Raising Your Game

Dr Duncan Simpson is Director of Personal Development at IMG Academy, Mental Performance Coach, and a podcaster.

IMG Academy is one of the largest and most well regarded sports facilities on the planet, with 1500 athletes coming through every year, it’s a place where some of the very best have made it in college and professional sports in the US and around the world.

Expect to learn the best characteristics to be successful in an academy, how you form a mental performance program for an athlete, integrating mental performance coaching into the academy system, The 5 core fundamentals of IMG’s mental performance programs, the impact of social media on athlete confidence, how to balance academics and sport, and much more.

Jack Green. Jack is a former two-time Olympian, coach, and mentor.

Jack has been one of my favourite sources of content on LinkedIn, especially having been an elite athlete, with his insights into mental health, performance, and wellbeing.

Expect to learn, the dangers of having potential, why you should have a comfort zone, the value of clarity, overcoming the fear of asking for help, creating horizontal relationships in coaching, the power of quality over quantity, defining what success is to you, how marginal gains are pointless if you don’t have a strong foundation, and much more.

Sam Ward is a professional hockey player for England and Great Britain. Sam is known as one of the most prolific goal scorers in British hockey, as well as having overcome some of the most horrific injuries that threatened his career.

No one enjoys being injured. But what if you could turn the setback into an opportunity? How can you stop comparing your own journey to that of other athletes? Can you come back even better than before after thinking everything was over? Well, luckily, the answer lies more in your character than in your skills.

Expect to learn:

How injuries provide opportunities for growth, how to not turn injuries into an identity, the importance of self-reflection and introspection, how to adjust to new normals after injury, how bravery and stupidity help Sam stop overthinking, why you should focus on your character and energy in training, how to bring perspective to your sport and shift your mindset.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuel_ward13/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Samuel_Ward13

Extra Stuff:

Richard Cheetham is a senior fellow in Sports Coaching at the University of Winchester. He received an MBE for his contribution to education and community sport in the 2017 New Years honours list

Richard is both nationally and internationally recognised within the world of coach education, having worked with the likes of Sarcens, British Fencing, British Cycling, England Cricket Coaches Association, and the UCI World Cycling Elite Coach Education Programme since 2014.

Expect to learn:

How to find the balance between qualifications and experience, how to find your unique coaching identity, the power of authentic storytelling, creating your own coaching philosophy, using curiosity in coaching, why you should use empathy and vulnerability as a coach and much more.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twowheelprofessor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/twowheelprof

Martin Offiah is a former professional rugby player who scored 500 tries during his rugby league career, making him the third-highest try scorer of all time. 

Expect to learn: how you can use storytelling for resilience, how to blend adversity and support for your kids, why you should be setting a good example for your kids, and much more

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martin_chariots_offiah/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinoffiah

Simon Dent is a Founder, Investor and an Ultra Endurance Athlete.

Expect to learn, why Simon is challenging himself in endurance events, how to embrace failure to find answers, how uncomfortable environments get easier over time, lessons learned from elite sports figures,

and much more

Tom Curry is an England and Sale Shark Rugby player.

Expect to learn what Tom is currently obsessing over with his time off post-hip surgery, his role models in his career, how to deal with negativity in social media and staying positive, the power of close connections, forging your own unique path, why you should be embracing change, and much more.

Sean Baker is the founder of PEAQ Performance and Head of Strength and Conditioning Coach at Adelaide Lightning and Australian Men and Women’s Lacrosse teams.

Expect to learn, how the culture of a gym can make all the difference; how strength and conditioning coaches can be open to being wrong; breaking old methods and trying new forms of training; being consistent as an athlete; the art and science of strength and conditioning; how S&C’s can be a part of the culture of teams; why athletes should have an ego; why pro athletes can train alongside mum; and much more.

Sophia Jowett is a Professor of Psychology at Loughborough University whose research work mainly revolves around interpersonal relationships in sports, with an emphasis on coaching relationships.

Expect to learn; the 3+1C model of athlete-coach relationships, how athletes and coaches should like each other to work well, whether culture can play a role in athlete-coach relationship, why coaches shouldn’t have biases over their players, how to potentially move away from an athlete only centred approach, and much more.

Carla Molinaro is an Ultra Runner, 50km World Champion, World Record Holder for LEJOG and Founder of SCY for Runners.

Expect to learn how having a race plan can prepare you for challenges, how to control your controllables, using play within your performance and much more.

 Adam Nicholls is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Hull and an Author.

Expect to learn what Brazilian Ju Jitsu can teach about performing under pressure, preparation and psychological focus in competition, coping strategies for athletes during season and in competition, knowing when to use information and emotional support in coaching, developing leadership in athletes, and much more.

Dan Abrahams is a sports psychologist and host of The Sport Psych Show.

Expect to learn the importance of understanding the human in high-performance dance, the biopsychosocial model, the importance of coaches buying into psychology, Dan‘s opinion on what makes an effective practitioner, and much more

Tim Harkness is the Head of Sport Science and Psychology at Chelsea Football Club and an Author.

