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  • Overcoming The Top-10 Mental Obstacles In Sport - https://go.sportmind.io/Mastery


    The SportMind Hub - https://go.sportmind.io/The-Hub


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    Hello ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to your next episode of the podcast series. In today's episode, we dive deep into the intricate world of mental health, especially as it pertains to sports and high-performance activities.


    Today, I welcome Julie Korioth to the show. Julie is an inspiring figure in the realm of mental health and sports, with a profound personal journey that has shaped her professional endeavors.


    Julie Korioth is a dynamic and influential mental health advocate and entrepreneur. She has carved a niche for herself in the field, focusing on the next generation of athletes and their mental well-being. Julie's passion for helping others stems from her own experiences with depression and anxiety, which she bravely navigated from a young age.


    Her story is not just one of challenges but also of resilience and transformation. Julie’s academic journey led her to earn a master's degree in counseling, providing her with a deep understanding of mental health issues. This was further enriched by personal experiences, including discovering her own learning disabilities as an adult.


    In today's episode, we explore Julie's fascinating backstory, her journey to where she is now, and the pivotal moments that defined her path. We delve into how her struggles during childhood and later in life fueled her determination to make a difference in the world of mental health, particularly for young athletes.


    Julie shares her insights on the impact of mental health on athletes' performance, the significance of nurturing mental resilience, and the importance of developing an identity beyond sports. Her perspective is enlightening, offering a nuanced understanding of the challenges athletes face and how they can be supported.


    We also discuss the innovative work Julie is doing with her company, NUI, which aims to provide comprehensive support for the mental health of young athletes. NUI's approach is multifaceted, encompassing mentorship, masterclasses, and an AI coach, all tailored to address the specific needs of the next generation.


    Julie's journey is a testament to the power of overcoming personal battles and using those experiences to empower others. Her story is not just inspiring but also educational, offering valuable insights into the world of mental health in sports.


    So, without further ado, let's get into the show to help elevate your mental game in sports and life and please welcome Julie Korioth.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Overcoming The Top-10 Mental Obstacles In Sport - https://go.sportmind.io/Mastery


    The SportMind Hub - https://go.sportmind.io/The-Hub


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    I'm super excited to share today's episode because we're going to explore some really fascinating topics with the amazing Masha Kay. Masha isn't just any guest – she's a powerhouse in the field of personal development and mental health. Her insights into how our nervous system shapes our experiences, especially under pressure, are nothing short of eye-opening. So, whether you're a high-flyer striving for the top or someone looking for that perfect balance in life, this episode is for you. Let's jump right in and get started with Masha Kay.


    We began by discussing Amanda Sobhy, a world-class squash player known for her incredible mental toughness. Masha's insights here are a goldmine, giving us a peek into what makes high achievers like Amanda tick.


    Did you know that your nervous system plays a huge role in your personal growth and how you handle vulnerability? Masha broke it down for us, and trust me, it's a game-changer.


    We also talked about how to manage your nervous system in those nail-biting, high-pressure moments. It's all about understanding and working with your body, not against it. Really cool stuff!

    Dynamic acceptance – ever heard of it? It's all about embracing the now while still moving forward. Masha's take on this was so insightful, especially for those of us who are always striving for more.


    We all have ways our body tries to protect us, like shutting down in stressful times. Masha shed some light on why this happens and how understanding it can actually empower us.

    Masha and I then got into the nitty-gritty of practices like breathwork and journaling, and how they can help keep our nervous system in check.


    Striking that balance between pushing yourself to the limit and taking care of your well-being is tough. Masha shared some wisdom on how to navigate this, especially for high achievers.


    We wrapped up with a deep dive into the mind-body connection, exploring how it can push us beyond what we think is possible. Masha's personal stories here are just inspiring.


    We've covered everything from the inner workings of the nervous system to finding that sweet spot between pushing hard and self-care. This episode is packed with insights and laughter, and it's one you won't want to miss.


    To get to know more about Masha, CLICK HERE to be taken to her Instagram profile.


