Rob Bell's Blog, page 3
August 20, 2024
5 Strategies for Mentally Tough Business Executives
You are not one of the mentally tough business executives by being soft. We get it! And part of your skill was being coachable! These 5 strategies will help!
Setbacks are inevitable. However, it’s not about the setback, it’s about the comeback!
What separates successful entrepreneurs from those who falter is mental toughness. This article delves into 5 key strategies that can help mentally tough business executives cultivate more resilience, harness the power of failure, and optimize their mental fortitude. From reframing failure as a learning opportunity to building a supportive network, these strategies can empower business owners to navigate challenges with confidence and purpose.
Strategy 1: Know the GoalThe overall goal isn’t MORE. That’s an addict’s mantra. The goal is to achieve balance, flexibility, and ultimately peace! Your business and identity are wrapped up into one ball of achievement and it’s worked. However, there isn’t peace… And that has to be the goal of this journey.
Understand the Value of SetbacksMountaintop moments only last so long and then it’s “onto the next.”
Failure is often viewed negatively, but it is crucial to develop mental toughness.
Every setback is an opportunity for a comeback and it can guide future decisions. For mentally tough business executives, embracing failure means shifting the mindset from fear to curiosity. Instead of asking, Why did this happen to me?, consider asking, What can I learn from this? This shift in perspective fosters resilience and opens doors to opportunities for improvement.
Identify Lessons Learned
After experiencing a setback, take time to reflect.
Conduct an autopsy of what went wrong and why. Document your findings and extract key lessons. This process not only aids in personal growth but also assists in developing strategies to mitigate similar challenges in the future. The more effectively you can identify and articulate lessons, the more equipped you’ll be to turn future failures into stepping stones for success.
Transform Failure into Fuel
As mentally tough business executives operate, as you know, you use failure as fuel.
Once you’ve identified lessons learned, the next step is to transform these insights into actionable strategies. Use the knowledge gained from past failures to fuel your motivation and determination. Create a mental game roadmap that outlines how you will apply these lessons moving forward. By viewing setbacks as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks, you can cultivate a mindset that welcomes challenges as opportunities for growth.
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Strategy 2: Cultivate a Positive MindsetPractice Gratitude DailyA positive mindset is crucial for mental toughness training.
As successful as mentally tough business executives are, there needs to be gratitude and mental toughness is built through daily gratitude practices. Take a few minutes each day to reflect on what you are thankful for, whether it’s a supportive team, a successful project, or simply a sunny day. Keeping a gratitude notebook can help reinforce these positive thoughts, making it easier to stay optimistic even in challenging times.
Visualize Success
Visualization is a powerful tool for business executives seeking to cultivate success. Spend time imagining your success in vivid detail. Picture yourself achieving your goals, and immerse yourself in the feelings associated with that success. This practice not only boosts confidence but also creates a roadmap in your subconscious, making your vision feel more attainable and real.
Surround Yourself with Positivity
Your environment significantly influences your mindset. Surround yourself with positive, supportive individuals who inspire and uplift you. This can include colleagues, mentors, or even online communities. Engaging with others who share similar goals and values creates a collaborative atmosphere that fosters resilience and motivation.
Positivity and confidence are contagious; by immersing yourself in a supportive network, you bolster your own toughness mentally.
Strategy 3: Develop Resilience Through RoutineCreate Consistent Daily HabitsEstablishing a daily routine can significantly contribute to mental toughness. Routines provide structure, which can be especially comforting during tumultuous times. Create a morning routine that sets a positive tone for the day, incorporating activities such as meditation, planning, or reading. By building consistency into your day, you create a buffer against stress and uncertainty, enhancing your overall resilience.
Incorporate Physical Activity (Get after it)
Physical health is intrinsically linked to mental wellness. Regular exercise not only boosts mood through the release of endorphins but also enhances focus and cognitive function. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or strength training, find an activity that you enjoy and integrate it into your routine. This commitment to physical health supports mental toughness by improving your ability to handle stress. But, if you want to go further, sign up for a race!
Prioritize Mental Wellness
Mental wellness is a multifaceted issue that includes managing stress, maintaining a work-life balance, and seeking professional help when necessary. Incorporate practices such as mindfulness, meditation, or journaling into your routine to alleviate stress and enhance mental clarity. Remember, demonstrates a commitment to sustaining your overall health and emotional intelligence and mental toughness. Its effectiveness is one of the traits from mentally tough business executives.
