Demystifying Mental Toughness

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 t...

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 experien...

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 healt...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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'...

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.   I...

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 rugb...

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...

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 i...

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, psycholo...

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 su...

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 de...

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 t...

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 ho...

If you're a golfer who wants to play your best golf more often.   You will have to have confidence in your putting stroke under pressure.   Many golfers will admit the sport isn't a great deal of fun when you stand over putts with fear written all over your face, with your knees knocking and your mind and heart racing.   And when it feels like the hole has cling film placed over it, golf becomes a...

Life throws at us different situations in social settings; dealing with difficult people, coping with criticism, and approaching people where we can choose to have an inferiority complex.   In sport, coach-athlete, parent-athlete, coach-parent-athlete relationships and the overall culture of clubs and organizations can have a big impact on athletes.   Playing team sports such as football, cricket,...

This episode is helpful for young footballers, parents and coaches where former professional footballer Jamie Forrester's shares his thoughts on how to thrive in professional football.   Today, we chat about playing overseas, training and playing with big names stars at such as Gordon Strachan and Gary McAllister in a successful Leeds United team.   The challenges of moving clubs, settling in, hit...

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-performan...

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 difficu...

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...

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 E...

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...