Brain In The Game Sport Mind Coaching Podcast

As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, the crucial question arises: "What's my role?"

Athletes, coaches, and parents alike grapple with how to best support each other during this pivotal time. In this episode, we dive into the essential roles and strategies for successful preparation and performance. 

Parents:

Coaches:

Athletes:

Parents:

Coaches:

Athletes:

Join us as we break down these strategies, offering practical advice and real-world examples to help you support your athletes and teams effectively.

And if you'd prefer to watch this, go to: https://youtu.be/pE7BygxebTg?si=9qwnqGBX5V3cWYue

It’s a real pleasure to have Pete Steinberg join us on this episode of Brain in the Game, where we have a lively and varied discussion on the universal principles of leadership. From the field to the boardroom, we delve into the parallels between leadership in sports and business.

Pete, with his extensive background as head coach of the USA Women’s Rugby Team leading them to two Rugby World Cups, and highly sought-after business consultant, emphasises that the core principles of leadership – such as motivation, skill development, and creating conducive environments – are consistent across both domains. We also discuss the unique skillsets elite athletes bring to organisations.

Tune in to learn the transformative potential leadership can bring when aligned with personal purpose and intention, that supports both leaders and their teams.

And if you would prefer to watch the video of our interview, you will find here: https://youtu.be/ZzUoq4pkbP0?si=Ar5-WtWZcEGprubE

To delve deeper into Pete Steinberg's insights and strategies for navigating the complexities of leadership, get your copy of his book, 'Leadership Shock' which provides a comprehensive framework for overcoming challenges and thriving in high-pressure roles.

Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/3Lhx3MV
Amazon.com.au: https://amzn.to/3zqJ28p
Amazon.co.uk: https://amzn.to/3VOHLiV

If you'd like to hear more podcasts for athletes and coaches specifically around building effective teams, especially for those in a leadership team, we have put them into a handy playlist for you. Simply go to: https://www.smartmind.com/team – your on-the-go playlist will be sent straight to you.

In this episode of Brain in the Game, we explore the fine balance between control and collaboration in coaching, and how integrating mental performance strategies can revolutionise athlete development. We discuss:

If you're a coach, whether new or experienced, this short episode on integrating mental performance into your coaching strategy is a must-listen. And I encourage you to join the conversation by letting me know your comments and insights too.

https://www.smartmind.com/podcast

In the latest episode of Brain in the Game we dissect the critical differences between confidence and self-belief. This episode is a little more personal than usual, and my hope is that it will reshape the way you see pressure and building self-belief in your performance.

Because the journey to success is not just about talent – it's about pressure-proofing your mindset.

If you would prefer to watch this on video, go to: https://youtu.be/oDMEbcVQAB4?si=lKf3OYNLJanzWb_F

Competition pressure can have a huge impact on your ability to perform in those big moments. 

Learning how to perform and what to trust can make all the difference. In episode 95 of Brain in the Game, we look at how to push through the uncomfortable to perform when it counts. We talk about:

Remember, don't let panic derail your performance – trust your process and you will learn to stay on track. If you want to perform on the world stage, keep your tracks strong and straight, then you're ready to accelerate!

If you would prefer to watch this on video, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyuB4Djopr4

In Episode 94 we explore the crucial ingredients that matter the most to every athlete when facing high-pressure situations and performing your best.

We talk about: 

✅ The 3 essential ingredients for success under pressure: Process, Mental Toughness, and Mental Resilience. 

✅ How to build a solid blueprint for executing skills flawlessly, even when the stakes are high. 

✅ Developing mental toughness to maintain focus and engagement, no matter the distractions. 

✅ Riding the ‘urge wave’: mastering the art of pushing through discomfort and anxiety to achieve peak performance.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, or sports professional, this episode will give you valuable insights to help you excel in the toughest moments when it matters most.

https://www.smartmind.com/podcast

In this episode of Brain in the Game, we dive right into the brain of the anxious athlete – a feeling that's all too familiar to anyone chasing success. 

We explore: 

🧠 Why those pre-competition nerves are not just normal, but a sign that what you're about to do is important to you – nervousness isn't a sign of incapability; it's a testament to your dedication towards your objectives.

🧠 What the dance party of dopamine, cortisol, and serotonin is doing in your brain and the part they play in shaping your anxiety and performance.

🧠 How our brain's incredible power of imagination can conjure up fears, magnify doubts, but also pave the way for innovative solutions and success beyond imagination. 

🧠 What we can do right now to manage the balance between our body’s natural chemicals and the pragmatic techniques we can adopt to alleviate these stressors.

So if you’ve ever felt your imagination run wild with worst-case scenarios, or feel anxious before a performance, you're not alone. This episode explores the reasons behind athletes' feelings of anxiousness and gives actionable strategies to manage these emotions, and alleviate the stressors to help rewire your brain for success.

https://www.smartmind.com/podcast

In this Episode 92, we dive into the reason why many high performing athletes don't achieve their full potential. 

High performance can be tough; it demands consistency and dedication. Let's consider an athlete's journey: from amateur to competitive, to elite, and finally, to high performance. It's a rigorous process that requires intense commitment.

And talent alone doesn't guarantee success. A study in the late 80s examined the top 1% of high performing athletes worldwide, across various sports. While some were indeed gifted, a significant majority achieved success through something else. 

In this episode, we discuss: 

So to understand the journey of high-performing athletes, from amateur to elite and what sets them apart from the rest, this episode is a must-listen.

https://www.smartmind.com/podcast

We have done so many wonderful things to promote the development and evolution of our species.

However, there is one habit we have recently created that is causing a de-evolution of one of our performance strengths: our ability to perform and perform with confidence.

And as an athlete this could be catastrophic to our competitive future as it has the potential to jeopardise competitive prospects in the long run.

In this podcast, we unpack the one habit that, if you change it, has the power to significantly enhance not only your performance but also your consistency and your ability to respond under pressure. 

And it's not that hard to do!

So jump on in and learn what could possibly have the biggest impact on your sporting career in decades.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Beating Mental Blocks

Perform Like a Champion

I've witnessed the crucial role trust plays in the coach-athlete relationship. It's more than just a professional bond, it's foundational for performance. But how do we strike the right balance? How do we create a relationship that is both professional and performance-based? In this episode of Brain in the game, we delve into the dynamics at play. We discuss:

To illustrate the importance of trust and communication, I often use blindfolded rock climbing as an exercise: https://youtu.be/_fLLvOIkNxU. It helps athletes build internal referencing, trust their own process, and develop effective listening skills while asking the right questions. These skills parallel the coach-athlete dynamic, where athletes should trust their coach's information and engage in productive dialogue.

Liking your coach isn't a prerequisite for success, but trusting their guidance is.