Wade Wilson, PhD, CMPC

The Struggles of Elite Youth Athletes & Performers: A Current Perspective

In the world of elite youth sports and performing arts, young talents face a myriad of challenges. Let’s delve into some of the main issues they are currently grappling with. Mental Health Challenges: The Invisible Battle The pressure to perform at the highest level can take a significant toll on their mental well-being. Anxiety, stress, […]

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The Missing Piece in Youth Sports: Mental Performance

In the realm of competitive youth sports, physical prowess often takes center stage. However, the mental and emotional aspect of the game, which are equally crucial, tends to be overlooked. Let’s explore why mental performance is not commonly included in youth sports. Lack of Awareness: The Unseen Potential Many coaches, parents, and organizations involved in

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Mental Performance for Elite Athletes: The Power of Affirmation & Dealing with “What-Ifs”

Introduction As athletes, we should seize every opportunity to boost our self-confidence. This might need to be done many times a day. Alongside this, it’s crucial to manage any doubts and worries that often show up as “What-Ifs.” The Ultimate Affirmation The Ultimate Affirmation is a 3-step process that focuses on our strengths and what

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The Science of Self-Control: A New Perspective

For years, psychologists believed that self-control—the ability to stick to and ultimately achieve long-term goals—worked like a muscle. Success was about whether you had enough willpower to achieve your goals. However, recent large-scale studies have mostly discredited this idea. The Old Theory: Self-Control as a Muscle The muscle theory of self-control argues that people have

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The Two Words to Lifelong Success, Happiness, and Fulfillment: A Perspective for Athletes

Jerry Seinfeld, a renowned comedian, once said that lifelong success, happiness, and fulfillment come down to just two words. These words are not “money” or “fame”, but rather, they are about the process and the result. The Process and The Result Seinfeld suggests that while the process of achieving a goal may not always be

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The Fine Line of Confidence: Navigating Overconfidence in Elite Sports

Introduction: In the competitive world of elite sports, confidence is often heralded as a key to success. However, there’s a fine line between healthy self-assurance and the perilous trap of overconfidence. Amanda Montell, author of “The Age of Magical Overthinking,” warns of the dangers of overconfidence bias—a cognitive pitfall that can be as detrimental to athletes

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Choosing Happiness: A Playbook for Athletes and Their Support Systems

Hello, sports enthusiasts! Whether you’re an elite athlete, a weekend warrior, a dedicated coach, or a supportive parent, this blog post is for you. We’re going to dive into the world of happiness, and no, we’re not talking about the feeling you get when you finally beat your personal best or win that championship game

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Flex Your Mind: 5 Uncommon Strategies for Elite Athletes and Coaches

Hello, champions! Today, we’re talking about mental resilience and flexible thinking. As elite athletes, coaches, and future sports stars, you know that physical prowess is only part of battle. Another important battle ground is the one between our ears – The MIND. This post takes a brief look at a handful of strategies to flex your

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Six Ways to Increase Buy-In from Athletes on Mental Training

Six Points to Consider when Discussing the Importance of Mental Performance Training: Physical Training Alone Will Not Free You from Self-Doubt Athletes often believe that physical training is the key to success. However, even the most physically fit athletes can struggle with self-doubt. Mental training is crucial to build confidence and resilience. It helps athletes

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Safe Sport in Canada: The Universal Code of Conduct for Maltreatment in Sport

In the world of sports, safety and respect are paramount. In Canada, this is where the Universal Code of Conduct for Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) and the concept of Safe Sport come into play (for USA – see https://uscenterforsafesport.org/). In this blog post, we’ll explore what these terms mean and how they work to ensure

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