We all believe mental training works, but what does the data say? This article provides a deep-dive into the research on how mental skills measurably improve running performance.
Franz Stampfl, coach of Roger Bannister said-The great barrier is the mental hurdle.
If Roger Bannister's coach knew it 70 years ago, then there is for sure people need to know that yeah mental component is a huge chunk of whether one succeeds or not.
There is one thing told that work harder than everybody else in the room but one doesn't tell it all boils down to mental component a lot, what kind of internal monologue goes b/w our ears which either limits or propels our progression, the amount of improvement we can do in any domain/walk of life.
There is a lot of unraveling that can be done in terms of one's psychology. No one lays much emphasis on this thing b/w our ears. Iga Swiatek might me the first lawn Tennis player to have full time sports psychologist travelling with her. When Madison Keys won Australian Open this year, she was asked what lead her to win her first grand slam, her straight away answer was Lots of Therapy. Francesco Puppi has talked about therapy & Jennifer Lichter also.
These are great examples however, I want the conversation to go to the next level. What is the benefit of the intervention? Which interventions apply for each sport? How do you build a strong mental toolbox?
Excellent analysis into some of the quantifiable aspects of mental training. I love writing about the impact of mindset skills (positive and instructional self-talk, avoiding what-if thinking, focus, process over outcome, and resilience) and I find I’m always trying to “convince” people that these things not only work, but can have a huge impact!
Excellent analysis into some of the quantifiable aspects of mental training. I love writing about the impact of mindset skills (positive and instructional self-talk, avoiding what-if thinking, focus, process over outcome, and resilience) and I find I’m always trying to “convince” people that these things not only work, but can have a huge impact!
Thank you for your comment! I also agree that although mental skills are talked about quite a lot, I feel like most discussions lack a certain level of depth. We say that endurance athletes have to be "tough" and "resilient" but the discussion rarely goes further than that. My next article will attempt to answer some of the questions I outlined in the conclusion (which mental interventions seem more effective, how to periodise a mental intervention etc.). My goal is to enable and support athletes and coaches in their journeys. If you feel that you need backup when convincing people, feel free to send this article to them 😁
Franz Stampfl, coach of Roger Bannister said-The great barrier is the mental hurdle.
If Roger Bannister's coach knew it 70 years ago, then there is for sure people need to know that yeah mental component is a huge chunk of whether one succeeds or not.
There is one thing told that work harder than everybody else in the room but one doesn't tell it all boils down to mental component a lot, what kind of internal monologue goes b/w our ears which either limits or propels our progression, the amount of improvement we can do in any domain/walk of life.
There is a lot of unraveling that can be done in terms of one's psychology. No one lays much emphasis on this thing b/w our ears. Iga Swiatek might me the first lawn Tennis player to have full time sports psychologist travelling with her. When Madison Keys won Australian Open this year, she was asked what lead her to win her first grand slam, her straight away answer was Lots of Therapy. Francesco Puppi has talked about therapy & Jennifer Lichter also.
These are great examples however, I want the conversation to go to the next level. What is the benefit of the intervention? Which interventions apply for each sport? How do you build a strong mental toolbox?
Excellent analysis into some of the quantifiable aspects of mental training. I love writing about the impact of mindset skills (positive and instructional self-talk, avoiding what-if thinking, focus, process over outcome, and resilience) and I find I’m always trying to “convince” people that these things not only work, but can have a huge impact!
Excellent analysis into some of the quantifiable aspects of mental training. I love writing about the impact of mindset skills (positive and instructional self-talk, avoiding what-if thinking, focus, process over outcome, and resilience) and I find I’m always trying to “convince” people that these things not only work, but can have a huge impact!
Thank you for your comment! I also agree that although mental skills are talked about quite a lot, I feel like most discussions lack a certain level of depth. We say that endurance athletes have to be "tough" and "resilient" but the discussion rarely goes further than that. My next article will attempt to answer some of the questions I outlined in the conclusion (which mental interventions seem more effective, how to periodise a mental intervention etc.). My goal is to enable and support athletes and coaches in their journeys. If you feel that you need backup when convincing people, feel free to send this article to them 😁
Really good piece, thanks.
This is a handy reference. Thank you for putting it together!