Our Mental Toughness Blog

3 thoughts on “Our Mental Toughness Blog”

1. I read your blog ‘Unlock the power of purpose’ and had a thought. The blog mentions that
   ‘developing a sense of purpose is complex and may take a long time…….’.
   The idea of purpose often isn’t introduced to us formally until later in life, if at all. By the time many of us encounter this concept, it’s framed as something to “discover” or “find,” almost as though it were a distant goal rather than an evolving, integral part of our lives.
   If parents, teachers, and leaders were to actively encourage young people—pre-teens especially—to identify and pursue what excites them, it could profoundly shape their sense of self and their outlook on life. Asking questions like, “What excites you about the day ahead?” or “What activities make you feel alive and fulfilled?” might help children start noticing what brings them joy or meaning. This approach could foster not only a sense of purpose but also confidence, curiosity, and resilience from a much younger age.
   By highlighting these small moments of joy and encouraging them, adults can plant the seeds of purpose early. Over time, these experiences can evolve into something deeper and more intentional.
   If this were part of our upbringing, I believe we could indeed be a much happier and more fulfilled population. When purpose is nurtured from a young age, it becomes a guiding principle rather than a puzzle to solve later in life. What’s more, it might help us navigate challenges with greater clarity and optimism, knowing that our lives are anchored by things that matter deeply to us.

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2. “Coaching is also a performance area”
   I’m curious about where player or athlete feedback fits into the equation and how it might be effectively implemented. It’s crucial for coaches to recognize that athletes learn and respond in different ways—what works well for one individual might not resonate with another. I’d be interested in exploring strategies for how coaches can adapt their approaches to meet these diverse learning styles. Additionally, I’d love to hear more about how incorporating player feedback can enhance adaptability and improve overall performance.

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3. ‘Enjoyment and high performance’
   This really resonated with me. Having played netball at various levels over the years, I’ve experienced times when, despite my love for the sport, I didn’t enjoy myself. When the fun was missing, it became much harder to stay motivated for games and training, and I often found myself looking for excuses not to go. Interestingly, playing at higher levels with like-minded teammates was far more enjoyable, even with the added pressure to perform well and maintain my position on the court.

   In that sense, enjoyment often seems tied to the people we’re surrounded by and how aligned we feel with them. For athletes who find themselves in teams where certain dynamics diminish their enjoyment, it would be vital to implement strategies to maintain their motivation and love for the game.

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