Rob Bell's Blog, page 16

Top 10 Mental Toughness Documentaries That Will Make You Better

 

Top 10 Mental Toughness Documentaries That Will Make You Better

Jon Morrow is a quadriplegic who is also one of the most accomplished bloggers on the planet. He’s overcome a ton of challenges and he shared one way that he rose to success was what he fed his mind. 

He would listen to podcasts and audio books of successful people for 6-8 hrs every day!!! He basically marinated his mind with so much positivity, strategies, and models of success, that his reality changed.

The impossible was now very possible! 

Makes sense, because after watching a few of these Top 10 Mental Toughness Documentaries, I signed up for 50k trail race, with less than one month of training. 

Who doesn’t want to get tougher and be more resilient, full of grit, and able to handle adversity in a positive fashion?

In order to have Mental Toughness, there must be some sort of adversity, struggle, or challenge. Mental Strength does not happen in absence of competing against ourselves. The list of Top 10 Mental Toughness Documentaries exemplify these skills in various ways.

In these movies, some people endure through disasters tough to ever imagine, whereas some persevere through decision making, some overcome battling injuries, and some display grit through sheer determination.

You can watch all of these documentaries FREE via Amazon Prime.

10. The Ouray 100-

Non laurus luctatio- “Not the prize but the struggle” is the theme of this race! Avery Collins is the race favorite, but is near last place at one of the world’s most difficult trail races because of a wrong turn!  Avery spends the next ninety miles enduring  high altitude terrain and foul weather in a daring attempt to reclaim his lead. Running time: 59 minutes

9. Running For Jim-

Running for Jim is the inspiring story of a high school running coach Jim Tracy, and his battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease.) It follows his 2010 women’s championship team that brought his story to international attention. Running time: 117 Minutes

9B. Heart: From FlatLine to Finish Line- 

It’s 9B because both of these documentaries ( 9 & 9B) raise awareness to causes larger than themselves. This one involves heart disease and the story about six cardiac patients from hospital beds to the finish line of one of the world’s most grueling endurance events, the Ironman triathlon. A harrowing twist in the middle of this documentary was NOT expected.  Running Time: 1 hr 39 minutes

8.  Long Green Line- 

A cross-country coach has over hundreds of high-school kids show up every single year to run! That’s impressive enough! Coach Joe Newton has used the sport of Cross Country to teach important lessons to high school boys for the last 50 years. This mental toughness documentary is focused on a single season in his career, and follows the team from Elmhurst, Illinois as they reach for their 25th state title. The film focuses not only on the top athletes, but an autistic runner, and an athlete with cerebral palsy. Running time: 1hr 29 minutes

7. Being Evil-

This is most well-polished of the Top 10 mental toughness documentaries. Johnny Knoxville is the producer and the narrator. This story unfolds the man who started the term “daredevil.” His life on and off the stunts is as you can imagine, filled with highs and lows. It’s a modern day epic greek trilogy. Running time: 1 hr 40 minutes

6. Finding Traction: The Ultra Marathon Documentary- 

Nikki Kimball attempts to beat the men’s record of the 273- mile Long Trail in Vermont. Yep, 273 miles! Follow along her journey with her support team across four (4) days. This is a no joke, “a tough person” and it’ll have you in awe of her and her toughness. Highly recommend for the empowerment of female’s as well. Running Time: 55 Minutes

5. U.S.S. Indianapolis- 

This documentary may have you in tears. It’s the story of the worst naval disaster in U.S. history. The tragic story that the survivors go through is jaw-dropping. The U.S.S. Indianapolis was sunk in the waning days of WWII and it was not reported, so the sinking is an epic tale of survival for five (5) harrowing days. Running Time: 1 hr 38 minutes

4. Alone Across Australia- 

Jon Muir simply walks across Australia, unassisted, for 1600 miles. This is desolate land through the middle of Australia! It took him 128 days with just him and his dog, surviving off of the land. An amazing battle of inner-strength. Running Time: 51 Minutes

