally, cope better than your opponents with the many demands (competition, training, lifestyle) that sport places on a performer.
- Specifically, be more consistent and better than your opponents in remaining determined, focused, confident, and in control under pressure.”
(Jones et al., 2002)
By developing psychological skills such as goal setting, visualization, positive self-talk, and reframing unhelpful thinking styles, you can improve your concentration and resilience. This will help you overcome obstacles and build mental toughness in all areas of your life.
If you’re looking to develop mental toughness, reach out and connect with me. Let’s discuss how I can support you in reaching your goals.
Coach Hansen
References:
Crust, L., & Clough, P. J. (2011). Developing mental toughness: From research to practice. Journal of Sport Psychology in Action, 2(1), 21–32. https://doi.org/10.1080/21520704.2011.563436
Jones, G., Hanton, S., & Connaughton, D. (2002). What is this thing called mental toughness? An investigation of elite sports performers. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 14, 205–218.
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Coach Hansen 
I recently read your blog post about mental toughness and wanted to express my appreciation. Your insights on what mental toughness is NOT—like sheer willpower and suppressing emotions—were eye-opening.
I liked how you emphasized the importance of resilience, adaptability, and having a support system, debunking the misconception of going it alone. Your definition of mental toughness, focusing on psychological skills, made it more understandable and actionable.
As someone keen on developing mental toughness, your perspective was invaluable. I’d love to learn more about enhancing these skills. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
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