The Mental Toughness Research Institute (USA)

SEPTEMBER 16, 2024: GOLD FOR VICTORIA CHEONG IN THE WORLDSKILLS INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION Ms Cheong told The Straits Times that although preparation for the competition was rigorous, and at times she felt lonely training solo, she knew she had to keep herself in good spirits to do well. Victoria Cheong: “I just needed to shift my mindset to a positive one, and I would be able to do better,” she said, adding that the win came as a surprise to her [CONFIDENCE + POSITIVE SELF-TALK]. **LESSONS: (1) Having a positive mindset is vital for fostering confidence. (2) Staying optimistic takes practice as you need to be conscious of your self-talk. Take note of positive and negative thoughts, and focus on what you want rather than what you do not want. (3) The challenges you encounter in training can make you feel lonely, so it is important to build a strong support system through friends and family. Congratulations to our past peak performance programme (2023) participant Victoria Cheong for her win in the Worldskills International Competition! Ref: https://lnkd.in/gXr-7mAQ #WorldSkills #WorldSkillsCompetition #SelfTalk #PositiveThoughts #Confidence #BelieveInYourself #MentalToughness #PeakPerformance #VisualMerchandising #NanyangPoly

SEPTEMBER 14, 2024: HOW MENTAL TOUGHNESS HELPS FOOTBALLERS PERFORM AT THE BEST “Players highlighted mental toughness as the most important mental process for their performance. This is because it is perceived as a fundamental mental quality for handling challenging situations before, during, and after matches. However, mental toughness was also considered a product of age and experience.” “In this study, some players play in clubs which participate in major European tournaments, such as the Europa league, with higher external pressure and attention from the media. In such situation, using active mental training can increase mental toughness, and thus, players’ performances” LESSONS: (1) Mental toughness is essential for handling challenges on and off the field, so prioritize its development alongside physical skills. (2) Younger players can enhance their mental toughness through techniques like positive self-talk, regardless of experience. (3) Prepare for media scrutiny by practicing coping strategies to manage pressure during high-stakes situations. (4) Team cohesion is vital; support each other through open communication and shared experiences to build team spirit. Ref: https://lnkd.in/gWUvuCEi #MentalToughness #PeakPerformance #Football #CertifiedMentalToughnessCoachAndFacilitator #CMTCF

AUGUST 28, 2024: U.S. SURGEON GENERAL: PARENTING IS A TEAM SPORT Vivek H. Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General: “The stress and mental health challenges faced by parents — just like loneliness, workplace well-being and the impact of social media on youth mental health — aren’t always visible, but they can take a steep toll. It’s time to recognize they constitute a serious public health concern for our country. Parents who feel pushed to the brink deserve more than platitudes. They need tangible support...The experience has taught me that parenting at its best is a team sport [COHESION].” **LESSONS: (1) There are significant mental health challenges parents encounter, and they may not be visible. Reach out to a / fellow parent(s); even 15 minutes of connection can help. (2) Parenting is a team sport, which includes not just the parents but the people around them. (3) Having the mental toughness to cope with adversities is crucial for parents. (4) Parents can practice mindfulness and breathing exercises to safeguard one's mental well-being. LINK: https://lnkd.in/gtKtFGps #Parenting #MentalWellness #MentalHealth #MentalWellbeing #MentalToughness #MentalWellnessResearch #CertifiedMentalToughnessCoachAndFacilitator #CMTCF #CertifiedMentalWellnessCoachAndFacilitator #CMWCF

AUGUST 31, 2024: SINGAPORE SHOOTER DANIEL CHAN REFLECTS ON HIS PERFORMANCE Daniel Chan: "I was kind of nervous at the start, had trouble firing off as the gun was moving a lot and my triggering wasn't firm [COMPOSURE]. After that I changed my mindset and focus which resulted in better scores [CONCENTRATION]. During my last series, my time was running out so I had to rush through a bit. But I am glad to be able to end the competition with a 10 [COPE-ABILITY].” **LESSONS: (1) Centering techniques can help improve composure when needed. (2) Rushing makes it harder to concentrate. Trusting ourselves through reminders can help enhance focus during challenging situations. (3) Prepare for time constraints and other challenges through simulation training to enhance readiness for competitions. LINK: https://lnkd.in/gp9PHaTs #Paralympics #Paris2024 #Composure #StayCalm #Concentration #FocusOnWhatMatters #Copeability #CopeWithChallenges #MentalToughness #PeakPerformance #Shooting