Expect to learn what we can learn from the Springboks and All Blacks, balancing ego and purpose, performing under pressure, understanding fear, mental health in sport, teaching resilience and mental strength, and much more.

Oliver Lam-Watson is a British Paralympic Silver and Bronze Medalist in wheelchair fencing.

Expect to learn: what makes an athlete elite, the different levels of being an athlete, perceptions and challenges of disability athletics, masculinity and disability, acceptance and appreciation of disability, and much more.

(01:01) - From Disability to Paralympic Athlete (07:60) - Athletics Asymmetry Management and Recovery (21:07) - Levels of Athletes (24:39) - Defining Athleticism and Results (28:42) - Elite Athlete Lifestyle and Recovery (40:39) - Importance of Understanding Athletes' Energy Sources (44:19) - Perceptions and Challenges in Disability Athletics (49:47) - Para Fencing, Tactics, and Masculinity (57:61) - Exploring Masculinity and Disability (01:10:01) - Masculinity and Vulnerability in 300 (01:21:15) - Acceptance and Appreciation of Disability

Luke Sutton is a former professional cricketer, agent, and host of the Understanding Men Podcast.

Expect to learn: whether athletes can be too nice to the opposition, how sledging in cricket can be a good thing, understanding men, how young men need role models, how to show vulnerability with strength and courage, the importance of how vulnerability from a man is received, and much more.

Tom Mitchell is a former England Rugby 7 captain and commentator.

Returning to the podcast for a second time, expect to learn: the pain and beauty of tight matches, how to build culture and motivation as a team, how adversity motivates athletes, the importance of shared experience, understanding your personal motivation, why leaders should own their mistakes, the importance of creating enough challenge and support, and much more.

(00:01:40) - England vs South Africa Rugby Analysis (13:38) - The Power of Team Motivation (19:18) - Culture and Overcoming Adversity in Sports (32:19) - Intrinsic Motivation and Owning Mistakes (39:56) - Continuous Learning and Humility in Leadership (49:02) - Coaching Elite Athletes (01:03:23) - The Power and Challenges of Authenticity (01:13:34) - The Power of Curiosity and Authenticity (01:21:34) - Cost of Excellence and Personal Sacrifice (01:31:44) - Line Between Discomfort and Pain (01:38:13) - Creating Personal Challenges and Finding Support (01:42:25) - Support, Accountability, and Personal Growth.

On World Mental Health Day, Lewis talks about a recent journey of starting therapy and his experiences navigating the process of finding the right therapist, battling societal stereotypes and prejudices, and the transformation he underwent in starting to uncover parts of himself. This candid discussion hopes to shed light on the importance of mental health and the role therapy can play in our personal growth and becoming the best version of yourself for you and those around you.

00:13 - Exploring the Importance of Therapy

13:54 - Taking Brave Steps Towards Personal Growth

What do Novak Djokovic, LeBron James, Erling Haaland, and the late Kobe Bryant have in common? They all practice mindfulness. In this episode, Lewis discusses mindfulness and how being present can greatly improve the mind-body connection, allowing you to tap into your optimal performance zone.

Expect to learn:

●       Getting started on mindfulness

●       The benefits of practicing mindfulness

●       How to start your mindfulness journey as an athlete

●       Ways to cultivate curiosity in your mindfulness practice

●       Why mindfulness and meditation are not the same thing

●       How being present can give you the mental edge during games

[00:00] Introduction

[02:10] Mindfulness in sports

[03:40] Lewis’ journey to mindfulness

[04:23] The difference between mindfulness and meditation

[07:00] The benefits of learning to be mindful

[11:11] Self-awareness and the curiosity that comes with mindfulness

[16:41] When and how to be mindful every day

[19:40] Tips for mindful living

[22:05] Using mindfulness for better mental performance

[24:39] The burden of mindfulness

[27:12] Parting thoughts

Tom Mitchell is a Rugby Union International who has represented Great Britain and England Sevens at the World Series, the Olympics, and Commonwealth Games. Tom won an Olympic silver medal as captain for Great Britain in the 2016 Summer Olympics. He debuted for England at the 2012 Wellington Sevens and was the leading scorer in the 2013-14 World Series with 358 points, helping England to a fourth-place finish in the Series that year.

In this episode, expect to learn the foundation of authentic leadership, what it's like working in a high-performance environment, leading teams, and the difference between young Athletes today versus back in the day.

[00:00] Introduction

[01:12] Young Athletes Today Versus Back in the Day

[04:12] Coaching Introverted Versus Extroverted Athletes

[08:02] Perfectionism and Freedom of Expression

[12:58] When People Doubt Their Abilities

[18:05] Tom's Experience Working with a Sports Psychologist

[22:00] The Human-First Approach to Coaching

[28:14] Lessons Learned: Tom's Experience as a Leader

[32:02] The Foundation of Authentic Leadership

[35:44] Having Values as a Leader

[39:29] The Benefits of Having Role Models

[41:19] Lewis Reveals His Role Models Growing Up

[45:00] Tom's Sporting Role Models 

[47:58] The Best Mindset to Have as an Athlete

[51:37] Fighting the Culture of Comparison in Sports

[53:40] Parting Thoughts 

Links and Resources:

How do you deal with poor performance as an athlete? Is there a way to bounce back stronger after a bad game? In this episode, I talk about the most effective ways of dealing with poor performance. Expect to learn the dangers of not moving on from a bad performance, how to improve for the next competition, and how to develop the right mindset to bounce back from a poor performance quickly.