    So on that note please sit back and enjoy the wisdom of Masha Kay…


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • Overcoming The Top-10 Mental Obstacles In Sport - https://go.sportmind.io/Mastery


    The SportMind Hub - https://go.sportmind.io/The-Hub


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    On the show today I explore the fundamentals of health and peak performance. I'm Jesse Engelbrecht, and I am delighted to introduce a guest whose expertise bridges the gap between athletic performance and personal health, David 'Jacko' Jackson.


    David is not only a former professional rugby player but also a Master Instructor with Oxygen Advantage, an accredited strength and conditioning coach with UKSCA, and a performance enhancement & corrective exercise specialist certified by NASM. After a brain injury ended his rugby career, he turned to breathwork, not just as a form of recovery, but as a new vocation to assist others.


    Jacko's journey is one of adaptation and education. He understands the power of breath and its profound impact on our lives, from managing stress and anxiety to boosting athletic performance. His approach is informed by personal experience and a deep-seated desire to share the benefits of breathwork with a wider audience.


    In our conversation today, we'll delve into how breathing can influence every aspect of our physiology and psychology. We'll discuss the principles of the Oxygen Advantage, and how Jacko has used these to help individuals from all walks of life to achieve their full potential.


    We'll also get a chance to hear about 'ProBreathwork,' an app designed to bring the power of tailored breathing exercises to users everywhere, encapsulating Jacko's mission to normalise breathwork as a daily practice.


    If you're eager to learn more about Jacko's work or wish to connect with him, you can find a wealth of resources and contact information on the Oxygen Advantage website. Simply CLICK HERE to explore his programs, upcoming workshops, and a deep dive into his breathwork methodologies.


    For daily inspiration and a glimpse into his breathwork-focused lifestyle, follow David 'Jacko' Jackson on Instagram HERE. His feed is a rich tapestry of practical tips, client success stories, and the beautiful vistas of North Wales that backdrop his own breathwork practice."


    So, whether you're a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply someone looking to improve your wellbeing, today's episode is sure to provide valuable insights. Let's welcome David 'Jacko' Jackson.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Overcoming The Top-10 Mental Obstacles In Sport - https://go.sportmind.io/Mastery


    The SportMind Hub - https://go.sportmind.io/The-Hub


    ---------------------------


    Hello ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and welcome to your next episode of the podcast series. Today, I'm thrilled to introduce a guest who has seamlessly transitioned from the disciplined world of the British Army to the dynamic realm of civilian fitness: Coach Jason Curtis.


    Jason's journey is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep understanding of the human psyche. After serving 6 years as an army physical training instructor, he ventured into the civilian fitness industry with a vision and sheer willpower. Despite initial financial challenges, he identified a unique niche: "Bringing Strength and Conditioning to the Masses." This approach not only transformed his training sessions but also led to the establishment of his own gym and the publication of 20+ best-selling book on Amazon.


    In today's episode, we delve deep into Jason's innovative fitness race, the "Deadly Dozen." Set on an athletics track, this race is designed to challenge participants in a unique way. Jason envisions the Deadly Dozen as a standardised sport, aiming to take it to national and international levels, with the potential of licensing it out and even hosting competitions for the top 12 athletes in the world.


    But our conversation goes beyond just fitness. We explore the profound philosophy of Stoicism, a topic both Jason and I are deeply passionate about. Jason shares how Stoicism, often misunderstood as mere emotional suppression, is actually about understanding and embracing challenges, taking an intellectual approach to problems, and determining the best course of action. He credits his reading of Marcus Aurelius's "Meditations" and other Stoic teachings for providing him with the mental tools to navigate the stresses of business and life.


    We touch upon the traits of high performers, where Jason emphasises that one of the key traits is Stoicism. He believes that high performers see their commitments as non-negotiable, making it a habit to consistently perform at their best. This mindset, combined with the Stoic principles of understanding what's within one's control and accepting what's not, sets high performers apart.


    By the end of this episode, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the dedication it takes to transition from one world to another, the innovation behind the Deadly Dozen, and the transformative power of Stoicism in shaping one's mindset.


    For those eager to delve deeper into Jason's work or connect with him, you can find him on Instagram at @strengthandconditioningcourse and the link is in the show notes.