AUGUST 31, 2024: SINGAPORE ARCHER SYAHIDAH ALIM ON THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL TOUGHNESS Syahidah Alim: “That shot shook my confidence for a while [CONFIDENCE], and I had to work hard to regain my composure for the rest of the round [COMPOSURE]. I tried to focus on each shot and not dwell on that bad shot, even though it was challenging [CONCENTRATION]. The rain added an extra layer of difficulty to the competition...Staying focused and adapting quickly to changing conditions, like the weather, is crucial [CONCENTRATION + COPE-ABILITY].” Pang Qing Liang (coach): "Moving forward we can improve on working on mental toughness so that during different environments and stressors [COPE-ABILITY], she can still be able to be very consistent in her shots." **LESSONS: (1) Imagining success can help maintain confidence, even in tough situations. (2) Concentrate on the next important task and let go of past mistakes. Focus on the current task at hand during competitions. (3) Anticipating the unexpected can help one calmly cope with various environments and circumstances. LINK: https://lnkd.in/gp9PHaTs #Paralympics #Paris2024 #Composure #StayCalm #Concentration #FocusOnWhatMatters #Confidence #BelieveInYourself #Copeability #CopeWithChallenges #MentalToughness #PeakPerformance #Archery

AUGUST 6, 2024: MIJAIN LOPEZ MAKES HISTORY Mijain Lopez: "The reward of a lifetime of working hard with the help of everyone and my family. It is my biggest win [COHESION].” **LESSONS: (1) Other than hard work, the support athletes get from their team and loved ones is important in helping them achieve their goals. (2) Having a support system that got one's back motivates athletes to push through challenges, become more confident of their abilities, and reach new heights. Congratulations to Mijian Lopez for becoming the first ever individual athlete to win gold in five consecutive Olympics games! 👏🏻 #Olympics #Paris2024 #Cohesion #Teamwork #MentalToughness #PeakPerformance #Wrestling

AUGUST 4, 2024: WINNING A HISTORIC SECOND GOLD Carlos Yulo: "I was just hoping to perform well...I didn't really expect a medal. It really felt like a bonus for me. [GOAL SETTING - PROCESS GOALS]” **LESSON: (1) To ensure peak performance, using process goals (i.e. working towards doing your best) can be the key to achieving victory. Congratulations to Carlos Yulo for winning his second gold medal and making history! 👏🏻 #Olympics #Paris2024 #GoalSetting #ProcessGoals #MentalToughness #PeakPerformance #Gymnastics

AUGUST 4, 2024: COMPLETING A CAREER GOLDEN SLAM “Still playing with a brace on his right knee, Djokovic started the match promisingly, creating a break point on Alcaraz’s first service game. [COPE-ABILITY]” **LESSON: (1) During less-than-ideal and pressuring situations, being able to cope with challenges is necessary for sporting success. Congratulations to Novak Djokovic for securing a gold medal and completing a career Golden Slam! 👏🏻 #Olympics #Paris2024 #CopeAbility #CopingWithChallenges #MentalToughness #PeakPerformance #Tennis

AUGUST 5, 2024: REBECA ANDRADE MAKES HISTORY WITH FLOOR GOLD MEDAL AND TEAM ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS BRONZE MEDAL Rebeca Andrade: "My team is my second family. So, we do need to have this connection and this thing of supporting and helping each other, which makes a lot of difference when we are in competition and out as well [COHESION].” “Even after long days of competition, of arriving and talking like this, ‘No, everything will work out. I’m fine, I can do it.’ Even though I’m extremely physically or mentally tired [SELF-TALK + CONFIDENCE].” **LESSONS: (1) Social support plays an important role during competitions. (2) Having positive self-talk helps in maintaining confidence, even when under immense pressure. Congratulations to Rebeca Andrade for being the most decorated Brazilian in Olympic history! 👏 #Olympics #Paris2024 #SelfTalk #PositiveSelfTalk #Confidence #BelieveInYourself #Cohesion #Teamwork #StayFocused #MentalToughness #PeakPerformance #Gymnastics

July 29, 2024. This infographic is a summary of the article "Why mental health is the real MVP of the 2024 Olympic Games" Link: https://lnkd.in/gtj9hG9K #Olympics #Paris2024 #MentalHealth #MentalToughness #MentalWellness #MentalWellbeing #PeakPerformance