3. Ultimate Triathlon-

I interviewed Luke Tyburski for my podcast- 15 Minutes of Mental Toughness. I interviewed him because of his grit and his ability to not only handle and overcome pain, but to seriously stay relaxed when all is against him. The Ultimate Triathlon is his race From Morocco To Monaco – Swim / Bike / Run – 2000km (1200 miles) in 12 days. Running Time: 1 hr 37 minutes

 

2. Meru- 

Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin and Renan Ozturk  attempt a first summit on the mountain Meru. It’s located in India and the route that they take as a team has never been done. NO JOKE! This is big-time climbing. You’ll be in awe of these guys at what they attempt, the decisions that they have to make, and the perseverance and obsession with accomplishing this goal of Meru. Running Time: 1 hr 30 minutes

1. Barkley’s Marathon- The Race That Eats It’s Young. 

This is the number #1 Mental Toughness Documentary! This is the race that has become a cult favorite amongst Ultra distance runners. This documentary outlines the history of the race, follows one entire race, and the eventual failures and successes of the field. This race is so arduous, that there were only 10 finishers of this race in it’s first 25 years! The Barkley’s Marathon is so difficult that in 2018 alone, amongst the world’s best racers, NO ONE even finished this race! Running Time: 1 hr 29 minutes

If you want a more detailed list of documentaries and even popular “movies” with some Hollywood added in, then please check out the awesome list compiled by Dr. Sam Forlenza at https://sportpsymovies.blogspot.com/. 

It’s a great resource for anyone in search of mental toughness or sport psychology resources. 

Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. His company DRB & associates is  based in Indianapolis.  Some clients have included: Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. Check out all the books on Mental Toughness  

7 Well-Designed Brain Test Apps To Try

7 Well-Designed Brain Test Apps

The advancements in technology have proven time and again that they carry with them both the benefits and certain negative effects on mankind. The various applications and social media platforms are the top reasons why both kids and adults stay glued to their gadgets.

Although technology and the Internet have pulled us into a string of 15-minute fame, unforgiving gossips, and other unwanted mainstream acts, some educational applications are still being created to pull us out of that certain stage. These are the brain test apps. 

Here are the top 7 well-designed mind test apps that you and your family will surely love!

Elevate – Improve Mind While Playing Games – $5/month, $45/year

With adults as its main target audience, this application focuses on improving the user’s productivity, capacity to earn, and social well-being which is good for business and companies.

You are measured using different exams which include mathematical problems that enhance your ability to move with numbers quickly and solve equations related to business, communication skills that are used to mingle and socialize with other people, and concentration which improves your attention and memory using word-related triggers.

The importance of this test is to enhance your cognitive abilities without the need for bright colors nor edited images. This application uses a simple interface to focus on everyday words that you can relate to pieces of information.

These mind test apps are available on both iOS and Android for a membership fee of $5 per month. 

Brain Fitness Pro – Think And Solve Patterns – $4/per month

The app developers of these brain test apps have proven that extensive memory training done through the game can provide the benefit of long-term results for users.

This game focuses on enhancing one’s memory through different images and texts which stimulates the brain to remember pieces of important information. These types of applications are created and used for those who suffer short-term memory loss, short attention span, and those who are encountering issues with remembering small events.

The app is available for both Android and iOS and only charges $4 membership fee per month. It ensures that the games rotate each session making it seem like you are encountering different games at different times.

It also adjusts the level of difficulty depending on the amount of progress that is recorded after each session.

Happify -For Stress & Worry – Free; Plus Membership $6.95/month for one-year subscription

The objective of this app is to persuade the user into practicing a positive perspective. It has been proven that by having a positive outlook in life helps people resolve more problems and evade physical or mental illnesses.

This application can be used for free by both Android and iOS users and execute positive psychology which eliminates or reduces any point of negative thinking.

It generates quizzes, polls, and a gratitude journal where you can keep a personal note or record of how you think you are doing. The app interface is set with bright colors and positive images to create a happy mindset.

It also aims to adjust the way a person deals with anger, stress, pressure, and the result should be beneficial to the user because of the ease in resolving any issue with this kind of enhanced outlook.