    So, grab your headphones, settle in, and let's get going on this awesome journey with Coach Jason Curtis!


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    The SportMind Hub - https://go.sportmind.io/The-Hub


    Discover the best of SportMind at The Hub. Begin training your mind immediately with our accessible tools—enjoy complimentary insights or dive deeper with our premium offerings. Your path to mental mastery starts here.

     

    Your Gym Of The Mind—all in one spot.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Overcoming The Top-10 Mental Obstacles In Sport - https://go.sportmind.io/Mastery


    The SportMind Hub - https://go.sportmind.io/The-Hub


    ---------------------------


    Venture into the realm of elite team culture and leadership with Allistair McCaw, the go-to expert in sports psychology and performance enhancement. In this enlightening episode, we discuss Allistair’s journey working with top-tier sports teams, including his pivotal role in advising Paris St. Germain. Learn about the intricacies of fostering a cohesive team culture, the challenges faced by sports teams in maintaining leadership dynamics, and Allistair's innovative strategies to tackle them. This episode is a goldmine of insights for team managers, athletes, and leadership enthusiasts.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Overcoming The Top-10 Mental Obstacles In Sport - https://go.sportmind.io/Mastery


    The SportMind Hub - https://go.sportmind.io/The-Hub


    ---------------------------


    Dive into a riveting conversation with sports performance specialist, Allistair McCaw. In this episode, we explore the nuances of a champion’s mindset and dissect the principles behind Allistair's renowned "Champion Minded." From his experiences training top tennis players to his insights from consulting with football giant Paris St. Germain, Allistair offers a masterclass in optimising performance and cultivating a winner's spirit. A not-to-be-missed session filled with actionable takeaways for athletes, coaches, and anyone striving for excellence.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Today, I’ve got an incredibly special guest with me – Larissa Mills, the innovative mind behind 'The Mental Academy’, based in Ontario, Canada, Larissa has made it her life's mission to prevent mental health issues, notably those caused by the excessive use of phones, social media, and gaming. She has been instrumental with athletes, coaches, and parents providing crucial tools through her comprehensive website, which features articles, podcasts, webinars, Q&As, videos, courses, and practical tips.


    Larissa's journey began about a decade ago, when, in her capacity as a teacher, parent, and coach, she noticed a troubling spike in negative and even violent behaviour among children, a trend she linked to increased cell phone use. This observation sparked her to research the subject further, which led her to a shared concern among educators about the adverse change in children's behaviour since the introduction of handheld devices both in the classroom and at home.


    Today, we delve deep into this important topic. With Larissa's valuable insight, we uncover the science behind extended screen time and its effects on the minds of athletes. We also explore strategies for managing instant gratification, untethering from our phones, and how to utilise the beneficial tools that phones can offer athletes.


    This conversation is jam-packed with information and insights – all aimed at helping parents, coaches, and athletes reclaim control from technology. My hope is that Larissa's work will guide us all, helping our children refocus on listening and learning so they can thrive and be happier as adults.


    Larissa's passion and clear message about this prevailing crisis will inspire you. This conversation is just the beginning – we're planning to unpack so much more in future episodes and maybe even a live Masterclass session, so watch this space!


    So, without further ado, let's dive right in. Please join me in welcoming the visionary, Larissa Mills!


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • I'm delighted to introduce my special guest for today, Dr. Mitch Greene. A clinical and sports psychologist with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Greene has an impressive background working with athletes, coaches, and teams at every level, all seeking to improve their performance and mental health. He's the man behind Greenepsych, a mental health practice where he and his team apply researched interventions like CBT, mindfulness, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and injury recovery expertise, in order to create holistic treatment plans for high-performing athletes.


    A prominent figure not only in the consulting room but also on the field, Dr. Greene is often spotted at triathlons and running events, where he's either competing or offering guidance as a 'psych on a bike.' And for those of you looking for a good read, he's publish a captivating book that delves into the fear and self-doubt, or 'mind chatter,' which plagues athletes and hinders their peak performance.


