There are myths on the subject of whom needs mental training, also called psychological skills training (PST). It is certainly a good question to ask also on when it needs to be used. But, let’s start first talking about some of the myths that are mostly known (I believe) but very little challenged.
First, borrowed from general psychology many may believe that PST is for “problem athlete” only. Nope. Secondly, at the other extreme, it is largely believed that PST is for the elite athlete. Nope.
Then we keep going with a couple of other dominant ideas that PST provide quick fix solutions and this one gets me thinking. Uhm… It has been my experience and joy that some tools of PST may indeed provide quick-fix and instant results but if repeated it is long lasting and pave the way for additional skills that depends on a strong foundation. Let’s say that an athlete has encounter some difficulty on stay focused and for a moment have doubt themselves on find success again. Note this, “again”. Refocus tools as slow and deep breathing as well as utilizing motivational interviewing as a tool, can quickly support athletes to refocus, reframe, and rejoin their success path.
Now, to the last one. By the way, I am glad that there are not too many ‘myths’ that comes around as often. Can you guess? I bet you can. “It is not useful”. What? Yep, you guessed that some (not many I hope) says that employing our cognition, focus, attention, and balance our emotions Oust to name a few) are not supportive of high performance.
So, I hope that you can join me on the assurance that PST is indeed needed, wanted, applied, and…… it makes a difference. Who needs it? I hope you raise your hand with me.
“If you fail to prepare, you’re prepared to fail”. Mark Spitz. Nine-time Olympic swimming champion