[00:00] Introduction 

[01:20] Accept That You Will Have Poor Performances

[04:15] Managing Emotions After a Poor Performance 

[07:31] Stop Building Your Self-Worth on Past Performances

[10:34] The Problem with Only Focusing on the Negatives

[11:05] The First Step to Dealing with a Bad Performance 

[14:37] The Benefits of Reviewing All Your Performances 

[20:40] How to Make a Plan of Things You’d Like to Achieve

[24:03] Actions Items and What To Do

[27:00] A Bad Performance Doesn’t Make You a Bad Person

[29:59] Parting Thoughts 

Join the MindStrong Academy (14-Day Free Trial): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindstrong.lewishatchett.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get my Free Friday email 'The Game Plan': ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lewishatchett.com/the-game-plan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Lewis at:

Lewis explains how to create process to improve your skill, performance under pressure, confidence and much more.

Expect to learn, what a process is, how to create one, how to practice a process and how to trust it, even when things aren't going your way.

[00:00] Introduction 

[02:09] What is a Process?

[04:55] Steps to Building an Efficient Process

[07:25] How Having a Process Can Increase Your Motivation

[09:32] How to Build Your Process From Scratch

[13:43] The Most Important Part of Creating a Solid Process

[15:42] Be Open to Trying New Things

[18:06] The Best Athletes Continuously Refine Their Process

[21:03] Ways to Build Trust Around Your Process

[23:30] How to Identify the Inefficent Parts of Your Process 

[25:07] Understand That Your Process will Evolve Over Time

[26:14] Parting Thoughts 

Join the MindStrong Academy (14-Day Free Trial): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindstrong.lewishatchett.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get my Free Friday email 'The Game Plan': ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lewishatchett.com/the-game-plan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Lewis at:

Russell Earnshaw is a rugby union coach working in sports and business with the Magic Academy. He played Premiership rugby with West Hartlepool, Bath Rugby and Rotherham Titans, winning the European Cup at Bath. In this episode, expect to learn the impact of gamification on sports teams, vulnerability as a strength for coaches, what to do when you no longer enjoy the game, and ways coaches can ask for feedback and intentionally act on it. [00:00] Introduction

[01:21] Who is Russell Earnshaw?

[04:45] An Athlete’s Performance During Their Peak Years

[07:44] Coaches Asking For Feedback and Acting On It

[11:16] Russell’s Transition Out of Rugby

[16:29] Reasons Athletes No Longer Enjoy the Sport

[19:00] Coaches Going Into a New Team Environment 

[20:05] The Power of Ownership and Kindness in Sports

[28:12] Ways to Develop a Strong Team Culture

[31:41] Vulnerability as a Strength For Coaches

[34:08] Speed Dating for Athletes

[40:17] The ‘How to’ Guide to Becoming a Better Athlete

[44:56] Accountability and Working with Perfectionistic Coaches

[47:50] What is the Pinneaple Game?

[49:38] Integrating Playfulness in Professional Team Environments 

[53:52] Why Athletes Should Focus on Enjoying Themselves on the Field

[56:12] Russell’s Definition of Coaching

[59:08] Advice for Coaches Looking to Develop Themselves

[01:03:52] Russell’s Go-To Self-Improvement Resource

[01:04:48] Parting Thoughts

Links and Resources:

Dr. Alexander Latinjak is an Associate Professor at the University of Suffolk and a Visiting Professor at the University of Thessaly. He is also a psychological skill trainer, primarily focusing on self-talk, cognitive self regulation in sports, and developing psychological programs for high-performance centres. 

In this episode, we discuss the role of self-talk in an athlete's success. Expect to learn how self-talk affects athlete performance, ways to practice positive self-talk, and the role of keyword interventions in combating self-defeating self-talk.  

[00:00] Introduction

[03:34] What is Self-Talk?

[06:48] How the Environment Affects a Person's Self-Talk

[10:48] Understanding Functional Self-Talk

[14:20] How to Become More Aware of Your Dysfunctional Self-Talk

[17:21] The Two Main Types of Self-Talk

[22:13] Self-Talk Interventions For Athletes

[26:46] Keywords for Self-Talk

[29:38] How to Get the Most Out of Keyword Interventions

[34:20] How Self-Talk Works Under Pressure 

[41:04] Making Sense of Directed Self-Talk

[46:40] The Relationship Between Emotions and Self-Talk

[51:07] How Self-Talk Affects an Athlete's Performance 

[56:50] Secretes to Staying Calm Under Pressure

[01:01:39] Ways to Improve Your Self-Control

[01:07:10] Why We Act the Way We Do

[01:11:17] Ways to Gain Control Over Your Self-Deafeting Self-Talk 

[01:14:10] Parting Thoughts

Links and Resources:

Mike Brown is an English professional rugby union player who plays fullback or wing for Leicester Tigers in Premiership Rugby. Brown joined the Harlequins senior team in 2005, having played youth rugby at Salisbury and Melksham, and began playing for the England first team two years later. During his career, Mike has won 3 Six Nations Championship titles with England and two Premiership Rugby titles with Harlequins.