    During our discussion, we've had a chance to dig into the fascinating insights from his book 'Courage Over Confidence.' Dr. Greene shared his 4-step process designed to help athletes manage their mind chatter. We discussed common mental hurdles athletes encounter, such as losing momentum after a small error, the stress of comparing oneself to competitors, the crippling fear of failure, and the anxiety around inconsistency in performances. We also explored how athletes could use Dr. Greene's model to navigate these challenges.


    But that's not all. We also ventured into some practical strategies, like how athletes can begin practicing these techniques before they face the high-pressure situations of competition. We spoke briefly about the role of visualisation in mental training, and whether meditation and mindfulness tools can enhance athletic performance.


    Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation that promises to change the way you think about sports psychology. However, I do want to apologise for any brief interruptions or signal drops we experienced during the recording. There may be a few places where the message got lost, but I assure you the insights shared by Dr. Greene are invaluable.


    So without further ado, let's dive into the show with Dr. Mitch Greene.


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  • Today, I am absolutely thrilled to introduce my next guest, Dr. Nyree Dardarian. Dr. Dardarian is a renowned Sports Nutritionist, currently serving as the Sports Nutritionist for prestigious teams such as the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), the Philadelphia Union (MLS), USA Field Hockey, and USA Squash, among others. She has also worked with Team USA at various international events, including the World University Games and the Pan American Games.


    In addition to her impressive work with professional athletes, Dr. Dardarian is an Assistant Clinical Professor and the Director of the Center for Nutrition & Performance (CNP) at Drexel University. Her research projects focus on athlete knowledge and behaviour change, resting metabolic rate, and workplace wellness programs centered around nutrition. She has been recognised for her expertise and has been featured in publications such as the Philadelphia Inquirer, CBS Philly, Prevention Magazine, and Women's Health Magazine.


    Dr. Dardarian's dedication to improving athletic performance through nutrition led her to develop Dragon Gels™, an In-Sport fuel exclusively used by the teams she supports. These gels are formulated, packaged, and distributed through the Metabolic Kitchen at Drexel University.


    During our captivating conversation, we delved into a wide range of topics with Dr. Dardarian. She provided us with a compelling introduction to her work, emphasising the crucial role of nutrition in optimising sporting performances. We explored the fundamental starting points for beginners aiming to improve their sports nutrition while dispelling common misconceptions. We even delved into the influence of alcohol and the intricate mind-body connection.


    Dr. Dardarian shared invaluable guidance on maintaining training and performance consistency through sound eating habits. She also enlightened us about the impactful Share A Meal initiative.


    To conclude our enlightening discussion, Dr. Dardarian graciously imparted her top four tips and takeaways, empowering the listeners to implement practical insights that can elevate your nutrition and enhance your performance.


    Prepare to absorb the abundance of knowledge Dr. Nyree Dardarian brings to the forefront. 


    Stay connected with her work across various media platforms and see them in the show notes attached. She is well worth following with all her incredible work and initiatives she is doing right now. 


    Without further ado, let us plunge into our conversation and extend a warm welcome to the exceptional Dr. Nyree Dardarian!


    Dr. Nyree Dardarian on Instagram

    Dr. Nyree Dardarian on LinkedIn

    Dr. Nyree Dardarian Share A Meal podcast 


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    🚀 Discover even more valuable SportMind content by CLICKING THIS LINK 🔥


    Enjoy the episode!


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  • For exclusive content and updates, be sure to visit www.SportMind.io.


    Don't miss the 💭Synapse Snack💡 newsletter, a weekly dose of focus and positivity. Plus, explore the SportMind app on Apple and Android, the Training Syllabus, online Bootcamps, membership offers, and private sessions. 


    Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn for daily mental workouts. If you find value in the podcast, please share it to help others boost their mental fitness too. 


    Discover even more valuable SportMind content by CLICKING THIS LINK. 


    Enjoy the episode!


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    Today, I'm joined by Dr. Meeta Singh, a board-certified physician and psychiatrist specialising in sleep science.


    Our conversation navigates the world of sleep, starting with basics and Dr. Singh's journey into this field. We discuss sleep benefits, napping, and unique challenges for teenage athletes and students juggling school and sports. Dr. Singh offers advice on managing high-stress periods, the long-term effects of sleep deprivation, and the importance of sleep for performance.


