In today’s episode we discuss the most demanding job on a football pitch.  No not the role of the goalkeeper, but the referee.  It’s a job which rarely get any praise and requires a special type of person.  Someone who is very assertive, especially in those demanding pressurised moments. Someone who can take criticism, and a lot of it. Someone who can handle abuse, and again sadly a lot of it.  

In this episode I chat with a referee and resilience trainer, Nathan Sherratt about his love of the job, how he manages his confidence, the challenges that referees face as we as his work at The Third Team.

Key Learning Points:

• Mental toughness in referring terms is the ability to deal with the challenges are placed upon you.  For instance, when players try to gain an advantage by trying to make you question a decision that you’ve made.  
• We'd rather take a deep breath and slow a game down, making sure that we come to the right decision than rush things and make the wrong decision.
• As a referee you are always learning, there'll be times when you come into new situations with different teams at different levels.   Managing your and others expectations is important then so that you deliver the best game you possibly can.
• When players manipulate you, you’ve got to remain objective and consider how you want to control the situation, setting your stall.  Considering your body language, communication and authority.
• Grounding and visualisation techniques can really boost you and make you feel more confident and relaxed before a game.  

Connect with Nathan Sherratt

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn

Connect with David Charlton

Accelerator Course: Achieving Your Goals Faster

Download THE FOCUSED ATHLETE CHECKLIST

Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN

To Listen to Football or Soccer Podcast Episodes

Podcast Episode Ep43: Jamie Forrester - Thriving in Professional Football

Podcast Ep49: How Does Sport Psychology in Elite Football Academies Help - James Maurice

Podcast Ep51: Peter Ramage, Brendan Pearson and Julian Dowe - Why Talking Matters

Podcast Ep64: Edu Rubio - How to Support Young Footballers 

Other Football or Soccer Resources

Psychology in Football or Soccer Podcasts

Psychology in Football or Soccer Blogs

This episode is an inspiring one where Grant Phypers, a leadership coach, and I discuss how Grant defines mental toughness, we chat about how he overcame adversity in his life and rebuilt his identity and character.   We also chat about a topic men tend to avoid – vulnerability.  Enjoy listening.

Key Learning Points:

• Mental toughness is a state of mind, it's about getting your thoughts in the right order, and thinking about the right things, thinking positively.  It is about not allowing whatever you're going through to weigh heavily on your shoulders.
• I firmly believe that our thoughts and how we manage those thoughts are the foundation to everything that we do.
• Verbalising your thoughts can be powerful.
• A big challenge that I had to deal with was when I was struck down with an illness that I, still today I have no idea what it was.
• I got so low in my life that I needed some stranger to be able to see the potential, to see what was in me, to see that there was nothing wrong, and actually all I needed to do was recalibrate and start to explore who I was.
• I decided that I wanted to be the same in every environment that I walked into, I wanted to be authentic.  I didn't have that, my character and identity was completely in tatters. I had to rebuild that, and for me that was the very core of what started this, this process of getting to where I am today.

Connect with David Charlton

Accelerator Course: Achieving Your Goals Faster

Download THE FOCUSED ATHLETE CHECKLIST

Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

Our Podcast Sponsor

Kymira Sport

Relevant Podcast Episodes

Podcast Ep011: Dave Algeo - Mental Toughness, Mental Health and High Performance

Podcast Episode 066: Marilyn Okoro - Mental Health and Resilience: Lessons from an Olympic Medalist

Podcast Episode 069: David Charlton - David on Being Tough Vs Being Comfortable in Your Own Skin Part 1

Podcast Episode 073: David Charlton - David on Being Tough Vs Being Comfortable in Your Own Skin Part 2

Relevant Blogs

Blog - Make Better Decisions to Help Your Sport Performance

Blog - 5 Ways to Create a Psychological Safe Sporting Environment

Blog – 3 Tips to Deal with Bullying in Sport

Today’s question comes from a parent, Anna to a talented golfer.  Anna’s son, Harry is 14 years old however he lacks confidence and she worries about him.  She also recognises to succeed in golf, in other sports or in education he’s going to need confidence.   So she asked me – How do I give him confidence? 

I go onto share 3 ideas which can help you as a parent to help your child begin to see things differently.  Enjoy tuning in. 

Key Learning Points:

• Set mini goals with your children to help aid their focus and concentration.  Consider different behaviours that would help them improve their performance levels such as trust, having fun, bouncing back positively from mistakes.
• Create a highlights reel together using video technology.  This will help your child visualise what they do at their best and program them subconsciously in a helpful way.   
• Design a Confidence CV together on a large piece of card focusing on what they are good at, their achievements in their sport and away from it.  Let them draw, print out screen shots of images or cut out clippings from newspapers or websites.
• Watch your language, consider how you communicate with them when they have failed at something or made a mistake.  