In this episode, we dive deep into what it takes to achieve 19-year success in pro rugby. Expect to learn ways to develop great coach-athlete relationships, how to find and build your super strength, and the best way to respond to feedback as an athlete. 

[00:00] Introduction

[03:37] The Sacrifices Athletes Make

[07:16] Coming Through the Youth Ranks

[09:29] Mike's Journey to Pro Rugby

[15:26] Mike's Mindset as a 15-Year-Old Amateur

[19:13] Do You Need to Outwork Everyone Else?

[24:20] The Power of Self-Improvement as an Athlete

[28:12] How Athletes Should Respond to Feedback

[31:20] Finding and Developing Your Super Strength 

[33:46] Mike's Professional Debut

[39:01] What it Was Like Not Playing For England for 4 Years

[41:02] How to Develop Good Relationships with Your Coaches

[47:02] The Secret Source to 19 Years in Pro Rugby

[49:30] How Mike Mentally Prepared For Games

[52:15] Hobbies and Passions Outside Rugby

[55:43] How Mike is Preparing For Life Outside Sports

[59:17] The Benefits of Embracing the Beginners Mindset

[01:04:40] Positively Visualizing Your Future

[01:06:27] Mike's Favorite Quote

[01:08:36] Parting Thoughts

Links and Resources:

Dr. Andrew P. Hill is a Sport and Exercise Psychology Professor at York St John University, UK. Andy's research focuses on the motivational antecedents and consequences of participation in sports and physical activity. His main areas of interest are the consequences of perfectionism (an achievement-related personality trait) for athletes, exercisers, and youth sports participants.

In this episode, expect to learn some really thought-provoking stuff on perfectionism. Dr. Andy covers topics such as the rise of perfectionism and the death of imperfectionism, exactly what perfectionism is (and what it's not), as well as some practical advice to perfectionistic parents and coaches.

[00:00] Introduction

[01:20] Where Does Perfectionism Come From?

[04:08] High-Achieving Parents and Inherited Perfectionism

[05:51] Perfectionism and Self Esteem

[09:56] Losing Talented People to Perfectionism

[12:04] The Negative Consequences of Perfectionism 

[18:14] Studying Perfectionistic Climates

[20:35] Environmental Contributors of Perfectionism

[25:33] Understand that Failure is a Part of Growth

[28:17] Perfectionism and Burnout

[33:35] The Benefits of Embracing Imperfection

[36:40] The Pursuit of Self-Acceptance

[39:34] Falling Short of Your Goals 

[41:03] Advice to Perfectionistic Parents and Coaches

[44:03] Andy's Go-To Resource Recommendations 

[45:35] Parting Thoughts 

Links and Resources: 

Aaron Walsh is an experienced Performance Coach who primarily focuses on developing leadership, culture, and mental performance programs for teams. Walsh is currently working with Chiefs in Super Rugby as well as consulting with Harlequins, Scottish Rugby, Texas Rangers, and Basketball New Zealand. He has also worked with various national teams and currently coaches multiple corporate leadership teams to create and maintain a high-performance working environment.  

In this episode, expect to learn how coaches can incorporate strategies for developing mental skills in teams. We cover the role of mental toughness in elite sports, why athletes need to take ownership of their careers, and why you don't need a psychology degree to strengthen your team's mental skills. 

[00:00] Introduction

[02:20] Aaron's Interest in the Mental Side of Sports

[06:30] When Aaron Started Working with Teams

[10:22] Athletes Need a Coach Who Cares

[15:32] The Benefits of Athletes Creating Identities Outside Of Sports

[19:10] Why Athletes Cannot Live Normal Lives

[22:00] Elite Athletes Make Sacrifices 

[26:03] Aaron's Framework for Working with Athletes

[27:31] Accountability and Taking Ownership of Your Career

[34:33] Integration of Mental Skills into Teams

[37:40] Why Mental Skills Training is Important For Athletes

[39:04] High-Performance Sporting Environments  

[45:17] Adding In Time For Mental Skills Training 

[51:55] Moving From Theory to Practice 

[56:42] How the Fear of Failure Destroys Creativity

[58:35] Aaron's Go-To Resource Recommendations

[01:01:34] Parting Thoughts 

Links and Resources: 

Dr Mustafa Sarkar is an Associate Professor of Sport and Performance Psychology at Nottingham Trent University. His research addresses the psychology of performance excellence with a particular focus on resilience, psychological safety, and mental health.

