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.
“It is silly for me to say things that I do not believe, try to ignore all the bad stuff, and pretend that I can do it even when I am not confident.”
The above is a common argument against using self-talk, even though self-talk is one of the most common psychological skills performers utilize. For many, it is perceived as just “lying to yourself.”
So, is self-talk simply about saying positive things, and exactly how effective is self-talk in enhancing performance?
Continue reading “Positive vs Effective Self-Talk”An athlete who prioritizes training and recovery even over essential social obligations.
A weekend golfer who is so upset about not playing well that it is affecting his performance at work during the week.
A rugby player decides to play through his injuries for the sake of his team’s performance.
In what ways are the abovementioned athletes similar?
Athletes who exhibit such behaviors are often described as having a strong athletic identity. They tend to devote the most energy to sports compared to the other roles they play in life (Brewer et al., 1993). A strong athletic identity is advantageous since such athletes tend to be more motivated and determined. On the flip side, such athletes may prioritize winning above all else, leading to intense pressure and a fear of failure. Consequently, they are also more likely to train through pain, suffer from burnout and even exhibit unhealthy behaviors such as taking performance-enhancement drugs (Hughes & Coakley, 1991).
While having a strong athletic identity can be advantageous, athletes need to learn how to minimize the risks and tap into the benefits. A good place to start would be to have a better understanding of self-concept and how it relates to self-esteem and performance.
Continue reading ““Who am I?” Understanding Athletic Identity”
Coach Hansen 