How Can Mental Training Help Me?
Athletes who train their mind in addition to their body have an advantage in their sport. Athletes can separate themselves from their competitors by developing skills that enable them to set effective goals, refocus under pressure, respond to adversity in a positive way, and enjoy the process of training and competing.
Athletes build their mental game by developing mental and emotional skills, techniques, attitudes, and processes that lead to improved sport performance and positive personal development. Mind Power MPC helps with athletes, coaches and parents in achieving many of the following objectives:
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Regulate intensity, stress, and/or emotions
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Improve confidence, commitment, and concentration
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Mentally plan for training and competitions
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Create and maintain positive team environments
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Improve communication skills
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Learn specific mental training skills (imagery, goal setting)
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Improve recovery and regeneration
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Debrief and evaluate performance
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Improve decision making
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Rehabilitate from an injury
Mental Training Process
The process of developing mental skills has similarities to teaching physical skills in your sport. You start with developing fundamental skills and then practice them before applying them in a competition. There are three stages to follow when developing mental skills: Education, Development, and Application
Education Stage: This stage is where the athlete develops awareness of their mental strengths and weaknesses. The athlete learns information about what each of the skills are and how it can be used in their sport.
Development Stage: This stage is where the basics of the skill are practiced. The early stages of learning take place through a structured training program. Once these fundamental skills are learned, the athlete integrates these mental skills into their sport.
Application Stage: This stage refers to when the athlete transfers the skills from practice to competition. It involves the athlete applying their mental skills to adversity and challenge, using them to effectively deal with adversity and obstacles.
Geoff Hackett
Geoff is an MPC who works with athletes and coaches across Vancouver Island. He has a Master’s degree in Sport Psychology from the University of Windsor and is a Professional Member with the Canadian Sport Psychology Association.
Geoff has been involved in sport his entire life, and is committed to working with athletes help them reach their athletic goals.
In his spare time, Geoff enjoys spending time outdoors where he can be found hiking, skiing, and fishing around Vancouver Island.