I was reminded recently of a glorious piece of mind control from the world of cricket. One that appears, on the face of it, to be daft, superstitious and reliant on a lot of luck. But when you break it down, it is actually a very clever exploitation of how everyone’s mind works.
With millions of others, I watched on engrossed as Bryson DeChambeau won the US Open for a second time. And if you were one of the millions alongside me, you may take issue with the phrasing I’ve just used. You might suggest that Bryson didn’t win it, so much as Rory McIlroy lost it.
There is a tale swirling around social media about Magic Johnson, the legendary basketball player, often regarded as the greatest point guard of all time.
Like you, I have marvelled at the genius of Roger Federer. Not only is he strong, athletic, fluent in several languages, dashingly good-looking and witty, he also happens to be the most gifted tennis player of all time.
This is an extraordinary video which examples two of the things I have spoken about on other posts – how we learn and how fear comes from thoughts.
I spend time with young golfers looking to get the most out of their game. Golf is pretty special in the way it works with your mind. It is little surprise that some of the most eminent sports psychologists and mind coaches work in golf.
Last year, I had the privilege of conducting an interview with Paul O’Connell. If you don’t know, Paul is a colossus in the world of Rugby Union. A giant of a second row, he has captained club, region, country and the British & Irish Lions. In terms of leadership, he is one of the best.
What is your most valuable possession? There are a number of different responses possible. Many will identify family and friends, some might describe something of sentimental importance or significant personal worth. I am reminded of the scene from the TV’s ‘Modern Family’, and the comical response from the brilliant character ‘Phil Dunfy’. Here’s the exchange:
This is a really good exercise to do with athletes and performers who are feeling a little overwhelmed. We all have lives that can, at times, get on top of us. It leads to a feeling of helplessness and confusion. Young athletes trying to balance school or college work with performing in top teams can most definitely feel the pressure created by workloads. By conducting this exercise with them, you can make life simpler, less complex, and, in turn, increase their confidence.