An interesting article discussing research that demonstrates the benefits of self-talk and the difference between using second person ("You can do it") and first person ("I can do it"). Hint: second person is better.
A fascinating article describes research that is both counterintuitive and has potentially important implications for the worlds of business, sports, education, and beyond. The basic finding, not surprising, is that internal motivation (drive from your values, meaning, passions) produces the best outcomes. What is surprising was the finding that when internal motivation was combined with [...]
A great article that further debunks the "10 years, 10,000 hours" theory of deliberate practice. Yes, practice makes you better, but, according to a recent study, not that much better.
Just about every sport has an off-season during which a key focus should be on building your fitness that acts as the foundation for all of your other sports efforts. Because all aspects of sports preparation have become so sophisticated in the last decade or so, regardless of your sport, without the necessary strength, agility, and stamina, you have little chance of achieving your athletic goals no matter how good you are technically, tactically, or mentally. The problem is that, for most young athletes, conditioning isn't all that fun, in fact, it can be downright tiring, boring, and, yes, painful. Which means that you may not be entirely psyched to work out as much or as hard as you should. I heard this complaint twice recently from young athletes I’m working with. Both knew they should be in the gym regularly, but when it came time to head out the door, they just couldn't pull the trigger as often as they know they should. Plus, when they got to the gym, they just couldn't seem to push themselves as hard as they knew they should. If you feel this way, don’t feel too bad because even the most successful and committed athletes don’t always enjoy their time in the gym. Even for the world’s best athletes, conditioning isn't always fun and it is usually really painful. But each of them make a choice and you can too.
An eye-opening article smashing the myth that early specialization in sports gives children a leg up in later athletic success. In fact, the research shows otherwise. Plus, early specialization in a sport results in increased injuries. These findings should be a wake-up call to parents who attempt to rush their children toward specializing in one sport in the [...]
I have been working for the past year with a collegiate team with realistic aspirations of winning an NCAA championship. They have been an amazing group of athletes who struggled through challenges, stayed committed to their goals, and came together as a team. It has been a privilege to be a part of the team. [...]
A great article about the role of parents in youth sports these days. This article is an indictment on what I call 'the professionalization of youth sports.' It should compel every parent whose children play organized sports to pause, look in the mirror, and ask some tough questions about why their children play and how invested they [...]
I just heard an interview with Alex Honnold, the world's greatest free solo (i.e., no ropes) rock climber. What he does is beyond unreal. There is ZERO margin of error. One of the very few examples of an activity that truly requires perfection (or you die!). Here are several videos of his climbing. You can [...]
Note: This article is an encore presentation of an article that never gets old. The race season is finally over. After a long and demanding winter, you're probably tired of skiing (regardless of whether the season was a triumph or a disappointment). It's time to hang up your skis, pack away your gear, kick back, [...]
Here's a great article about how Winter Olympians use mental imagery. It supports my belief that mental imagery is a powerful and essential tool in an athlete's toolbox.