    We also cover strategies for staying alert during late-night events, explore the concept of "sleep debt", and discuss if oversleeping is a concern. Dr. Singh shares tips on falling asleep faster to maximize the benefits of sleep. This conversation is loaded with insights and practical advice for those aiming to enhance their performance and quality of life.


    For more about Dr. Singh’s work, visit her website, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. Welcome, Dr. Meeta Singh!


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Today I have on the show Laura Rushworth.


    I really enjoyed recording this episode as it was a departure from the norm for me and I was a keen and eager student listening to what Laura had to say and the amazing work she is doing in the field of selective mutism in young people. An anxiety disorder I only became familiar with very recently but felt as a coach and an influencers of young people, this was an important conversation to have. Our hope by recording this episode was to bring to light this anxiety disorder to a sporting audience both for parents and coaches and where to find help and support on the matter. 


    Laura has worked for Confident Children since 2019 as a Selective Mutism Practitioner, providing support for children with SM in schools and online. Laura previously worked in a primary school as a Specialist Speech, Language and Communication Practitioner. It was during her eight years in this role that she discovered her passion for helping children overcome their anxieties around talking. Laura is also mum to two girls. 


    In the show we talk about the physical debilitating factors around selective mutism, what it is, what it isn’t, and the misconceptions. As mentioned, Confident Children is the company Laura works for and we discuss the amazing work and the positive influence they are having on young peoples lives on a daily basis. How selective mutism presents itself and why. The fight, flight, freeze response. How certain character traits such as perfectionism, fear of mistakes, fear of judgment and being highly sensitive can all lend themselves to this anxiety disorder. Laura gives some great tips and tools to use right away as a parent or coach to help with this anxiety disorder. 


    This episode only scratches the surface and is not intended to be the antidote and for those who have been effected or know of anyone that may be showing signs of this anxiety disorder please do reach out and contact Confident Children on www.confidentchildren.co.uk. Please also forward this podcast episode and share it far and wide as it would be great to get this message out more to the masses and raise the awareness.


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    Whenever you're ready to enhance your mental training and optimise your life with SportMind, here's how you can achieve it:


    https://linktr.ee/sportmind


    Also download the SportMind App FREE on Apple or Android to get access to hundreds of lessons on how to train the mind for living your best life.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Today I have on the show bright shining star Anne Parmenter. 


    We had such a wide ranging, deep, funny, and inspiring conversation today and I certainly came away with my energy cup brimming full. She was just a delight and had so many cool things to talk about it felt like we could have had a 5-parter. Her knowledge, humbleness, energy, interests, passions, and genuine authenticity come across beautifully on the show. 


    You can see why she has been the success she has been, and not just based on her wins and losses, but how she inspires people and finds the value and importance in life and relationships. 


    Anne is a highly respected and experienced field hockey coach who has been leading the Trinity College Bantams in Hartford, Connecticut, for numerous years. With a strong commitment to her athletes' development both on and off the field, Anne has become an influential figure in the field hockey community. Under her guidance, the Trinity College field hockey team has achieved significant milestones, consistently ranking among the top teams in their conference. Her dedication to the sport and her players has led to numerous wins and high levels of team performance. Throughout her tenure at Trinity College, Parmenter has led the Bantams to multiple conference championships, earning several NCAA tournament appearances.


    It is evident that Anne’s impact on the field hockey program at Trinity College has been profound. Her leadership and passion for the sport have left a lasting mark on the countless student-athletes she has mentored, helping them grow both as players and as individuals. 


    In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Anne has taken on various roles at Trinity College, contributing to the overall development and enrichment of the institution. As a strong advocate for her players, she works tirelessly to ensure they receive the support and opportunities they need to excel both athletically and academically. Her lasting influence and achievements have established her as a respected and accomplished figure in the world of collegiate sports and in March 2023 she hung up her whistle. 


    On the show today we talked about her journey from youth athlete, to field hockey player, to legendary coach at Trinity College, where, as mentioned, she has only recently just retired from. From the word go you understand that coaching was in her DNA and was her destiny. She followed her passion and followed her dream. We talk a lot about coaching philosophies, what it takes to get the best out of athletes and her tips and advice for creating a strong team culture. She shares stories about the deep relationships she has formed over the years and how when it all gets stripped away, this is the most valuable thing in life. 


