Spoon theory is a metaphor that describes how people with chronic illnesses or disabilities manage their energy levels. The term was coined by American writer Christine Miserandino in a 2003 essay. The theory uses the idea that energy is limited and is represented by … Continue reading
Category Archives: Coach
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The above are the words of Brene Brown, bestselling author and research professor. If you have not heard of Brene Brown’s work, visit her website, where you can learn more about her eight books and her work on shame and … Continue reading
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is the most popular personality test, with about two million people taking it each year. The MBTI is not a diagnostic tool. It is designed to describe typical characteristics of people with different personality types. The four … Continue reading
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Many people ask me for help finding support for their mental health. Here are answers to questions they have about therapy and online resources for finding help.
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Having an injury and being out of the game is a trying time for an athlete. There are many emotions that you may go through – and reasonably so. What are some healthy ways of managing the frustrations of being … Continue reading
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In sport psychology, we talk about making goals SMART. The acronym SMART helps you define your goal more clearly. A SMART goal is: S – Specific Your goal clearly tells what action you will take. M – Measurable You will will be able … Continue reading
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Often the mental pain caused by your injury and the temporary or permanent loss of your sport can be far more devastating than the physical injury. This type of pain must be addressed and managed in order to recover quickly and … Continue reading
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Injuries are common in youth sports. With proper training, many injuries can be avoided. The facts about injuries in youth sports: 48% of young athletes have at least one injury during an athletic season. 65% of these injuries are minor. … Continue reading
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Do you feel dread about performing? Do you feel stage fright before a presentation or anxiety before the big game or test? Athletes and students often experience performance anxiety. The anxiety not only influences their performance, but it can also … Continue reading
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Many athletes ask about focus and getting in “the zone.” Getting in the zone means being in the moment, and being in the moment means that you are not thinking about what’s happened in the past, and you are not … Continue reading
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How do you make positive thinking work for you? Gabriele Oettingen, of New York University and the University of Hamburg has been researching positive thinking and motivation. In her book, Rethinking Positive Thinking: Inside the New Science of Motivation, she states that … Continue reading
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Excessive stress, injury, being burnt out, along with other negative aspects of youth sport can be avoided. Here are some simple ways to avoid putting too much stress on athletes and creating problems. The thrill should be competition, not winning. … Continue reading
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I recently read “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck. In the book, the researcher shows us how we can learn to our full potential by developing a “growth mindset.” People with a growth mindset take on challenges … Continue reading
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A pre-game speech can influence athletes’ performances and motivate them. A well-produced pre-game speech motivates athletes because it directs their thoughts appropriately, often from distraction to focus, from anxiousness to excitement. So what makes a pre-game speech a good one? … Continue reading