Expect to learn, what resilience is and what it is not, the difference between resilience and mental toughness, how to build resilience, the cost of not facing challenge, how to create resilience within teams, creating environments to develop resilience, and much more.

[00:00] Introduction

[02:03] Learning to Leg Spin Bowl

[05:51] Lowest Point in Mustafa's Early Career

[10:01] Mustafa's Journey to Sports Psychology 

[13:49] The Lack of Research in Sports Resilience

[15:55] What is Resilience in Sports?

[19:36] The Difference Between Resilience and Mental Toughness

[21:57] Do Today's Young Athletes Lack Resilience?

[24:03] Why You Need to Ensure You're Not Spoon Feeding Your Kids

[28:34] Resilience in Different Fields and Different Contexts

[33:24] The 3 Main Components of Resilience Development 

[39:47] The Role of Humor in a Team Setting  

[43:00] Personality Traits of Resilient People

[48:25] The Challenge-Support Matrix

[52:18] What is an Unrelenting Environment

[55:51] How the British Gymnastics Team Develops Resilience 

[59:27] The Benefits of Being Held Accountable

[01:02:25] What a Comfortable Environment Looks Like 

[01:05:20] Using Pressure Training to Build Resilience

[01:09:08] Why Athletes Need Some Pressure to be Successful

[01:12:47] The Best Performance Preparation Model

[01:16:33] Understanding Physical and Psychological Fatigue

[01:19:23] Mustafa's Go-To Resource Recommendations

[01:22:22] Parting Thoughts 

Links and Resources: 

As an athlete, you will get injured. There's just no avoiding injuries. So how can you speed up your recovery, come back stronger, and even get the most out of your time on the side lines?

In today's episode, Lewis discusses ways athletes can mentally deal with injuries. Expect to learn how you can do a better job of addressing mental as well as physical aspects of athletic injuries to stand a better chance of getting back to your physical peak faster.

[00:00] Introduction

[02:18] The Emotional Impact of Injuries

[03:37] The First Step to Recovering from an Injury

[07:02] Injuries Are a Time of Reflection

[09:32] Use Recovery Time to Learn Something New

[12:09] Things to Do While Recovering from an Injury

[14:02] Using the Mind to Heal the Body

[17:41] The Difference Between Pain and Discomfort

[22:07] Parting Thoughts 

In today's episode, Lewis discusses managing anxiety in performance. Expect to hear why anxiety isn't necessarily a bad thing, the types of anxiety you can feel, the possible causes to your anxiety around performance, how you can manage anxiety mentally, physical and in the moment and much more.

[00:00] Introduction

[02:29] Lewis Growing Up as an Anxious Kid

[08:00] The Difference Between State and Trait Anxiety

[09:54] Semantic and Cognitive Anxiety

[12:26] The Inverted U Theory

[15:53] The Main Causes of Anxiety

[20:35] How to Overcome the Fear of Judgement

[23:21] Past Failures and Preconceived Ideas

[26:02] Injury Anxiety is Real

[29:00] The Mental Part of Dealing with Anxiety

[33:30] Why You Need to Create a Pre-Game Routine

[36:13] Fear and How to Overcome it

[41:46] How Gratitude Helps Curb Anxiety

[45:56] Recognizing the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

[48:02] Sleep: A Fundamental Part of Dealing with Anxiety

[51:40] How to Tackle Your Anxiety in the Moment

[53:12] The Benefits of Putting Yourself in Stressful Situations

[56:55] Parting Thoughts 

Tara Norris is a professional cricketer who currently plays for Thunder, London Spirit, and Delhi Capitals. She plays as a left-arm medium bowler and has previously played for Loughborough Lightning and Southern Vipers.

Fresh off of her debut in the WPL, Tara comes on the podcast to talk about her journey to professional women’s cricket. Expect to learn what it's like hitting a five-wicket haul in the WPL, how professional athletes manage their emotions on game day, why women's cricket is such a unique sport, and so much more. 

[00:00] Introduction

[02:53] Why Tara Chose Cricket

[06:59] Your Role Model Doesn't Have to Play the Same Sport as You

[09:03] The Professionalism in Women's Cricket

[10:50] How Crowds Influence Athlete Performance

[14:12] Challenges in Professional Women's Cricket

[16:14] Tara Turning Pro

[18:15] Playing and Training with Men

[20:05] The Courage It Takes to Move Teams

[24:46] Tara's Biggest Career Highlight - The WPL Draft

[26:22] Tara's Five-Wicket Haul in the WPL

[29:20] The Gap Between Australian Players and the Rest of the World

[31:19] Difference Between Feeling Ready and Being Ready

[35:08] How to Manage Your Emotions During Games

[38:03] What to Expect From Tara This Summer

[39:04] Parting Thoughts

Resources 

Dr. Scott Goldman is a Consulting Performance Psychologist and the creator of the Athletic Intelligence Quotient (AIQ) - an intelligence test that assesses the innate cognitive abilities that are most utilized in attaining, developing, and applying athletic skills, strategies, and tactics. The test is being used by Olympic, NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, and MLB teams, as well as multiple Power 5 Universities and E-Sport teams.

