Demystifying Mental Toughness

David Charlton and Duncan O'Brien discuss the emotional challenges in football, focusing on blame, shame, guilt, and anger in this week’s episode of Demystifying Mental Toughness.  Duncan, influenced by Brene Brown's work, emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and collaboration in coaching.  He highlights the need for coaches to create supportive yet challenging environments, using tools like Clean Language to foster self-awareness and resilience.  They explore how emotions like shame can manifest in players, affecting their performance and behaviour.  The conversation underscores the significance of coaches communicating effectively and setting clear expectations to help players navigate stress and criticism, ultimately fostering a more supportive and effective coaching dynamic. Key Learning Points: ·        Explore using clean language techniques in football coaching to help players develop self-awareness. ·        Encourage players to ask questions of each other rather than giving direct orders or criticism during challenging situations. ·        Educate coaches and players on the difference between shame and guilt, and how to address feelings of shame in a constructive way. ·        Mistakes are common in football and pointing the fingers, blaming can lead to guilt, impacting players' confidence and bravery. ·        Vulnerability is essential to encourage courageous behaviours and collaboration, however it is dependent on the relationship and trust developed between coaches and players. Connect with Duncan O’Brien LinkedIN [https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncanobrien/] Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub [https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesportspsychologyhub] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mentaltoughnessmatters], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/MentalToughnessMatters], Twitter [https://twitter.com/dcharltonsport] and LinkedIN [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwcharlton/] Podcast Episodes To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Ep286: Nathan Sherratt - How To Understand Neurodiversity Better In Football Refereeing [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/neurodiverse-referees/] Ep285: Adam Batstone - Football Coaches: How To Help Neurodiverse Players Thrive [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/neurodiverse-football/] Ep249: Dr Edward Hall – Understanding Workplace Collaboration In Coaching In Team Sports [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/co-coaching/] Ep105: Hannah Bromley – Overcoming Psychological Challenges in Professional Women’s Football [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychological-challenges-professional-womens-football/] Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky – Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/encouraging-mentally-healthy-cultures-in-sport] Other Valuable Resources To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Podcasts for Sport Coach Development [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/category/coaching-style/] Cricket Psychology Resources [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychology-cricket/] Hockey Psychology Resources [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychology-hockey/] Rugby Psychology Resources [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychology-rugby/] Soccer Psychology Resources [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychology-soccer/]

Today, the conversation delves into the experiences of a neurodiverse referee, referee educator and coach, Nathan Sherratt, the owner of The Third Team.  We discuss the challenges faced in education, the workplace, and on the pitch, highlighting the importance of structure and accountability.   David and Nathan also emphasise the need for understanding and support, particularly from clubs, organisations and governing bodies such as the FA, to better accommodate neurodivergent individuals in sports.   Nathan goes on to share personal strategies for managing sensory challenges and the significance of self-care, including physical activities like walking and golf.   The importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and the value of support networks in achieving success is also a feature of the episode. Key Learning Points: ·        Explore ways to manage the sensory challenges, such as the cold weather or noisy crowds. ·        Neurodiverse traits can change over time. ·        Every individual’s experience of living with autism is different. ·        Adapting the use of comms kits in professional games and the difficulty of managing multiple conversations simultaneously should be considered by the FA when thinking about supporting Neurodiverse referees and assistant referees. ·        It is important for governing bodies to invest in supporting and educating people who are neurodiverse to future-proof specific individuals in sports. Connect with Nathan Sherratt Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wearethethirdteam/] Website - The Third Team [https://thethirdteam.co.uk/] Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub [https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesportspsychologyhub] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mentaltoughnessmatters], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/MentalToughnessMatters], Twitter [https://twitter.com/dcharltonsport] and LinkedIN [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwcharlton/] Podcast Episodes To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Ep285: Adam Batstone - Football Coaches: How To Help Neurodiverse Players Thrive [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/neurodiverse-football/] Ep249: Dr Edward Hall – Understanding Workplace Collaboration In Coaching In Team Sports [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/co-coaching/] Ep105: Hannah Bromley – Overcoming Psychological Challenges in Professional Women’s Football [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychological-challenges-professional-womens-football/] Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky – Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/encouraging-mentally-healthy-cultures-in-sport] Other Valuable Resources To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Podcasts for Sport Coach Development [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/category/coaching-style/] Cricket Psychology Resources [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychology-cricket/] Hockey Psychology Resources [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychology-hockey/] Rugby Psychology Resources [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychology-rugby/] Soccer Psychology Resources [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychology-soccer/]

