Wade Wilson, PhD, CMPC

In the world of sports, mental strength is just as important as physical prowess. For our elite youth and amateur athletes, understanding and managing emotions can be the key to unlocking peak performance. This brief guide will introduce you to 11 emotional regulation strategies that can help athletes navigate the highs and lows of their […]

Every coach wants their veterans to take newcomers under their wing. However, recent research published in Journal of Applied Sport Psychology reveals a psychological barrier: Status Conflict – athletes are significantly less willing to help a new teammate if that newcomer plays the same position and is perceived as high-status. In short, if a veteran

Science vs. Superstition: Does “Icing the Kicker” Actually Work?  It’s the final ten seconds of the game. The kicker steps onto the field. Suddenly, the opposing coach calls a timeout. We call it “icing the kicker,” and the goal is to make the athlete “ruminate”—or overthink—the high-stakes moment. But does it work? A 2025 brief

Every athlete has a goal. The best athletes know how to stay driven long after the initial excitement fades. But only a select few master the one thing that consistently propels them forward: motivation. Not the fleeting, “I feel pumped up” kind of motivation. We’re talking about the deep-rooted, sustainable drive that fuels their actions

In the competitive world of sports, young athletes often face immense pressure to perform, which can shake their confidence. Dr. Tamar Chansky provides valuable insights into rethinking the confidence conversation with kids. Here’s how these insights can empower elite youth and amateur athletes to build genuine self-assurance. Understanding Confidence Beyond the Surface  Confidence isn’t just about

Introduction SISU is a unique Finnish concept that roughly translates to strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity. It’s about pushing through when the odds are stacked against you. There is no direct English translation, but it’s said to have a mystical and almost magical meaning. The Power of

The Importance of Morning Routines The way you start the day is likely to set the pace for the rest of the day. If you start out eager and animated, it will be easier to maintain that state throughout the day. What often makes the difference is what you first say to yourself as you

Elite athletes often grapple with a persistent inner critic that can undermine their performance. Dr. Jennice Vilhauer’s article on Psychology Today delves into the reasons why letting go of this inner critic is a struggle and how overcoming it can lead to improved mental resilience and performance. The Inner Critic: An Athlete’s Hurdle  The inner

Ever wondered why some games feel like a walk in the park, while others feel like you’re climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops? Well, it’s not because you’ve accidentally switched your energy drink with decaf coffee. It’s something far more profound and less likely to keep you awake at night. It’s all about the Buddha’s solution

Introduction: In the realm of elite sports, the quest for peak performance is relentless. Athletes are constantly seeking the edge that will elevate their game. Interestingly, a century-old psychological principle, known as the Yerkes-Dodson law, may hold the key to achieving just that. This post delves into the ‘Goldilocks Zone’ of stress and how athletes can