Demystifying Mental Toughness

In episode #262 of Demystifying Mental Toughness due to unforeseen circumstances David includes a large number of inspiring take home messages from guests that originated in episode 100 of the podcast. The takeaways that you will hear relate to the development of mental toughness, how you can deal better with stress and adversity. Coping with trauma and mental health challenges are also key featur...

In part 2 of David's exploration surrounding ChatGPT's and its response to the question What Can I Expect When Working With A Sport Psychologist, David explores the complexities of goal setting.  ChatGPT suggests setting SMART goals for performance and psychological well-being are part of working with a Sports Psychologist, which he is in agreement with. However, David points out that not all Spor...

Today David starts the first of a series of episodes where he looks into ChatGPT's explanations about the field of sport psychology and adds further detail to help inform you.   ChatGPT states "working with a sport psychologist can offer a range of benefits and experiences. Here's what you might expect:  1. Assessment - Initial sessions often involve assessments to understand your mental skills, s...

In episode 259 of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, David discusses why thinking that you must feel confident to perform well is unhelpful.  He uses getting in an ice bath as an analogy to illustrate the mindset of athletes who believe they must feel confident to perform well.  He argues that this belief is unrealistic due to the unpredictable nature of sports.  David references Novak Djo...

A common goal when supporting attacking football or soccer players, is overcoming mental blocks when dribbling with the ball in football. This is the topic David discusses in this week's Demystifying Mental Toughness podcast. He goes on to share's 3 tips to help attacking players overcome such issues with anxiety and confidence, tension, and the tendency to play it safe.  Key Learning Points: Elit...

In episode 257 of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, David discusses pre-shot routines in sport. With an emphasis on golf, and the importance of a personalised routine to enhance performance. Key elements include the decision making process, assessing one's state of mind, taking practice swings in a purposeful way, visualizing the shot, focusing on the target, focusing your attention ahead...

In this podcast episode, David focuses on the emotional control aspect of mental toughness.  Where he discusses the emotional states that children may experience before and during competitions and matches.  He shares a personal story about his son's first competitive league football match, highlighting the typical nervousness and arousal levels children and parents experience.  David also emphasis...

In episode 255 of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, David discusses the fear of rejection, particularly in the context of how it can hinder sport performance.  He shares personal experiences of overcoming this fear, emphasizing its prevalence in sports and life.   David offers three tips to manage the fear of rejection; 1) viewing it as part of the game, 2) practicing self-compassion, and...

Do you welcome challenges and see them as an opportunity to learn? Or do you rarely adapt your routines and fall into the trap of making the same mistakes? In order to make performance break throughs or simply perform at a more consistent level it's important to see yourself as a "learner."  To look in the mirror and assess the decisions that you are making.  To do so working on your mental game a...

If you were to get up at 4am every morning, never had a day off and dedicated your life to one cause or goal would you be fully effective?  David Charlton goes on to discuss how working hard means different things to different people.  How overworking can equal poor decision making.  He goes on to share the importance of self-care and being proactive about taking breaks to help people maintain per...

David Charlton discusses the psychological impact on professional footballers who are out of contract, a common issue in the summer months. These players face financial and emotional uncertainty, often without support from their former clubs. The loss of identity and routine can lead to a grief cycle, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. David emphasises how a Sports Ps...

The Olympics in Paris has recently finished and produced some remarkable performances from many different athletes.   Yet for some this Olympics was underwhelming where they may have come away with many "what if" thoughts. In today's short solo episode I discuss preparation for big events like the Olympics and the importance of a challenge mindset for you to perform well. Key Learning Points: Adop...

In today's episode I welcomed Ruth Chiles and Dr Alessia Bruno back on the show, where they discuss helping individuals achieve their hidden potential.   They do by using brainspotting, a powerful approach that works by identifying, processing and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation and a variety of other challenging symptoms. In our conversation...

Today's conversation revolves around the challenges of collaboration in coaching in team sports.   Where Assistant Professor Dr Edward Hall and I discuss research and practical applications.   Points that we touch on include coaches' relationships, preparation and planning in order to foster a culture of trust, loyalty, and accountability. Key Learning Points: Winning is hugely important in a high...

The "yips" is a word that strikes fear into many golfers, cricketers, darts players and many other performers.   With the yips, comes huge emotional and physiological responses.   Lack of enjoyment, and often thoughts about and decisions to quit your chosen sport or pastime.   It doesn't have to be that way however as Trevor Jones a PGA Professional Golf Coach and Mental Performance Coach and I di...

In today's episode, I chat with Tom Jones, the founder of Cricket Coach 365 and the University of Manchester Men's Cricket First Team Coach.  Tom goes on to ask me many questions about mental toughness, the role of the environment, how we can help cricketers play to the best of their ability more often and a whole lot more.  By listening to this episode you'll learn more about how I work as a Spor...

Emma Raducanu is a great example of someone whose career was on an upward trajectory, after winning the US Open tennis championship in 2021, aged 18 years old.   Since then, her career has been dogged with setbacks and challenges.   At Wimbledon this year it was nice to see her perform near to her potential reaching the last 16.   Without knowing the detail of what has happened in Emma's world sin...

During the Wimbledon tennis tournament this week there will many players who are faced with great opportunities to win matches yet will struggle to close out victory.   Future thoughts will fill their head about the draw in the next round or the importance of the next point.   Their attention may also flit into the past where they replay key points from other matches that they have played that did...

Currently the European Football Championships are taking place and there has been a lot of talk in the media and with fans about some of England's footballers playing out of position. With many venting their frustration! In today's episode I offer my thoughts as a sport psychologist on the challenges of playing out of position as a player, I talk about the relationship with elements of mental toug...

On Sunday June 16 th at Pinehurst Golf Course in North Carolina, Rory McIlroy had a great opportunity to win the US Open and break his 10 year major trophy drought.   Sadly, it didn't happen for him and two missed short putts on holes 16 and 18 in the final round cost him the win. Bryson DeChambeau went on to be the victor. In today's episode I offer my thoughts as a sport psychologist on Rory's m...

We're now 4 years on since the creation of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast therefore David Charlton the host of the podcast made the decision to go back to basics and share an important message busting a myth that exists, that resilience and mental toughness are the same concepts.  Today, we go back to the very start of the podcast, where well respected pioneer in the field, Doug Strycha...

In this BITE-SIZED episode of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, Dr. Bob Winters, an internationally recognised sport psychologist who has supported US Men's and Women's Open Golf Champions and many other elite professional athletes across a variety of sports joins me.   He goes on to tell me about how champions think and cultivating a limitless mindset by the way that you think. Key Learn...

Why do athletes work with a Sports Psychologist? One of the biggest reasons is that they struggle to transfer their skills from training to competitive situations.   Which provides the topic for today's episode of the Demystifying Mental Toughness podcast. Former professional basketball player and author Dre Baldwin goes on to tell me his thoughts on why athletes can struggle to compete as well as...

Cricket is a unique sport where despite being a team sport it can also be argued to be an individual sport.   One of the biggest challenges is batting and dealing with the aftermath of low scores and the walk of shame.   In this BITE-SIZED episode, Tom Jones, a highly qualified youth cricket coach and owner of Cricket Coach 365 and I discuss mental toughness when batting and offer you advice on ho...

Penny Mallory was the first woman to drive in the world rally championships.   On her way to do so she showed immense commitment to her craft and made lots of sacrifices in pursuit of success.   In this bite-sized episode she goes on to share her secrets and the mentality that took her to the top of her sport. Enjoy tuning in! Key Takeaways: Ambition requires personal sacrifices . Taking risks are...