    She is a great outdoors person and we end the show with an incredible story from her about her climbs on Mount Everest. How her first climb was fraught with danger and peril and the despair of what happened. On her second climb she was able to summit and she takes us through all the detail of this and the profound moments she came face to face with death. A harrowing and captivating listen and I am sure you will be blown away as I was when I was listening to her. 


    So on that note, I am excited for you to hear this conversation with myself and Anne Parmenter.


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    Whenever you're ready to enhance your mental training and optimise your life with SportMind, here's how you can achieve it:


    https://linktr.ee/sportmind


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Today on the show, I have the pleasure of welcoming Graham Keen, who will be sharing his expertise on the mind and how to optimize performance, especially under pressure. Graham offers valuable insights on how to cultivate the right mindset and emphasizes the importance of self-talk and mental conditioning in his work. His tips are truly remarkable and offer a fresh perspective on how to achieve peak performance.


    Graham is a business psychologist, former CFO, and corporate finance advisor. He has been giving advice to more than 200 companies for more than 20 years on how to make lasting positive change. He now works with entrepreneurs and complex international organizations to deliver enlightened cultures and financial growth. In the past, he has worked with giant brands such as Barclays Bank, Disney, BMW, Sony, and IBM, to name but a few. Graham is also an author, and I am delving into his insightful book called Positive Leaders, Positive Change. It's well worth a read, and it gives plenty of practical tips and tools on how to train and optimize the mind.


    Graham cut his teeth in sport psychology, where he honed his skills and expertise working with golf players, including multiple Ryder Cup teams and the top individual players in the game.


    Graham has such a positive energy about him that you can see why he has been so successful in what he does and teaches. I came away full of energy and raring to go!


    On the show today, we talk about how he was a vanguard of the Martin Selligman school of positive psychology. This means he was one of the first 1000 psychologists globally to get training and begin using Martin’s groundbreaking methods. We discuss this along with what positive psychology is and why it can often be misconstrued in modern psychology. 


    We talk a lot about the topic of resilience: what it is, how it forms, and how to maintain it under pressure. Linked closely to this, we talk about confidence, a lack of it, and some useful tools to use in order to grow it. Graham is big into visualization, so we of course hit it off a lot on this topic and spoke about different methods we both use. I certainly learned a lot myself. 


    We close the episode by talking about the key behaviors and habits of high performers and what separates them from the rest. He also, with my probing, reflects on his strengths and what has allowed him to make such a positive impact on all those he coaches. 


    To find out more about Graham, please visit his website, which is www.positiveprofitabilitycompany.co.uk, or search for him on LinkedIn. 


    I trust you’ll get the same amount of positive energy I did from this conversation, so please sit back and enjoy my conversation with Graham Keen. 

    __________________________________________________________


    Whenever you're ready to enhance your mental training and optimize your life, here's how you can achieve it:


    https://linktr.ee/sportmind


    Also, download the FREE SportMind App on Apple or Android to get access to hundreds of lessons on how to train the mind for living your best life. 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Well, folks, let me tell you about my recent 5-day silent meditation retreat - it was a wild ride! I had heard so much about the transformative power of silent retreats and decided to give it a go. I was feeling a bit apprehensive about the whole thing, but I figured, what the heck, might as well give it a try.


    As soon as I arrived, I knew I was in for a challenge. The retreat was located in a remote area, and I had to trek through the wilderness to get there. Well, in my car at least! The smallest of country lanes, surrounded by farms and wilderness. It was bliss!


    The retreat started with a series of instructions on how to meditate and the power of silence, and I found myself struggling to keep my mind from wandering. It was tough, folks, really tough. On average, 7-hours per day of meditation. But, slowly and surely, I started to get the hang of it. I began to feel more at peace, and I even found myself looking forward to my meditation sessions.


    The days were long and filled with guided and non-guided meditation, but there were also long periods of silence where we could reflect on our experiences. These moments were especially powerful for me, as I realised just how much my mind had been running on autopilot. I had been so busy with the day-to-day hustle and bustle that I had forgotten to take a step back and really think about what was important to me.


