Mental Toughness in Sports

Mental toughness articles for athletes and performers to improve mental toughness in sports

The Characteristics of a Resilient Athlete

The Characteristics of a Resilient Athlete

What is resilience, and how does resiliency impact an athlete’s growth? Resilience is a mental attribute that helps an athlete rise to challenges (making comebacks late in a competition), successfully deal with adversity (competing when your game is off or competing in difficult playing conditions), and cope with difficult situations (dealing with injury). All athletes can identify performances … Sport Psychology Article…

How to Succeed as an Athlete Despite Adversity

How to Succeed as an Athlete Despite Adversity

Have you ever thought about the damaging power behind the phrase ‘to make matters worse’? The phrase “to make matters worse” further catastrophizes an adverse event. Many sports announcers use the phrase to describe an athlete’s or team’s worsening prospects or condition throughout a season. Many athletes are stuck in the habit of catastrophizing. They often highlight every … Sport Psychology Article…

What is Excellence in Sports? 

What is Excellence in Sports?

What does “setting the standard” mean in sports? Setting a high standard refers to establishing a level of quality, expectation, or performance. Some teams set winning as the standard. Often, teams with a high expectation of winning adopt the credo, “Championship or Bust.” While winning may be the goal, defining success in those narrow terms is problematic. For … Sport Psychology Article…

How to Grow Competition Confidence 

How to Grow Competition Confidence 

How Do Elite Athletes Compete with Confidence? Elite athletes are most confident when they focus on their strengths. Too often, athletes worry about making mistakes or messing up during a competition. These athletes fear that their weaknesses will be exposed and they will be the reason their team loses. When you focus on your weaknesses, you approach the … Sport Psychology Article…

How to Reach for Your Athletic Potential 

How to Reach for Your Athletic Potential

Are You on A Quest to be Your Best? Every athlete WANTS to be the best athlete they can be, but not all athletes DO what is necessary to achieve their potential. Intentions may set the tone for athletic improvement. However, athletic excellence requires intentional action. An athlete who responded to one of our surveys sent the following … Sport Psychology Article…

Defining Athletic Success on Your Terms 

Defining Athletic Success on Your Terms

How To Define Your Athletic Success Often, athletes allow other people (with good intentions) to define success for them. For example, your parents may see success as earning a college scholarship, becoming a starter, or competing for a highly competitive team.  Likewise, your coach may see success as you achieving a national cut, having a top ranking, winning … Sport Psychology Article…