Aug 12, 2023
Today Coach Rebecca delves into a topic that every athlete and coach encounter at some point: the dreaded mental block. We’ve all witnessed it – those moments when we look at our athletes and see how tough and capable they are, and we can see from the outside that what they’re going through is a perspective issue. But helping them get through it can be frustrating.
“You start with what you can do, and any progress forward is progress.” -Rebecca Smith
When we look into how perspective plays in overcoming mental blocks, often these challenges are less about physical ability and more about how the athlete perceives their progress.
Some things you can do:
Normalize setback.
Stop trying to make the skill. Start trying to get closer to the skill.
Focus on what you can control.
Coach Rebecca encourages athletes—and coaches—to view setbacks as valuable opportunities for self-discovery. Rather than focusing solely on achieving new skills, aim for consistent progress. Every step forward, no matter how small, contributes to the overall journey.
By embracing setbacks, redirecting efforts, and concentrating on controllable factors, athletes can build the mental resilience needed to conquer challenges and continue their pursuit of excellence. Remember, it's not just about the end skill, but the growth and progress achieved along the way.