    As the days went on, I began to feel more and more connected to myself and the world around me. The silence had allowed me to tune out the noise and really listen to my inner voice. I realised that I had been neglecting my own needs and desires, and that I needed to make some changes in my life.


    On the last day of the retreat, we were allowed to break the silence and share our experiences with one another. I was amazed at how much we had all grown and transformed in just five short days. We had all faced our fears and challenges head-on, and come out stronger on the other side.


    In conclusion, folks, this silent meditation retreat was a truly life-changing experience for me. It taught me the power of stillness and reflection, and showed me that sometimes, we need to disconnect from the noise to truly connect with ourselves. I highly recommend giving meditation a try - who knows, it might just change your life too!


    I have already blocked off my calendar for roughly the same time next year and plan on doing this annually (if not more) as it was so powerful and mind-opening.


    Please do share and pass this on to anyone who may want to hear about the reflections of a 5-day silent meditation retreat. 


    __________________________________________________________


    Whenever you're ready to enhance your mental training and optimise your life, here's how you can achieve it:


    https://linktr.ee/sportmind


    Also download the SportMind App FREE on Apple or Android to get access to hundreds of lessons on how to train the mind for living your best life. 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Today on the show, I have Brian Germain, and boy, did we go down some really deep and interesting rabbit holes. I hope you are ready for some insights into some awesome areas of the mind, and I learned a huge amount in this conversation.


    So where to begin with Brian and his CV? Let’s just say he’s lived a very full and thorough life. He is a world-renowned skydiver, but he is also much more than this. He is an author, inventor, and keynote speaker.


    Brian made his first skydive in 1986 at the age of eighteen and today is known to absolutely everybody in the skydiving community around the planet; he was the inventor of the Airlock and Jedei parachute-canopy technologies. Today, with over 14,000 jumps and 25 years of instructional experience, Brian travels the world teaching basic, advanced, and instructor-level canopy courses, providing life coaching, keynote speaking, and workshops for corporate and organizational events. He has authored numerous critically acclaimed books, designs parachutes, and is a featured instructor and keynote speaker at Adventure Wisdom LLC.


    Today we talk a lot about fear and the tools to try and face it head-on. In his line of work, the emotion of fear is at the forefront of what he does, so there is no one better placed to talk about it than Brian. 


    As always, we explore tools to help rationalize the fear and help overcome it. How to look fear right in the eye and get to the root of the problem Asking the question, "Why are you doing this?" or "Why are you putting yourself through this pain?" is a way to interrogate what fear brings. We also touch on subjects such as mindfulness, meditation, visualization, breathing, reflecting, reframing, building confidence, and perfectionism, to name but a few. 


    If you would like to hear and see more from Brian, then please check him out on LinkedIn or visit his website, www.adventurewisdom.com.


    So on that note, please buckle in and enjoy my inspiring and fun conversation with Brain Germain.


    __________________________________________________________


    Whenever you're ready to enhance your mental training and optimize your life, here's how you can achieve it:


    https://linktr.ee/sportmind


    Also, download the FREE SportMind App on Apple or Android to get access to hundreds of lessons on how to train the mind for living your best life. 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Today I have on the show a world-class mountain runner, Zak Hanna.


    Zak is based in Ireland but competes all over the world. We recorded this episode while he was in his hotel room in Seville about to compete in a flat half-marathon to get in his speed training in order to compete better in the mountains. 


    We explore the origins of Zak’s mountain running and how he came to it later on in his life but has since never looked back and is excelling in his chosen field. 


    He came in fifth at the recent World Championships in Thailand, competing over an 8.5-kilometer course with an ascent of over 1,000 meters. Quite incredible and a brutally tough sport.


    As always, we delve into the intricacies of the mind and uncover what makes Zak one of the most mentally resilient athletes out there. His mental strength isn't just limited to his chosen sport but is also evident in his daily and weekly routines, where he displays remarkable discipline and commitment by consistently putting in the hard work regardless of external factors like weather or personal feelings.