In this episode, Lewis and Dr. Goldman discuss the role of intelligence in athletics success, how to become more confident in your own process, and why top athletes embrace their inner weirdo. 

[00:00] Scott’s Athletic Journey

[04:53] Why You Need to Ask More Meaningful Questions

[07:13] Performance, Clinical, and System Design

[11:52] How to Become Confident in Your Own Process

[13:21] What’s Your Definition of Confidence?

[18:37] The Link Between Competence and Confidence

[22:06] Mowrer Two Factor Learning Theory

[25:02] Reduce Anxiety to Increase Confidence

[27:56] What is an Incompatible Response to Anxiety 

[33:55] How to Become Confident Enough to Stand Out

[40:58] Scott’s Experience Working with High-Level Teams

[43:39] Common Traits Among Top Athletes

[48:30] Why Top Athletes Embrace Their Inner Weirdo

[53:20] Athletes Who Have No Love For Their Sport

[58:15] Intelligence and Athletic Success

[01:03:25] How to Become More Intelligent

[01:06:40] You Can’t Escape the Playing Field

[01:09:02] Parting Thoughts

Resources 

When you're low on confidence, do you know why you feel that way? As an athlete, confidence can make or break your chances of success. You can have all the skills and talents in the world, but if you lack confidence, then it's all for nothing. 

In today's episode, Lewis discusses how your anxiety and desire for control can directly affect your confidence level. He also talks about optimism, perfectionism, and shares personal experiences to help you look inward so that you can become more confident in your everyday life.

[00:00] Introduction

[03:04] You're Focusing on Things You Cannot Control

[06:05] Dwelling on Past Negative Experiences

[08:33] Not Living Up to Your Expectations

[10:10] The Only Two Things You Can Control in Life

[14:19] Fearing Other People's Opinion

[16:12] Comparing Yourself to Others

[18:04] How Positive Role Models Can Help Boost Your Confidence

[21:05] Parting Thoughts 

Gordon MacLelland is the CEO and founder of Working with Parents in Sport. They support organizations, parents and coaches to work together and provide children with the best sporting experiences. Drawing on over 20 years of experience as a teacher, coach, director of sports and currently as a sporting parent, Gordon is able to gain a unique insight into the different stakeholders involved in the sporting experiences of young people.

In today's episode, Lewis and Gordon discuss ways parents can support their athletic children, mistakes to avoid, and the impact video games have on a child's development. They also cover why parents should see sport and physical activity as lifetime investments for their children, not short-term gain.

[00:00] Introduction

[04:46] Supporting Athletic Kids

[05:55] Working with Parents in Sports

[08:06] The Type of Kids Gordon Works with

[09:29] Difference Between Expectations and Entitlement

[17:23] Remember That Everything is in Your Control

[19:11] Benefits of Having a Good Parent in Sports

[21:19] How Devices Impact Your Child's Development 

[27:47] High-Level Athletes Playing Video Games

[30:46] Practical Guidelines Around Your Child's Video Game Use 

[32:10] Mistakes Parents Make Raising Athletic Kids

[35:27] Toxic Positivity and Over-Confident Kids

[39:02] How to Develop Your Child's Excellence

[41:16] Perfectionism in Children

[47:42] Are You Helping or Hindering Your Child's Development?

[51:35] Challenging Parents to Do Better

[54:02] You Need to Have More Open Conversations with Your Kids

[57:04] Parting Thoughts 

Find Out More About Gordon:

Maggie Murphy is the CEO of pioneering football club Lewes FC, a 100% fan-owned football club and the world's first to distribute revenue equally between its male and female teams. Maggie was elected to the FA Women's Super League and Women's Championship Board in July 2021. She previously held human rights roles at Amnesty International and was a senior global advocate at Transparency International, the world's largest anti-corruption organization.

In today's episode, Lewis and Maggie discuss how equality drives sports forward, ways to bring your own personality into a sport, and how to channel your anger into something productive.

[00:00] Introduction

[03:27] Being an Athlete Versus Being an Academic

[08:58] Transitioning from Human Rights to Anti-Corruption

[15:02] Maggie's Mindset During Her Sporting Days

[18:38] External Factors Impacting an Athlete's Success

[23:21] Bringing Your Own Personality into a Sport

[25:25] Lewes FC and What Makes it Special

[30:28] Why Maggie Agreed to Become CEO of Lewes FC

[36:13] Being Angry Is Okay - and Even Helpful

[40:45] How Journaling Can Help You Overcome Frustrations in Life

[44:20] What It's Like Running a Professional Sports Club

[48:35] Advice to Sports Clubs Looking to Stand Out

[52:48] Maggie's Goals for the Future

[56:13] Revolution is Not a One-Time Event

[57:22] Parting Thoughts

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Nicole Silveira is a Brazilian skeleton skater and former bobsledder. She made her Skeleton World Cup debut in 2018 and has been competing ever since, placing 22nd in the 2020-2021 season. She also represented Brazil at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

In today’s episode, Lewis and Nicole talk about what skeleton skating is, her transition from bobsledding, her career as a nurse, and what she plans on doing next.