Fit Brains Trainer – Work Out The Brain – Free

Users are given a free access to these brain test apps to “workout” their brains. This application is available for both Android and iOS platforms.

With 360 diverse games (some of which you may have already encountered),  it aims to enhance the mental agility of each user by arranging the games in a certain pattern. This does not only test your speed but it also strengthens your memory.

Some of the games you would encounter are Spot the Difference, Matching Pairs, Missing Puzzle Pieces, etc. Most of these are games similar to those you have played since you were a kid so we are confident that you are familiar with the rules of each test.

Eidetic – Simple But Effective Brain Exercises – Free basic version, $2.99 for full version

This brain test app focuses on simple games to help you enhance your memory. Not like the other games that have goals to enhance 3 abilities at a time, this test narrows down the result to just improving your memory and attention span.

Using a flash-card system, it gives you a series of numbers for you to memorize. It could be a set of random phone numbers, dates, times, or bank account simulations. It uses a spaced repetition which helps your brain retain the information by letting you see the text a few times.

This game is perfect for those who need help with remembering important events such as birthdays, anniversaries, or meetings. It also helps in remembering bank accounts, pins, and emergency numbers.

CogniFit Brain Fitness – Play With No Pressure – Free

This game aims to enhance your brain while it creates a healthy and competitive environment. It also creates a track record that is shared under a “leaderboards” tab where you can compare with friends.

This brain test app provides competitive brain games for a $13 monthly membership fee. It also provides an annual membership fee of $120 which gives you around $26 in savings. There are diverse designs and graphics for every test which will help you test how well you can remember information.

The app also hosts a friendly battle mode where both you and your friend can enter the same game and battle to finish the test faster. The abilities enhanced by the game are your analytical skills, emotional management, communication, memory, and concentration.

Lumosity – The Leader In Brain-Training Innovation – Free Basic Membership; $11.99/month

Achieve the ultimate brain training session that helps you with a different set of tests every day. However, how much is the price to pay for such a top-notch application? For Lumosity costs, you can find it out by clicking this.

Neuroscientists who believe that technology should help mankind improve rather than wither have paired up with a group of app developers to create the ultimate brain game. It offers a free 3-game plan membership and a 5-game plan membership that costs $11.99 per month. If you prefer using this for the whole year, you can subscribe to the annual membership which costs $59.99.

You are never given the same test twice in a week and this is done by rotation for every session. It also keeps your records and adjusts the difficulty level depending on your progress. This app is truly fascinating and will never give you a dull session.

Abilities such as attention, memory, problem-solving, and thinking flexibility are put to the test with this application.

Brain Test Bottom Line?

Although psychologists urge people to go outside and interact with others, it is not always to our convenience. This is why brain games like these are created to make sure that your neurons are exercised while your body is at rest.

Give your noggin’ a joggin’ and try out one of these applications today!

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She Almost Quit At Mile 6, But She Won the Boston Marathon

How She Won The Boston Marathon

Des Linden, she won the Boston Marathon, the most prestigious marathon in the world on her 6th attempt.

The conditions were shitty rough.

There were 30+ m/hr headwinds the entire race, complete downpour, and temperatures in the 30’s with windchill in the 20’s.

It was a day that exemplified Mental Toughness!!!

My JV soccer coach once told us that “bad weather equalizes out the competition.” He’s right.

It was the slowest winning time in the Boston Marathon for the men’s and women’s race in 40 years. Just check out the “no-names” of the finishers in 2nd through 6th!

Who the Heck Were Those Women in 2nd Through 6th at the Boston Marathon?

But, here’s how Des Linden, (who has tons of outside fans because of her talent and penchant for whiskey) won the race.

She said to herself at mile six “guess it’s not my day.” She didn’t feel it. Things need to go right on those days and it wasn’t…. At that moment.

Then, she focused on others. That’s how she won the Boston Marathon, by focusing on others! 

She told her friend and race favorite Shalane Flanagan that she was going to drop out, and Des asked Shalane if she could do anything to help her…

Shalane asked if she could go use the bathroom….