    We look at how the concept of acceptance allows you to be in the moment and execute when the stakes are high. We look at motivation and where it comes from, and Zak gives some great tips for this tool of the mind. We also talk about accessing a flow state and what his version of this looks like. 


    He shares some great stories and brings to life what it feels like to be an elite-level mountain runner and how grateful he is for what he does. He gets a lot of joy and appreciation for the scenery that comes with what he does, and being grateful for this helps keep the motivation high. He also shares a very interesting story about nerves and anxiety, what happened to him before one race, and how he overcame it with the support network around him. Some fascinating stuff!


    Please do sit back and enjoy Zak opening up about his tools for the mind in his chosen sport but also for all areas of life in general.


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    Whenever you're ready to enhance your mental training and optimize your life, here's how you can achieve it:


    https://linktr.ee/sportmind


    Also, download the FREE SportMind App on Apple or Android to get access to hundreds of lessons on how to train the mind for living your best life. 


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  • The Success Toolkit - Overall Summary


    In the final episode of The Success Toolkit, Jesse and Bart take a high level overview of all the 8 themes that were covered over the last few weeks. They dissect each theme and give the main tools for people to take away and use right away. The idea behind this final episode is for people to get a feel and a sense of the nature of what was recorded and to then go and dive into an individual theme that may be of interest.


    If those listening would like to know more about certain topics that have not been covered, then please do reach out to us. If the demand is high enough, then special episodes will be recorded and added to the Success Toolkit. 


    Please do email [email protected]


    And finally, please do share The Success Toolkit far and wide and to anyone who you feel may benefit from the lessons discussed in it.


    As always we aim to provide a practical and hands on toolkit to help anyone who wants to understand how to improve their overall life.  

    ___________________________________


    www.SportMind.io


    www.SquashMind.co.uk


    www.championsfactory.net


    [email protected] 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • The Success Toolkit - Lesson 8: Mental Health


    In Episode 8 of The Success Toolkit, Jesse and Bart tackle the topic of mental health. This is a large and complex topic and the aim of this episode is to distill the main areas of mental health into an accessible episode. On the show the conversations revolve around how we all have am ugly side and we should be ok exposing it. How and what true and deep happiness is. How the achievement of external rewards is fleeting at best. And how to help with anyone suffering with depression. 


    As always we aim to provide a practical and hands on toolkit to help anyone who wants to understand how to improve their overall mental health for a strong and flexible mind. 


    Bart and Jesse are not trained specialists when it comes to the complex issues of deep rooted mental health concerns and we advise listeners to seek professional help in addition to what is discussed in this episode. 

    ___________________________________


    www.SportMind.io


    www.SquashMind.co.uk


    www.championsfactory.net


    [email protected] 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • The Success Toolkit - Lesson 7: Dealing With Injuries


    In Episode 7 of The Success Toolkit, Jesse and Bart tackle the topic of injuries and how to mentally cope better and healthier with this negative aspect on any athletes journey. On the show the discussions revolve around how seeing injuries as an opportunity to reflect with oneself and with the team around them. How to work on areas of mental fitness when the body will not allow athletes to train. How to make the use of the situation outside of the athletes chosen sport and to mentally refresh yourself in the process without having feelings of guilt.


    As always we aim to provide a practical and hands on toolkit to help anyone who wants to understand the concept of dealing with injuries and how to mentally cope with them better. 

    ___________________________________


    www.SportMind.io


    www.SquashMind.co.uk


    www.championsfactory.net


    [email protected] 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • The Success Toolkit - Lesson 6: Visualisation


    In Episode 6 of The Success Toolkit, Jesse and Bart tackle the topic of visualisation and how this is part of the success toolkit. On the show the discussions revolve around that the brain cannot tell the difference between the event and the visualisation of that event, how the law of attrition works and doesn’t work, and how listeners could look to incorporate visualisation into their lives on a regular basis.


    As always we aim to provide a practical and hands on toolkit to help anyone who wants to understand the concept of visualisation and how to apply it to their situation. 

    ___________________________________


    www.SportMind.io


    www.SquashMind.co.uk


    www.championsfactory.net


    [email protected] 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.