Mental Performance Coaches: Our Value, Our Challenges

One of the challenges I face when working with teams rather than individual athletes is their failure to seek my assistance. While I primarily find it difficult to break through to male high school athletes, the more significant challenge is to show them that the strategies I can teach them will be a lifelong process that will take them through their athletics and life. It is about developing mental toughness and the growth (evolving) mindset.

Dr. John Puentes states

Athletes, professionals, and individuals across diverse fields who cultivate mental toughness are better equipped to navigate the intense demands of competitive environments. The ability to stay focused, overcome setbacks, and manage stress effectively is what sets apart those who consistently deliver exceptional performances. Mental fortitude is not just about enduring pressure; it's about thriving in it. It enables individuals to embrace challenges, adapt to unforeseen circumstances, and perform at their peak when it matters most.

Some athletes seem to fear looking weak if they ask for help. In fact, it is the contrary; the stronger of the two athletes is the one who is looking for more ways to increase his or her performance. As an athlete faces stronger competition, physical strength does not always cut it. The combination of mental strength and physical strength will allow an athlete to reach higher levels.

A strong mindset is important for every athlete; the growth mindset happens when consecutive thought patterns are consistent with one main goal; mental toughness. Self-confidence and positive thoughts are critical when developing the growth mindset. Many athletes do not realize the mental strength required to overcome anxiety, the recruiting process, and competition. It is also true for athletes to be able to overcome coaching behaviors. A set of the proper mental strategies creates the perfect mental toolbox. But, for athletes to get there, they have to subscribe to the mentality and believe that it is important to work on their mindset and work with a mental performance coach.

As a mental performance coach, I find new ways to break through to younger athletes. Often, due to ego, these young athletes are too cool to work with me, while others have no issue contacting me for assistance. It is essential that I discuss with them the importance of staying in the moment and remaining positive no matter what happens during competition. The only way to do this is to let them know that mental work is just as important as the physical and that they go hand in hand.

The hard part is having the sports coaches see the value that performance coaches bring to the table for these athletes. Some coaches think we should perform miracles with their athletes, but that is not how it works. Like learning to shoot, it takes practice—in this case, mental training—to form the mindset… the growth or positive mindset. If the players do not put in the work, they will not be consistent shooters. The same is true with the mindset.

Sport coaches should be educated on what mental performance coaches are trying to accomplish. When working with the mind, it is not an easy fix. It takes work, practice, and understanding of how it can be put together …through consistent positive thought patterns. Sport coaches must also reinforce what we do with our athletes through encouragement and support. It Is the best feeling when I see my athletes excel and utilize their mental strategies during games. Quite often, I can sit at the end of the bench and be there to support their journey. They know they can come and speak with me during the game and feel supported.

Physical practice means nothing if the mental aspect of the athlete's game is negative. I do not force athletes to do what I teach them. They have to want to put in the work. If they do, they reap the benefits of mental endurance. I provide them with the necessary tools to achieve their goals based on their personality and situation.

Mental practice is key to staying in the moment and positive during competition. It is easy for an athlete who does not practice his mental game to fall short. The inner voice of the athlete is what carries them. What they feed to their subconscious is how the body responds. Using mental practice coupled with physical training is a recipe for true success. It takes a strong athlete to want to learn how to change their mindset and stick to it. When games get heated, it takes a lot of time for coaches and players to maintain calm. But, with mental practice, it can be done.

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New seasons are ahead, and I hope to help more athletes than last year and provide both coaches and athletes with the tools necessary to overcome the challenges they could not last year.