[03:07] Nicole’s journey

[06:32] Transition from bobsled skeleton skating

[10:57] The crash

[12:06] Stages of skeleton skating

[15:38] Unfavourable conditions and the ability to adapt

[23:38] Competing against her partner, Kim

[30:32] Sports fanbase inBrazil

[36:47] The thrill of skeleton skating

[39:21] Nicole’s passion for nursing

[47:18] Learnings from skeleton skating to nursing

[48:41] Nicole’s family

[50:31] Nutrition in skeleton skating

[56:10] Bodybuilding VS skeleton skating

[58:54] Pushing your body to the limit

[1:02:38] Parting words

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Roger Black is a former athlete who competed internationally for Great Britain and England. During his athletics career, he won individual silver medals in the 400 meters sprint at both the Olympic Games and World Championships, two individual gold medals at the European Championships, and 4 × 400 metres relay gold medals at both the World and European Championships.

In today’s episode, Lewis and Roger discuss what it takes to excel in athletics, the benefits of competing with the very best in your field, and the role mentors play in an athlete’s success. 

[00:00] Roger’s Journey to Professional Athletics

[04:24] Getting Into Professional Sports at 18

[06:07] How Late Is Too Late for a Kid to Get Into Sports?

[09:34] The Golden Era of British Athletics

[11:45] Healthy Expectations For Young Athletes

[15:32] Understanding the Parent-Athlete Relationship

[18:31] The Value of Having a Seasoned Confidant in Your Life

[22:08] Roger’s Heart Condition

[25:20] Qualities of a Great Mentor

[31:05] The Best Type of MentorYou’ll Ever Have

[34:12] Roger’s Experience Racing Michael Johnson

[39:27] Finding Motivation as an Athlete

[42:35] Benefits of Focusing on What You Can Control

[47:32] What It’s Like Competing with the Very Best

[51:36] Why You Can Never Be Complacent in Sports

[55:50] Embracing the Journey to Self Discovery

[57:43] Parting Thoughts

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Have you felt like you could never reach other people’s expectations?

In this episode, Lewis discusses the fear of imperfection and how it can prevent you from being your most authentic self. He shares personal experiences and practical exercises to help you recognize and embrace your imperfections and encourages you to show up in life as your most authentic self.

[4:55] Symptoms of Perfectionism

[7:37] Why Are We Afraid to be Imperfect?

[11:02] What You Can Learn From Comedians, Athletes, and Actors About Dealing with Perfectionism

[13:37] Exercise on Self-Acceptance

[17:46] Questions to Ask Yourself Based On Your Acceptance & Non-Acceptance Lists

[18:38] Building the Idea of Who You Want to Be in the Future

[20:05] The Question to Ask Yourself Whenever You Feel Perfectionism Creeping In

[22:16] Mindstrong Mantras: How to Bring Out Your Ideal Self in the Moment

[24:46] A Tip for Creating Your MindStrong Mantra

[26:55] Parting Thoughts

[28:41] Life is Not About Perfection. Life is About Experimentation

Georgia Elwiss is an English cricketer who currently plays for Sussex, Southern Vipers, Welsh Fire and England. Born in Wolverhampton, Georgia is a seam-bowling all-rounder and was a member of the winning women's team at the 2017 Women's Cricket World Cup held in England.

In today's episode, Lewis and Georgia discuss what it's like training alongside men, how to avoid the comparison trap, and the future of UK women's cricket. 

[00:00] Introduction

[04:00] When Georgia Started Training Alongside Men

[08:20] How Training Alongside Men Influenced Georgia's Development

[12:23] The Moment Georgia Knew She Wanted to Go Pro

[14:10] Building a Career in Professional Cricket

[18:41] Setting and Maintaining High Standards

[20:30] Parent's Role in Georgia's Success 

[24:30] The Best Way to Coach Pro Athletes

[29:21] Current and Past States of England Women's Cricket 

[34:21] Georgia's Transition from Semi-pro to Pro

[39:30] Overcoming Tough Times

[44:41] Why Comparison is a Waste of Energy

[51:01] What It's Like Winning the Cricket World Cup

[55:20] Why Self-Belief is Crucial for an Athlete's Success

[58:41] Parting Thoughts

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The number of young athletes looking to go pro is at an all-time high. This means that you could be extremely good at your sport and still not make it. If you’d like to get noticed in this fiercely competitive world, you need to work hard on and off the field.

In today’s episode, Lewis outlines 5 ways you can stand out from others to get recognised, noticed, and valued for your unique talents and traits. 

