Why are you freaking out? It's just a ____ The thing is, it's never just a ____ to the person with a deep seeded fear. This is their Everest and they're paralysed with fear.

After just a couple of minutes the first doctor determined he wasn't going to get anywhere and so sent me for an MRI. Then he merely read the radiographers report in front of me. The second doctor gave me his diagnosis over the phone but it was the exact same as the first doctor so … Continue reading Fast diagnosis →

In an episode of Taskmaster the contestants had to get coconuts down the hill via a skateboard but if anyone used the same equipment as another they would be disqualified. One of the coconut travelling options available was a perfectly made coconut container and labelled as such. And the contestants were told it would safely … Continue reading Coconut container →

I think as a child we were more honest about our feelings: Why do you feel sad? Because I didn't get a gold star off the teacher! But as adults it sounds petty and childish to be sulking about lack of recognition so we pretend it doesn't bother us and push those feelings of hurt … Continue reading Missing recognition →

I think glory lives on the shoulders of grunt. While English rugby fans will forever hold Jonny Wilkinson as a hero of theirs, his moment of glory would never have happened if it wasn't for the grunt work of Martin Johnson, Jason Robinson, and Matt Dawson (and that's just in the few moments preceding his … Continue reading Glory and grunt →

I think peak performance ebbs and flows for every individual. For every above average moment you need an average and below average moment (it's just that some have higher averages than others). Then what I think is interesting is when you combine that with team sports. Sometimes they sync up to maintain a constant for … Continue reading Peaks ebbing and flowing →

You're not allowed to say yes and then resent them for 'making you do it'. If you can't find the assertiveness to say no then you have to bring your best attitude. You can't have it both ways.

I think this video is one of the most encouraging sights to see and amazing reminder that nobody is perfect, everyone makes mistakes, nobody is safe. https://youtu.be/BHPeUPHfqVg Hell if even Michael Jordan makes howlers like those (2 mins in is particularly bad) then us mortals can be nicer to ourselves about our mistakes

I just want the future to be here already, so I can handle the outcome. Not ideal if its bad but at least I can manage it! This waiting around is torture!

The athlete who doesn't trust themselves to perform in the moment clings to fitness and practice to build their confidence. But what if you deny them the preparation they so desperately feel they need? Then I think you'll separate those who trust themselves from those who don't in the anxiety levels. The same could be … Continue reading Metaphorical life jacket →