As athletes, we spend countless hours perfecting our physical game—whether it's training, nutrition, or recovery. But another side of performance that often gets overlooked: mental preparation.
I had a great conversation with Myriam Robitaille, a professional beach volleyball player, where she shared how mental coaching helped her break through barriers and elevate her game.
We've heard about the 10,000 hours "rule" for intentional physical training for elite performance, but if the key differentiator at the elite level is mental - how much mental skills training have you put in?
Why Mental Coaching is Just as Important as Physical Training For Athletes
Myriam’s transition from indoor to beach volleyball was a tough one—not just physically but mentally. Even though she was physically doing the work, something was holding her back from hitting her full potential.
“Every time we started a new training program, my coach would ask, ‘What do you think is blocking you from reaching the next level?’ I always thought it was physical. But after a year, I realised my mental game was lacking.”
Sound familiar? A lot of athletes face the same challenge. They assume that more physical training will get them to the next level, but their mindset is often the real issue. Myriam realised that while she had trained her body, she hadn’t invested in training her mind. Mental coaching for athletes - this led to moments of self-doubt and a lack of focus during crucial moments in matches.
How Mental Coaching Helped Myriam Break Through
Working with a mental coach changed the game for Myriam. She learned some simple but powerful techniques that made all the difference in her performance:
Visualisation: Mentally rehearsing successful plays gave her the confidence to step on the court feeling ready and focused.
Mindfulness: Learning to stay present helped her keep anxiety in check and avoid distractions during matches.
Goal-setting: Setting clear, achievable goals kept her on track and motivated to keep pushing forward.
“Instead of letting doubt take over, I focus on what I can control and remind myself of the work I’ve put in.”
This shift in mindset helped her stay clear-headed during high-pressure situations, which led to better performances overall.
How You Can Start Embracing Mental Coaching
If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, Myriam’s journey shows that mental coaching is just as important as physical training. Here’s how you can get started:
Understand Its Value: Mental preparation is just as crucial as physical skills. If you find yourself struggling with confidence or focus, it might be time to work on your mental game.
Get Professional Help: Consider working with a mental coach or using resources that can help build your mental resilience.
Try Different Techniques: Not everything will work for everyone. Experiment with visualisation, mindfulness, or goal-setting to see what sticks.
Investing in Your Mental Game
“Investing in your mental game can lead to significant improvements in your overall performance and enjoyment of the sport,”
Many athletes are willing to invest in new gear or hire physical trainers, but the mental side often gets ignored. Myriam’s story shows that building mental strength can unlock a whole new level of performance—and even help you find more joy in your sport.
The Bottom Line
Myriam’s experience highlights that mental resilience is just as important as physical strength. Training your mind to stay focused, confident, and calm under pressure can help you push through challenges and perform at your best when it counts.
If you’re feeling stuck in your performance, whether in sports or even a career transition, mental coaching could be the key you’re missing.
Mental preparation is key to performing at your highest level.
Techniques like visualisation, mindfulness, and goal-setting can improve focus and confidence.
Everyone’s mental game is different—find what works for you.
By embracing mental coaching, you improve your performance and discover a deeper sense of empowerment and enjoyment in your sport.
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