So, Des, held up and waited for her and together they joined back up with the lead pack.

By focusing on others, she got outside of her own head, her own issues, her own struggle and fatigue.

Then she got her second wind!

She won the Boston Marathon as a result from focusing on others… NO ONE Gets There ALONE. 

We simply cannot help out anyone else without ALSO helping ourselves. It’s just that focus on others goes contrary to the music and self-talk that we’ve been listening to our whole life…. Me, Me, Me.

Our next 30-day Mental Toughness Challenge begins at the beginning of the month.

Want to learn and apply the same recipe for success AND significance?

Check it out here… NO ONE Gets There ALONE- 30 Day Mental Toughness Challenge. 

Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. His company DRB & associates is  based in Indianapolis.  Some clients have included: Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. Check out all the books on Mental Toughness  

The Real Reason Forrest Gump Started Running

The Real Reason Forrest Gump Started Running.

I don’t buy that whole line of  bull that Forest Gump Spews about “That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run.” That’s not the reason Forrest Gump started running. 

Not One Bit!

Here’s why…

His mom just died in the same house he grew up in, delivering the famous “life is like a box of chocolates” line. I hope I can deliver a witty line before I die. 

Then, Forrest Gump’s love, Jenny, comes back into his life and he said having Jenny back in his life was the “happiest time of his life! Just like peas and carrots.” 

Then, it rains in the movie…

Nothing good happens when it rains during movies.

When he woke up, Jenny had left in the middle of the night, after rejecting his marriage proposal and leaving him with a little present. 

Forest Gump was in pain. 
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Forest Gump was in pain. 

He was hurting. It was his bottom. 

And we’ve all been there. Our bottom. It’s different for everybody. But, it’s where change takes place. It’s a motivating factor.

Desperation. Frustration. Hurt. Pain. 

That’s the reason Forrest Gump started running that day. And the bottom is what causes our own change as well. 

We need to want to change and get better so badly, that we will do whatever it takes. If we are comfortable, then we need more pain before change will occur. 

Now, the past is okay to look at, but we can’t stare at it.

The reason Forrest Gump started running WAS NOT the reason why he kept running. He certainly didn’t keep running his whole life. His why changed along the way. 

He said it later near the end of the running sequence montage of the movie, “You need to put the past behind you before you can move on.” 

In our own life, it’s okay to have various motivations for change once we begin the path. It can start with pain and fear,  but our why changes. It needs to involve passion, goals, dreams, and a vision of who we want to become. The pain needs to be accompanied by love. 

Does your why also involve other people, or is it just about you? 

Would have Forrest kept running if it wasn’t for all of the people who joined him? Perhaps so, but there’s no denying that he did have a lot of company with him. 

He ran for three years, two months, fourteen days, and sixteen hours. That’s usually enough time to run past the pain. Depends… I do know that running helps. 

Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. His company DRB & associates is  based in Indianapolis.  Some clients have included: Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. Check out all the books on Mental Toughness  

Top Mental Toughness Books of 2018 (so far)

Top Mental Toughness Books of 2018 (so far)

If you are a coach or a boss, then you are paid to read. Hence, I love reading quality books and make it a priority to read the top mental toughness books that are WAY better than mine. If you want a detailed reading list for 2018, check out this article.

 

Wherever I Wind Up- R. A. Dickey 

Cy Young winner, R. A. Dickey pitched for the Vols way before I arrived there. And even though I’m a graduate of the University of Tennessee, I couldn’t have enjoyed this book anymore. This is one of the top mental toughness books I’ve ever read. 

After making the Collegiate World Series, he was slated to be drafted in the first round by the Texas Rangers and sign a contract and bonus of $750,000. During the routine physical, it was discovered he had no UCL in his elbow!?!

Thus, no contract! He ended up signing a simple minor league contract. This book is simply top-notch and a real testament to his faith and approach to life.

 

Anyways- Kent M. Keith 

The paradoxical commandments!

This is a very fast read. It’s easy to digest and sometimes the simple books are the most powerful.

The synopsis is basic, people are going to think you’re doing good for the recognition.

