“I am not in good enough shape to go to the gym.” “I’ve gotten so out-of-shape that it hurts.” ‘Sound familiar? Beginning a new exercise routine can be daunting. Often, it’s not fun getting back on track, and we have … Continue reading
Tag Archives: mental skills
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
We are 10 days into the 45-day challenge. It’s not too late to join us! Starting a new exercise routine can be daunting. Here are two key tips to get started on your routine and stay on track to your goal. … Continue reading
Many people set lofty exercise goals for the summer and often get discouraged when they fall short. Recognize that is difficult to keep to a schedule in the summer, and realize that the summer is not over yet! Join me … Continue reading
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
Worried about your mathematics test or football game against your biggest rival? What is the best way to prepare for the event? Here are three tips for performing your best on the big day. 1. Get a good night’s sleep. Make … Continue reading
Teaching Children and Adolescents to Manage Mistakes We want our children and teenagers to perform well, and so do they. However, the pressure of perfectionism can lead to the fear of making mistakes. When there is so much pressure to … Continue reading
When students and athletes consult with me, I always ask about their sleep because sleep is a big part of our lives and is instrumental to our performing well. We all know what it’s like when we haven’t slept well … Continue reading
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
It is the things that we cannot control in life that can be the most frustrating. You may feel frustrated with a teammate on the sport field, someone with whom you work, or a loved one. When there is not a … Continue reading
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
Many parents come to me with questions about their children’s involvement in sports. When should children start sports? What sports should they do? When should sports get competitive? Expert Frank Eksten of the Franciscan Sports Medicine Institute in Indiana answers these … Continue reading
Ski season is in high gear. Many of us who don’t get to ski regularly are hitting the slopes. What’s the best way to prepare for your ski vacation and get back out onto the slopes with confidence? Our experts … Continue reading
In a slump? Has your team been losing or has your performance been down? Try these two strategies to boost your motivation and improve your performance. Use positive self-talk “You can do this!” Use “You” or your name instead of … Continue reading