Connect with David Charlton

Accelerator Course: Achieving Your Goals Faster

Download THE FOCUSED ATHLETE CHECKLIST

Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

Our Podcast Sponsor

Kymira Sport

To Listen to Podcasts Episodes related to Youth Sport

Youth Sports Psychology Podcast

Podcast 039: John Fletcher – How to Develop Fearless Athletes

Podcast 064: Edu Rubio – How to Support Young Footballers

Podcast 067: David Charlton Supporting Children to Transfer their Skills from Training to Competition

Helpful Blogs

Youth Sports Psychology Blogs

5 Tips for Parents to Help Their Children Perform With Confidence

How to Help Young Footballers Find The Zone

Helping Young Athletes Manage Emotions

For More Resources so You Can Shoot Lower Scores on The Golf Course

Golfers Mental Scorecard

Golf Psychology FAQs

Golf Blogs

Golf Podcasts

This is Part 2 of a series of episodes on being comfortable in your own skin, where I unpack 3 more common “toughness” themes where we can unconsciously behave in certain ways or put up barriers.  The barriers I discuss today are concerned with goal-setting, prejudice and delegation at individual and organisational levels.  As always, this episode is designed to help you question your approach and become the best version of yourself.

Key Learning Points:

• Goal Setting if done right can aid confidence and motivation and reduce anxiety, if it’s done incorrectly and not given the respect it deserves it can have the opposite effect.
• Some individuals are frightened to set goals, because of anxiety and in case they go on to sabotage their own success.
• Some people keep quiet and do not discuss their goals and very uncomfortable doing so. 
• Consider if your culture belittles people who discuss what they want to achieve?
• If you are a coach or a manager do you display empathy and understanding for people who have a disability?
• Are you too judgemental about people and their limitations?
• Is there a tough or macho culture in your organisations or club which is set up to focus so much on outcomes and performance that the human is forgotten about and does not allow people to express themselves and be supported properly? 
• Many people will tell you they are too busy to delegate.  That it’s more efficient for them to just do it themselves, is this born out of being tough.  Do you see yourself as a failure if you ask for help?
• Do you believe that passing on work to others will detract from your own self-importance? 
• Have you considered that by delegating tasks, by letting other people do things, talking about their fears more openly it can promote an environment where everyone feels more comfortable in their own skins.  

Connect with David Charlton

Accelerator Course: Achieving Your Goals Faster

Download THE FOCUSED ATHLETE CHECKLIST

Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN

Our Podcast Sponsor

Kymira Sport

Relevant Podcast Episodes

Podcast Ep011: Dave Algeo - Mental Toughness, Mental Health and High Performance

Podcast Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky - Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport

Podcast Episode 066: Marilyn Okoro - Mental Health and Resilience: Lessons from an Olympic Medalist

Podcast Episode 069: David Charlton - David on Being Tough Vs Being Comfortable in Your Own Skin Part 1

Relevant Blogs

Blog - Make Better Decisions to Help Your Sport Performance

Blog - 5 Ways to Create a Psychological Safe Sporting Environment

Blog – 3 Tips to Deal with Bullying in Sport

The psychological challenges in cricket are immense, whether you're a batsman or bowler, a wicket-keeper, or a fielder. The sport has got very unique challenges including the fact that it is a team sport but can frequently feel like an individual sport, the difficulty of having to accept repeated failures, and the walk of shame!  

Today, Tom Jones, a highly qualified youth cricket coach and owner of Cricket Coach 365, and I chew the fat, we talk about these challenges, we discuss mental toughness and Tom explains how he goes on to help young cricketers get the most from their talent. 

Key Learning Points:

• The mental side of cricket is increasingly becoming the most important part of the game, whatever level you play at. 
• The long walk to the wicket can fill many youngsters with dread.
• Managing expectations is hugely important as batters will get out more times than they go on to score the runs that they’d like to get.  
• Focusing in on what you can control is vital as when you do get out it can be for many reasons, often it is out of your control and this can mess with your head. 
• Remembering your good shots, positive self-talk and visualisation can help you remain in a confident headspace.
• Coaches should consider how to set up their environment so players practice with a purpose and simulate what happens on the pitch. 