Do good anyways! 

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.

Succeed anyway.

Or as Andre Agassi’s strength coach Gil Reyes once told me, “Some battles are worth fighting, even if you lose.”

On Fire- John O’Leary

John O’Leary was a nine-year-old boy who wanted to watch some cardboard burn in his garage as he poured gasoline on it. The subsequent explosion threw him against the garage wall.

He was covered in gasoline and had to run through the flames in order to get out. He ran into his house completely on fire where his brother put the fire out with rug.

This epic story involves finding out your why in life and how an action of gratitude makes all of the difference. In need of perspective or inspiration? this is it. The Top Mental Toughness Books are also in audio format and this is read by the author, which I dig.

 

The Quarterback Whisperer-  Bruce Arians

I like to whisper too!

“No Risk it, no biscuit. “ is the popular saying from this head coach and quarterback expert. Coach Bruce Arians has worked with the best in the history of the game from Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger, to Andrew Luck and Carson Palmer.

Coach Bruce delves into the intricacies and mentality needed to be an elite NFL quarterback and how to build one. His commentary and approach to coaching is authentic and down to earth!

 

 

 

The Undoing Project- Michael Lewis

The author of Money Ball and Three Nights in August, Michael Lewis, wrote another classic.

This book is about two psychologists who changed the way we basically think about our reality. These two researchers examined big data and invented the field of behavioral economics. They always came under harsh scrutiny for their work, because they were unconventional.

For example, would you rather merely LOSE $50 or flip a coin and if you win, you lose nothing, but if you LOSE the coin flip, you lose $100?

 

 

Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. His company DRB & associates is  based in Indianapolis.  Some clients have included: Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. Check out all the books on Mental Toughness  

How A Brutal Injury Caused and Created An NBA All-Star

This Brutal Injury Caused and Created  An NBA All-Star

NO ONE could have predicted that a brutal injury caused and created this player to become a NBA all-star and the New York Knicks all-time leader in three-pointers.

It was an injury that led him to Knicks stardom.

In every bad situation, some good will come out of it! 

In every bad situation, some good will come out of it! 
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John Starks received a try-out with the Knicks but wasn’t expected to make the team.

Fortune favors the bold and Starks had plenty of that intangible skill. During try-outs, his 6’3” frame attempted a dunk over 7’0” Patrick Ewing.

The hall of fame center rejected the dunk and slammed Starks to the ground causing Starks to injure his knee. NBA rules state that a player cannot be cut from a roster if they are injured, so he remained on the team.

It was after he returned that the Knicks began to value his work ethic so much that he garnered playing time. His injury became a hinge moment. The injury caused and created a future all-star. 10 

It doesn’t matter where we are on the depth chart, or how bad things seem. We need to stay ready because it only takes one! For our hinge to connect, we must have confidence. In every BAD situation, Some GOOD will come out of it. 

 

Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. His company DRB & associates is  based in Indianapolis.  Some clients have included: Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. Check out all the books on Mental Toughness  

Save Your Kid When You Remember This One Mental Toughness Tip

Save Your Kid When You Remember This One Mental Toughness Tip

 Remember that one player as a youth who somehow had a beard? Typically the best athletes at younger ages are the biggest and the most physically developed.

So, won’t the best 12-year-olds in the nation will be the best professionals, and major champion winners, olympic medalists and so on? It rarely happens, because of the many factors that go into long-term development! 

Let’s compare two youth athletes’ journeys because the mental toughness tip is: It’s not who gets there first, it’s who can get there and stay there.

It’s not who gets there first, it’s who can get there and stay there. 
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Golf is a sport where physical development is less important and occurs much later. It’s such a mental game, so this kid had a proverbial mental beard. He played beyond his years, didn’t make mistakes, and won—a lot.

He was not only the number-one 12-year-old golfer in California, but he was so good that at one international tournament he shot 73-70 and won it by sixteen shots! 

When he finished sixth at Junior World Golf Championships that same year—the best field in the world, he was disappointed. At that time in California, future PGA champion Rickie Fowler looked up to this kid.

