In episode #171 of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, former Professional Australian Rugby League player and now an inspiring speaker and personal trainer, David Lindsay talks to me about ways you can improve your vitality to improve your chances of success.  We also touch on Mental Toughness in a Professional Rugby League as well as discussing the psychological side to martial arts.

Key Learning Points:

• When you are smaller than others learning to play to and improve your strengths is important.
• “The mental game beats the physical game every day.”
• You can control yourself not your opponent, so don’t waste time focusing too much on them.
• Mental Toughness in a Rugby League setting is all about your ability to keep moving forwards despite pressures that exist.
• A bigger picture mentality without too much emotion is necessary to perform at the peak of your powers.
• To psych yourself up, consider energising music or rituals like the All Blacks “Haka.”
• Visualisation and self-talk are other useful tools to improve your energy and intensity levels.
• Ensuring you look after yourself with adequate rest and recovery is essential to raise your vitality.

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5 Relevant Podcast Episodes

Ep015: Nick Grantham – Essential Elements of Rest and Recovery

Ep106: Amy Rowlinson – Why is knowing my WHY important?

Ep112: David Charlton – How to Deal with Physical Insecurities as a Young Athlete

Ep134: David Charlton - Observations: 3 Things That Stop You Achieving Your Goals

EP138: Nick Littlehales – Why do the Mentally Tough see Sleep and Recovery as Important

4 Relevant blogs

Blog: How To Play Well When You Aren’t Feeling Great

Blog: Mental Preparation for Combat Sports

Blog: Does Your Warm Up Influence How You Perform?

Blog: Helping Young Rugby Players Mentally Prepare Before Matches

3 Valuable resources

Understanding yourself better – The 4Ts.  Timing, Thoughts, Tension and Temperature

Combat Sports Psychology Library

Rugby Psychology Library