In today’s episode David Charlton and his colleague Adam Batstone emphasised the importance of psychological support in football and sport coaching with children.  They particularly acknowledged the need to foster rapport with parents to address their concerns about disclosing their child's challenges.   David and Adam highlighted the need for adaptability in coaching methods, especially for neurodivergent children, who may require more personalised approaches.  They discussed strategies like framing sessions, providing clear routines, and using non-confrontational prompts to maintain engagement.  The conversation also touched on the significance of life skills development beyond football, noting that coaches can help children build resilience and emotional flexibility, crucial for their future success in various fields. Key Learning Points: ·         Seek to explore ways to incorporate more flexibility and adaptability in training sessions to better accommodate neurodivergent players. ·         Develop strategies to build trust with parents, encouraging them to openly share information about their child's needs. ·         Provide training for coaches on recognizing and supporting neurodivergent behaviours, and implementing effective intervention techniques. ·         Investigate the feasibility of creating designated "safe spaces" within the training environment for players to self-regulate when needed. ·         Factor in the psychological planning of training sessions to consider the emotional responses of players. ·         Utilise additional coaching resources to provide one-on-one support for players who may need it during sessions. Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub [https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesportspsychologyhub] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mentaltoughnessmatters], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/MentalToughnessMatters], Twitter [https://twitter.com/dcharltonsport] and LinkedIN [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwcharlton/] Podcast Episodes To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Ep249: Dr Edward Hall – Understanding Workplace Collaboration In Coaching In Team Sports [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/co-coaching/] Ep105: Hannah Bromley – Overcoming Psychological Challenges in Professional Women’s Football [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychological-challenges-professional-womens-football/] Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky – Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/encouraging-mentally-healthy-cultures-in-sport] Other Valuable Resources To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Podcasts for Sport Coach Development [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/category/coaching-style/] Cricket Psychology Resources [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychology-cricket/] Hockey Psychology Resources [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychology-hockey/] Rugby Psychology Resources [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychology-rugby/] Soccer Psychology Resources [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychology-soccer/] Podcast Episodes To Help Children Have A Positive Sporting Experience Ep074: David Charlton – How Can I Make My Child Feel Confident? [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/how-can-i-make-my-child-feel-confident/] Ep112: David Charlton – How to Deal with Physical Insecurities as a Young Athlete [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/physical-insecurities/] Ep217: Chris Cook – How A Marginal Gains Approach Can Help You Perform Better [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/marginal-gains/] Resources To Help Children Have A Positive Sporting Experience Helping Young Athletes Manage Emotions [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/helping-young-athletes-manage-emotions/] Does Your Child Worry Too Much About What Others Think? [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/does-your-child-worry-too-much-about-what-others-think/] My Child Can’t Find “The Zone” [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/my-child-cant-find-the-zone/] Other Valuable Resources To Help Children, Young Athletes, Parents and Youth Sport Coaches Youth Sports Psychology Library [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychology-youth-sports/] Conversations With Kids Ideas [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/conversations-with-kids-ideas/] Frequently Asked Questions - Sport Psychology for Children and Parents [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/sport-psychology-for-children-and-parents/]

David Charlton introduces the next phase of the "Demystifying Mental Toughness" podcast, where episodes will address various contemporary issues, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly for underrepresented groups like BAME athletes and neurodivergent individuals.  The podcast will also discuss the impact of social media and the problematic cultures of blaming and shaming in sports.  David emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual differences and avoiding stereotyping, advocating for a more inclusive and supportive approach to enhance the everyone’s overall sporting experience. Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub [https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesportspsychologyhub] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mentaltoughnessmatters], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/MentalToughnessMatters] and LinkedIN [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwcharlton/] Podcast Episodes To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Ep249: Dr Edward Hall – Understanding Workplace Collaboration In Coaching In Team Sports [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/co-coaching/] Ep105: Hannah Bromley – Overcoming Psychological Challenges in Professional Women’s Football [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychological-challenges-professional-womens-football/] Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky – Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/encouraging-mentally-healthy-cultures-in-sport] Other Valuable Resources To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience Podcasts for Sport Coach Development [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/category/coaching-style/] Cricket Psychology Resources [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychology-cricket/] Hockey Psychology Resources [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychology-hockey/] Rugby Psychology Resources [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychology-rugby/] Soccer Psychology Resources [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychology-soccer/]

Today, the case study that David Charlton and his colleague Colm O’Donoghue discuss is connected to a 16-year-old swimmer who spends a lot of time online checking his rivals out, be that on social media or reviewing stats and results.  The implication is that his motivation and focus when training fluctuates and negative emotions such as jealousy and anxiety are triggered.   As well, potential challenges with his own self-esteem and how he feels about himself can be evident.  David and Colm offer some ideas to shift his focus so that he is able to enhance his motivation and feel better in himself. Key Learning Points: * Social comparison theory, proposed by Leon Festinger, suggests that individuals evaluate their own abilities, opinions, and accomplishments by comparing themselves to other people.  This theory suggests that we have an natural drive to evaluate ourselves, and social comparison is a primary method we use to do so. * Develop a pre-race routine to get into the right mindset, consider when you want to be online and not especially as the race draws closer. * Set SMART goals focused on personal improvement. * Review your emotional experience and self-talk when your online, how does it make your feel? What are you telling yourself about situations that you come across? Connect with David Charlton Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub [https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesportspsychologyhub] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mentaltoughnessmatters], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/MentalToughnessMatters], Twitter [https://twitter.com/dcharltonsport] and LinkedIN [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwcharlton/] Podcast Episodes To Help Children Have A Positive Sporting Experience Ep074: David Charlton – How Can I Make My Child Feel Confident? [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/how-can-i-make-my-child-feel-confident/] Ep112: David Charlton – How to Deal with Physical Insecurities as a Young Athlete [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/physical-insecurities/] Ep217: Chris Cook – How A Marginal Gains Approach Can Help You Perform Better [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/marginal-gains/] Other Valuable Resources To Help Children, Young Athletes, Parents and Youth Sport Coaches Youth Sports Psychology Library [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/psychology-youth-sports/] Conversations With Kids Ideas [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/conversations-with-kids-ideas/] Frequently Asked Questions - Sport Psychology for Children and Parents [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/sport-psychology-for-children-and-parents/] Resources To Help Children Have A Positive Sporting Experience Helping Young Athletes Manage Emotions [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/helping-young-athletes-manage-emotions/] Does Your Child Worry Too Much About What Others Think? [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/does-your-child-worry-too-much-about-what-others-think/] My Child Can’t Find “The Zone” [https://www.sport-excellence.co.uk/my-child-cant-find-the-zone/]