Wade Wilson, PhD, CMPC

The Challenges of Coaching Competitive Youth Sports: A Closer Look

In the world of competitive youth sports, coaches play a pivotal role in shaping the experiences of young athletes. However, this role comes with its own set of unique challenges. Let’s delve into some of the main issues that these dedicated individuals face: Parental Pressure: A Balancing Act Coaches often find themselves walking a tightrope

The Challenges of Coaching Competitive Youth Sports: A Closer Look Read More »

Habitual Hurdles: A Guide for Athletes

Introduction: Elite athletes are no strangers to discipline and routine, yet even the most dedicated can find themselves entangled in less-than-ideal habits. Understanding the triggers and mechanisms behind these habits is crucial for breaking free from them. This post explores the habit loop and offers strategies for athletes to overcome detrimental patterns. The Impact of Habits: Habits,

Habitual Hurdles: A Guide for Athletes Read More »

Achieving the ‘Flow State’: A Game-Changer for Elite Athletes and Coaches

Have you ever been so engrossed in an activity that you lose track of time, and everything else seems to fade away? This state of complete immersion and heightened focus is known as the ‘flow state’ or ‘being in the zone’. For elite athletes and coaches, understanding and achieving this state can be a game-changer.

Achieving the ‘Flow State’: A Game-Changer for Elite Athletes and Coaches Read More »

Overcoming Negative Self-Comparison: A Guide for Athletes

In the competitive world of sports, elite athletes and youth athletes often find themselves caught in the trap of negative self-comparison. Dr. Julie Radico, a board-certified psychologist, sheds light on the detrimental effects of this mindset and offers strategies to overcome it. Understanding the Pitfalls of Negative Comparison Negative self-comparison can lead to feelings of

Overcoming Negative Self-Comparison: A Guide for Athletes Read More »

The Mental Game That’s Costing Athletes Everything: Self-Esteem

We’ve all seen it: Two equally talented athletes. Same training. Same coaching. Same opportunities. Yet one consistently performs under pressure while the other crumbles when it matters most.  What’s the difference? Self-esteem.  The 90% Factor Most Athletes Ignore  In sports, we obsess over the physical: strength, speed, technique. But here’s what champions know that others

The Mental Game That’s Costing Athletes Everything: Self-Esteem Read More »

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,

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

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

The Missing Piece in Youth Sports: Mental Performance Read More »

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

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

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

The Science of Self-Control: A New Perspective Read More »