As a freshman in high school, every collegiate program wanted this golfer, and everyone approached him.

The expectations for this young man were tremendous, and he admitted that when he began to struggle, he thought he was letting everyone down. When his physical growth occurred, his golf swing changed, he became confused with mechanics, started enjoying other sports, and soon lost confidence. 

Remember, confidence is king. Although, that’s not the mental toughness tip. 

Luckily, his stellar grades buffered him from finding his complete identity in being only a golfer. 

He still managed to play in college, but at a much lower level. This golfer’s name, Joe Skovron, would later become Rickie Fowler’s caddy on the PGA Tour. An excellent gig, but this isn’t the mental toughness tip. 

In comparison, the other youth athlete played all different competitive sports at a younger age, including football, baseball, and basketball.

Everyone in the state of Indiana played basketball, and his dad played basketball in college, so his dad struggled somewhat when he stopped playing.

The expectation was never for this kid to play professional golf. 

He didn’t start playing competitive golf until 12 years old, which means he started playing at a much later age than others. The expectations from every round of golf were to have fun, learn something, have a positive experience and make a friend.

In an eighth grade tournament, he shot an 89 in the first round. In the car ride, they didn’t discuss the round at all—only the excellent par on the last hole. He responded by shooting a 71 the next day.

Patrick Rodgers’ development and passion for golf took off in high school.

His dad and mom always allowed golf to be their son’s thing. They didn’t push. Patrick ended up playing golf at Stanford, tied Tiger Woods’ record with eleven wins, became the number-one ranked collegiate golfer, won the Ben Hogan award, and turned professional after his junior season.

Stories about late-bloomers, two or three star athletes are numerous. The mental toughness tip is to be patient and remember kids are as only as good as their practice and passion towards it. The passion of a player translates into their dedication, work-ethic, and overall mentality. 

Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. His company DRB & associates is  based in Indianapolis.  Some clients have included: Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. Check out all the books on Mental Toughness  

Why The Mental Game of Golf is NOT Successful

Why The Mental Game of Golf is NOT Successful

I entered a golf tournament last year. I do it because I compete in everything I do. 

I was playing pretty well for me heading into the tournament. I committed to lessons, and didn’t have to rely on my athleticism to find a way to make par. I shot 77 the week before, but I was finally striking the ball well for once in my life. 

It was pretty solid.  I was excited to play.

My short game is my strength and I’m a fantastic putter. If I manage to keep the ball in front of me, then I can play okay. 

Well, the second hole of the tourney, I hit it high right. And high right again on holes four and five. I made the turn at plus 2  and hit it high right on 10 & 11, bogey and double-bogey. 

I was struggling. 

In running, it’s called bonking. In golf, it’s called limping in. Awful feeling. 

Not much changed during the second day of the tournament. 

Champions can adjust. I could not. 

Where did the mental game of golf come into play? 

It was secondary. It was not important. 

The mental game was not a focus because of how bad I was hitting the ball. 

How could I focus on having fun, staying in the moment, playing it one shot at a time, and letting it go, when I was striking the ball so poorly? 

That is why the mental game does NOT work! 

The mental game of golf can NOT be secondary! 

When the mental game fails, it’s because of this reason. It was secondary.

We approach the mental game and mental toughness as an ancillary benefit. We treat it like a stocking stuffer instead of a gift under the tree. 

We treat it like a stocking stuffer instead of a gift under the tree.
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We all act like the mental game of golf is a nap we take when tired instead of the number of hours we actually need to sleep. 

We do not hold the mental game as a primary goal and that’s why it fails. 

We try to make deals with our mental game and we do not focus on it. 

We treat it as an if/then statement. For example, IF I’m playing okay, THEN I’ll move on and focus on the next shot. 

Let’s say, we had a simple goal of 1) committing to the shot. That’s it! One goal. 

That’s fantastic, but then we plugged in the bunker on a hole and sailed the green on the next. We committed to the shot, and it didn’t work, so then, we bagged it! We focused on hitting it better, which means tons of different things, and we floated into the abyss of results thinking. 

