Wade Wilson, PhD, CMPC

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

Every athlete trains their body. The best also train their mind. But only a select few master the one element that determines whether that training translates to performance when it matters — attitude. Not the surface-level ‘stay positive’ version. The deep architecture that explains why some athletes rise under pressure while others freeze. Why some

Elite athletes are often faced with high-pressure situations that can lead to overthinking. Overthinking is when we analyze our thoughts without finding solutions or solving the problem. It’s like a vinyl record playing the same part of the song over and over. This can be detrimental to performance and overall mental health. Here are some

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

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,

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.

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

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