Connect with Tom Jones

LinkedIn

Instagram

Website

Connect with David Charlton

Accelerator Course: Achieving Your Goals Faster

Download THE FOCUSED ATHLETE CHECKLIST

Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

Useful Podcasts

Sports Psychology For Youth Athletes Podcasts  

Confidence in Sport Podcasts

For More Resources for Cricketers

Cricket Blogs 

Today’s Podcast Sponsor

Kymira Sport

We’re in the height of the summer of sport here in the UK where Wimbledon is currently being played.  For those that aren’t familiar with Wimbledon I’m talking about a grand slam tournament in the sport of tennis.  Accordingly, in this episode, I delve into the psychological side of tennis. It's a game that I follow closely, and it's a game in my mind, which is hugely psychological where matches ebb and flow and can be lost in the blink of an eye.  My guest, is also a racquet sports specialist and well respected Sports Psychologist, James Lau.  

In the episode, we unpick typical mental game challenges that tennis players face and how to best support players overcome these challenges.  We also discuss the legends of tennis, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, the mental qualities that they bring to the table and what we can learn from them.

Key Learning Points:

• The relationship between your thoughts and how you behave on the tennis court is important if you want to channel your drive and motivation to be able to express yourself freely.
• Consider how you use your time between points to help you regain your composure.
• Do you have a simple and clear pre-shot routine before you serve or return?
• Djokovic has an inner confidence that he can get any serve back, when returning.
• Nadal is so consistent in the way he prepares and goes through his routines.
• Having a mindset to play your natural game is hugely helpful.
• Federer handles pressure amazingly, appears very calm and nothing changes.

Connect with James Lau

Twitter

Website

Connect with David Charlton

Accelerator Course: Achieving Your Goals Faster

Download THE FOCUSED ATHLETE CHECKLIST

Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

Useful Podcasts

Sports Psychology For Youth Athletes Podcasts  

Confidence in Sport Podcasts

For More Resources for Tennis Players

Tennis Blogs 

Today’s Podcast Sponsor

Kymira Sport

We are now 70 episodes into the Demystifying Mental Toughness podcast.  Today our first-class guests provide many short snippets of advice with some of the best bits from the previous 9 episodes.  Listening to the insights and tips I’m sure will help you learn more about the importance of Mental Toughness, self-awareness and being honest with yourself.

Key Learning Points:

• Paul Lyons chat about what mental toughness is and why is it so important. 
• Edu Rubio elaborates on optimising your potential by being your biggest fan.
• Dr Amy Izycky discusses vulnerability and macho behaviour in sport.
• David Charlton challenges coaches and sporting administrators in women's professional sport to question their approach.
• John Vallely discusses his commitment and levels of mastery with young golfers.
• Marilyn Okoro talks about perfectionism and finding peace with factors that you can't control. 
• Andrew Nicholson discusses embracing your fears in order to achieve your goals in professional golf. 

Connect with David Charlton

Accelerator Course: Achieving Your Goals Faster

Download THE FOCUSED ATHLETE CHECKLIST

Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

Our Podcast Sponsor

Kymira Sport

Relevant Podcast Episodes

Podcast Ep 061: Paul Lyons - Why You Should Build Your Mental Toughness?

Podcast Ep 062: John Vallely - Mastering The Mental Side Of Golf

Podcast Ep 064: Edu Rubio - How To Support Young Footballers

Podcast Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky - Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport

Podcast Episode 066: Marilyn Okoro - Mental Health and Resilience: Lessons from an Olympic Medalist

Podcast Ep 068: Andrew Nicholson - How Hard Is It To Become A Tour Professional Golfer?

Podcast Ep 069: David Charlton - David on Being Tough Vs Being Comfortable in Your Own Skin Part 1

To maximize your potential, to perform at your very best consistently, and to feel truly content there is an argument to say that being comfortable in your skin will help you.  Today is part one of a number of episodes, where I will go on to unpack “toughness” some common myths around mental toughness, and some typical barriers that people put up.  I also go on to highlight some real examples, case studies and offer different strategies to help you.  This episode is designed to help you question your approach.

Key Learning Points:

• By “toughing it out” or “getting on with things”, you may be letting your ego take over and sabotaging success. 
• When you hear the words Mental Agility and Mental Flexibility you wouldn’t necessarily consider similarities with Mental Toughness.  However, Professor Peter Clough 4 C’s framework highlights Mental Toughness does warrant a deeper look rather than being drawn into making assumptions based on one word – “Toughness”.
• Do you or your organisations culture promote psychological safety with an emphasis on conversations related to mental toughness?
• I discuss Naomi Osaka and the role of the elite professional athlete in sport and the difficulties they encounter meaning that they can struggle to be comfortable in their own skin. 
• Women's professional sport can make it challenging for athletes to be themselves due to demands on their time and the need to be “performing” for 60+ hour per week in some cases.
• Sports like gymnastics help youngsters develop excellent qualities such as discipline, focus and conscientiousness.  Yet, I’d be asking the question are some gymnasts “performing for too many hours?” As a result, this culture may be bringing on challenges such as learning new skills and “lost move syndrome.” 