We got away from our goal of 1) committing to the shot. 

It was a stocking stuffer. We didn’t value it enough to put it under the tree. 

The only way the mental game of golf works is if it is the PRIMARY Goal.

If the ONLY goal was to commit to the shot, even when we hit it bad, we committed to the goal and what that process looked like for us. It’s not easy of course, but it allowed us to compete and stay focused. We can accept those results. 

Now, here’s the rub: IF we committed to our goal, IF we stayed with it and did not stray, then we know we gave ourselves the best chance for success. Plus, our mental game goal is 100% in our control. It’s part of the process, independent of  results.  

Players and coaches, we must remember that we are in the process business, NOT the results business. 

We are in the process business, NOT the results business. 
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Let’s say we set a goal to “have fun.” It’s our goal because we know if we can simply focus on that, then we usually play better and do not get stuck inside of our own head. If our ONLY goal is to have fun and enjoy it, then it is 100% in our control. We can do that! However, If “have fun” is just an ancillary benefit or a secondary goal, then once we start to not play well, we bag it. POOF! 

The mental game becomes an If/Then statement.

IF I play well, THEN I’ll have fun.  Sorry, that doesn’t work. That’s making deals with ourselves, not goals. 

That’s what I see and hear from players and sadly, experience it myself. 

The mental game is the same across all other sports. If it isn’t held up as the standard and the only goal, then it is dependent upon results and outcome. 

Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. His company DRB & associates is  based in Indianapolis.  Some clients have included: Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. Check out all the books on Mental Toughness 

(INFOGRAPHIC) 8 Deadly Ways to Build Persistence

(INFOGRAPHIC) 8 Deadly Ways to Build Persistence

Every morning, I tweet out the same phase:

Patience & Persistence…

It’s a mantra. A belief system.

Persistence, Mental Toughness, and Grit are all muscles. We can build persistence and we can build patience. 

Theses skills are muscles that we build like creativity, speed, and strength.  You increase the perseverance muscle by exercising the very traits detailed within this infographic. 

The simple reason why this title has “deadly” in it, is that in order to build persistence, we must fail, fail, and fail some more. Losing and failure sure feels deadly, but just remember failure is NOT fatal. 

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Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. His company DRB & associates is  based in Indianapolis.  Some clients have included: Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. Check out all the books on Mental Toughness 

What I Learned Speaking to the NFL Strength Coaches

What I Learned Speaking to the NFL Strength Coaches

I delivered the keynote to the NFL Strength Coaches banquet this week to basically kick off the NFL scouting combine. 

It was really cool. I love coaches and it was humbling to have these giants talk with me about their own Hinge moments and mental toughness. 

It was a fantastic dinner, listening to great stories, and just meeting such inspiring coaches. 

They gave the awards after the dinner and Jerry Palmieri received the lifetime achievement award. He wonderfully represents the NFL strength coaches. He just retired from the Giants and has been in strength coaching since 1983. 

He gave an excellent speech and talked about the three things he learned from coaching. It was after he mentioned all of his mentors and proteges in the room that it dawned on me. 

This guy has personally coached thousands of athletes and mentored hundreds of other strength coaches. You can safely estimate that the guys he deeply impacted and directly changed their lives just because of his coaching is generational. 

Then, from the people he directed impacted to the many numbers of people that they themselves impacted gets pretty mind boggling. 

When I looked around the room at the head NFL strength coaches and the assistant NFL strength coaches, the sheer number of people and families influenced, changed, and impacted in some fashion from the coaches in that room was easily in the millions! MILLIONS. 

Coaches truly are the most important hinge in people’s lives. 

The best part is that everyone is a coach!

You can’t know the number of people that you impact, but you do make a difference. 

The world is different because that you are in it. If we focus on making it better and impacting people, our lives change as well.  

Thanks to all the people who started the 30 Days to Mental Toughness Challenge. Excited that you’re taking part and creating a better YOU and US. Sorry, if you missed out on this round. Next month begins another challenge. 

Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. His company DRB & associates is  based in Indianapolis.  Some clients have included: Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. Check out all the books on Mental Toughness