[00:00] Introduction

[02:08] The Burden of Trying to Be Different

[03:42] Mindsets and Positive Attitudes

[06:49] How to Respond to Challenges

[09:26] Values and the Type of Person You Want to Become

[11:04] Why You Need to Learn Teamwork and Working with Others

[11:59] Finding Mentors and Guides 

[15:41] Learning to Ask for Help

[14:37] Stand Out by Doing What Others Are Not Doing

[19:19] Training Hard to Play Easy

[21:42] Parting Thoughts 

Mike Newman is a 9-times World Record holder, having now amassed an impressive 6 land speed records, 2 water speed records, and 1 aerobatic record. Mike is also the founder of the Speed of Sight charity that lets blind and disabled people take part in unique driving experiences. He believes that taking part in sporting or physical activities can help boost a person’s self-esteem and improve their physical and mental well-being.

In today’s episode, Lewis and Mike discuss what it’s like breaking world records, how parents play a role in their kids’ success, and why you should follow your dreams no matter the risk. 

[00:00] Introduction

[02:55] Learning to Ride a Motorcycle

[10:20] Mike’s Passion For Cars

[13:11] Benefits of Having Supportive Parents

[15:20] You Need to Expose Your Kids to Some Form of Risk

[19:37] Mike’s First Time Driving a Super Fast Car

[22:08] What It’s Like to Drive at Supersonic Speeds

[26:44] Journey to Finding a 200MPH Car

[30:55] Mike Sets Blind Water Speed Record

[32:20] Taking Risks and Following Your Dreams

[35:55] Mike’s Charity - Speed of Sight

[42:35] There Are No Passengers in the Speed of Light

[45:10] Believe, and You Can Do Whatever You Want

[47:20] Parting Thoughts 

Find Out More About Mike

In anything you do, you will sometimes have to wait to see the results of your hard work. During such times, it’s easy to lose motivation and give up. In today’s episode, Lewis talks about persistence and perseverance. He explains their role in people’s success and why nobody ever gets to where they want without some level of grit and tenacity. 

[00:00] Introduction

[01:16] The Story of Oscar Figueroa

[03:56] How Perseverance is Different from Mental Toughness 

[05:16] Ways to Build Lasting Perseverance

[06:44] The Role of Success in Building Perseverance

[08:54] Lessons from Failure and Perseverance

[12:20] How Progress Drives Motivation

[14:55] Learning the Art of Perseverance 

[15:54] Parting Thoughts 
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Did you know that almost 90% of our self-talk is negative? When you’re constantly thinking negative thoughts, you’ll have a hard time feeling optimistic about anything - and it can be hard to see the good in yourself and others.

In today’s episode, Lewis goes through effective strategies you can use to overcome negative self-talk. He also shares why it’s not about getting rid of negative self-talk but being aware when it happens. 

[00:00] Introduction

[02:30] Common Types of Negative Self-Talk

[05:30] Identifying Your Controllables and Your Uncontrollables

[07:55] How to Reframe Your Negative Self-Talk

[10:05] The Benefits of Intentional Journaling

[15:01] Change Your Language to Change the Way You Think

[17:29] Be Curious, Not Judgemental

[21:35] Why You Need to Check Your Surrounding

[24:25] Is Your Environment Promoting Positive Self-Talk? 

[27:27] Parting Thoughts

Get 'The Game Plan': https://www.lewishatchett.com/the-game-plan
Join the MindStrong Community: www.lewishatchett.com/community
Start the MindStrong Course: www.lewishatchett.com/mindstrong
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We all know that discipline is the foundation for success. In life, career, relationships, health, finances, whatever it is, discipline is the key. So how do you build more of it?

In today’s episode, Lewis talks about the power of self-discipline. He goes through creative ways to help you become more disciplined and why discipline is what separates the top 1% from everybody else.

[00:00] Introduction

[00:35] Why Self-Discipline Comes in Waves

[02:15] How Continuous Physical Exercise Builds Discipline 

[05:36] Taking the Road Less Traveled

[08:06] The First Step to Becoming More Disciplined 

[10:35] How to Create a Discipline System

[14:58] Why You Need a System to Plan and Review Your Discipline

[16:40] Adjust Your Expectations Without Lowering the Bar

[19:04] Parting Thoughts 

Get 'The Game Plan': https://www.lewishatchett.com/the-game-plan
Join the MindStrong Community: www.lewishatchett.com/community
Start the MindStrong Course: www.lewishatchett.com/mindstrong
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Do you like receiving gifts? What is the best birthday gift you’ve ever received? In today’s episode, Lewis reveals the best birthday gift you’ll ever receive. He explains why this particular gift is special and how it can help you remain confident during trying times.

Lewis shares the best birthday gift he can receive for his birthday tomorrow and how you can do the same for yourself. Whether it's your birthday or not!

Remember, the best gifts come from the heart and cannot be bought.

[00:00] Introduction

[01:10] The Best Gift You’ll Ever Receive

[02:19] A Gratitude Exercise That Will Change Your Life

[04:13] Finding Goodness in Other People’s Words

[05:37] Parting Thoughts
Send a birthday message at: 
lewishatchett.com/the-best-birthday-gift
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