Connect with David Charlton

Accelerator Course: Achieving Your Goals Faster

Download THE FOCUSED ATHLETE CHECKLIST

Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

Our Podcast Sponsor

Kymira Sport

Relevant Podcast Episodes

Podcast Ep011: Dave Algeo - Mental Toughness, Mental Health and High Performance

Podcast Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky - Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport

Podcast Episode 066: Marilyn Okoro - Mental Health and Resilience: Lessons from an Olympic Medalist

Relevant Blogs

Blog - Make Better Decisions to Help Your Sport Performance

Blog - 5 Ways to Create a Psychological Safe Sporting Environment

Blog – 3 Tips to Deal with Bullying in Sport

Many young golfers have a dream to turn professional and then compete at the highest level, on the European Tour or PGA Tour, winning major championships.  In this episode, Andrew Nicholson, a highly respected golf coach, who has coached a number of European Tour winners and many up-and-coming elite amateurs and budding professionals tells me about what he thinks the young golfer needs to consider in order to breakthrough onto the different tours.

He discusses the finer details and differences in a skill that are needed.  We also chat about the commitment levels and focus that is required to succeed and how to be most effective in the way you go about things. Enjoy the episode.

Key Learning Points:

• Whether you playing on the PGA Tour, European Tour, Challenge Tour, Europro Tour, college golf in the US or in elite amateur golf in the UK unique skillsets and strengths are required as the constraints placed upon performance are different.
• As a professional you're judged on your performance over a full season and longer, this can be different in amateur golf. 
• To progress in professional golf it is key to understand that there are many different elements that have to very strong.  It’s important to be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses and make each element stronger.  
• Building a strong support team round you is essential, people that you trust and can help you through different parts of the journey.

Connect with Andrew Nicholson

Instagram

Twitter

Connect with David Charlton

Accelerator Course: Achieving Your Goals Faster

Download THE FOCUSED ATHLETE CHECKLIST

Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

To Listen to the Full Podcast Episodes

Podcast Ep013: Karl Morris - How to Stay Present like a Major Champion

Podcast Ep017: Gio Valiante - How to Play Fearless Golf

Podcast Ep047: David Charlton – Mental Game Tips for Putting  

For More Resources so You Can Shoot Lower Scores on The Golf Course

Golfers Mental Scorecard

Golf Psychology FAQs

Golf Blogs

Golf Podcasts

Today’s Podcast Sponsor

Kymira Sport

In today’s episode, I answer a popular question that I get asked from parents of young athletes.   “My daughter can perform really well when she practices or trains but when she competes she often looks like a different person and freezes.  How can I help her?” 

I go onto explain that there are many complexities which surround this question from cultures and environments set up, coach or parent interference or pressures, outside pressures in education and home life.  I also share 3 tips to help children who face these challenges.  Enjoy listening.

Key Learning Points:

• Children can often focus too much on what their friends, parents and coaches think.  This often means that they go on to play their sport in fear, they hide, freeze or they may get frustrated or angry.
• Coaches and parents should consider using a highly supportive approach free from blaming and shaming.
• Parents and coaches should display compassion helping young athletes to identify problems.
• Supporting youngsters to focus on what they do at their best when they’re playing their sport is a useful solution, and then setting mini process goals accordingly.
• Help children to recognise when their self-talk is negative and supporting them to restructure those thoughts.

Connect with David Charlton

Accelerator Course: Achieving Your Goals Faster

Download THE FOCUSED ATHLETE CHECKLIST

Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

Our Podcast Sponsor

Kymira Sport

To Listen to Podcasts Episodes related to Youth Sport

Podcast Ep027: Natalie Henderson -  How to Develop Mental Toughness with Young Footballers

Podcast Ep039: John Fletcher – How to Develop Fearless Athletes

Podcast Ep049: James Maurice - How Does Sport Psychology in Elite Football Academies Help

Podcast 064: Edu Rubio – How to Support Young Footballers

Helpful Blogs

5 Ways to Create a Psychological Safe Sporting Environment

How to Help Young Footballers Find The Zone

5 Reasons Why Being Released from a Football Academy is Difficult

How Do You Give a Young Golfer Self-Confidence?