Strategy 4: Set Clear Goals and Take ActionDefine Your Vision
Smart goals are unnecessary. Instead, all you need is a clear vision of your desired destination. Keep in mind that sailboats are off-course most of the time, but they adapt. By determining what success entails, you establish a distinct path to pursue. This level of precision keeps you concentrated and motivated. Consistently reviewing and enhancing your objectives guarantees their continued relevance and alignment with your aspirations.
Create an Action Plan
Once your goals are defined, create an actionable plan that outlines the steps necessary to achieve them. Break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks. This approach not only makes your goals feel more attainable but also provides opportunities for regular progress assessments. Celebrate these small achievements along the way to keep motivation high and maintain momentum.
Celebrate Small Wins
Cultivating a habit of celebrating small wins is vital for maintaining motivation and a positive mindset. Acknowledge your progress, no matter how minor. This practice reinforces the idea that every step forward is valuable, helping you build confidence and resilience over time. By recognizing these moments, you create a positive feedback loop that fuels your commitment to your larger goals.
Strategy 5: Seek Support and Build a NetworkConnect with Like-Minded Individuals
Mental toughness is also about building a support system. Engage in discussions, attend workshops, or join groups where you can exchange ideas and experiences. This network fosters collaboration, vulnerability, and provides valuable insights.
Provide Mentorship Opportunities
Since you are already one of the Mentally Tough Business Executives, the goal is to make sure that you are mentoring others! Take another under your wing and provide critical feedback, accountability, and encouragement, enhancing their learning and growth.
YOU”LL IMPROVE as a result of this!
Engage in Collaborative Problem Solving
Collaboration enhances mental toughness by providing diverse perspectives and shared knowledge. When faced with challenges, engage your network in problem-solving discussions. Collective brainstorming can yield innovative solutions and alleviate feelings of isolation. By approaching obstacles as a team, you cultivate a sense of community and shared purpose, reinforcing your mental resilience.
Conclusion
Building mental toughness is a multifaceted endeavor that involves embracing failures, cultivating positive mindsets, establishing routines, setting a clear vision, and seeking supportive networks.
Mentally Tough Business Executives, like yourself use these strategies already! It’s just about getting more efficient and remaining patient with yourself enabling you to navigate the unpredictable landscape of entrepreneurship with confidence and strength. By implementing these strategies, business owners can transform setbacks into opportunities for growth, ensuring long-term success and fulfillment in their ventures.
FAQsWhat is mental toughness?
Mental toughness is 1) how we deal, handle, and cope with the struggles, and setbacks in life & 2) how we perform under pressure. It involves the ability to stay focused, resilient, and adaptable in the face of challenges.
How can I become more resilient?
Becoming more resilient involves cultivating a positive mindset, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, establishing consistent routines, and building a network of support. Engaging in physical activities and prioritizing mental wellness also play key roles.
Why is failure important for success?
Failure serves as a powerful teacher, providing insights that can guide future decisions. By analyzing failures, business owners can identify valuable lessons, enabling them to approach challenges with greater confidence and knowledge.
How can I practice gratitude effectively?
To practice gratitude effectively, set aside time daily to reflect on what you are thankful for. Writing in a gratitude journal can help reinforce this practice, allowing you to appreciate the positive aspects of your life and business.
What role does networking play in building mental toughness?
Networking provides a support system that fosters collaboration and shared problem-solving. Engaging with like-minded individuals and seeking mentorship can enhance resilience and provide diverse perspectives on challenges.
Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. DRB & associates coach executives and professional athletes. Some clients have included three different winners on the PGA Tour, Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens.
Check Out All The Books
Keynote Speaking On Mental Toughness
Mental Toughness Podcast as we interview expert athletes and coaches about Mental Strength and their Hinge Moment.
New Blog Posts are published weekly.
Follow on Twitter @drrobbell
Follow on Instagram @drrobbell
June 16, 2024
How Rory McIlroy Choked ?
I hate the word Choke, but the reality is this, EVERYONE HAS CHOKED. Wait, not everyone, just those who have been successful. You have to be in it to win it – No one in 35th place has ever choked.
Rory McIlroy is a Hall of Fame golfer and 4x Major Winner. He does not need to do anything more and he’s in the Hall of fame…
Here’s How Rory McIlroy Choked at The U.S. Open[image error]Rory McElroy (ENG)(Photo by Richard Washbrooke/News Images)
So here’s how it happened~Here’s how Rory McIlroy choked.
But, please note, I’m a fan of Rory, and want this future Hall of Fame golfer to have another Major win!
Choking- Suboptimal performance given one’s skill level where incentives for optimal performance are at a maximum (Beilock & Carr, 2001).
This isn’t bad play or a slump but more of an event that takes place under high-pressure situations. Again, you have to be in it to win it.
There are a lot of theories about the anatomy of a choke. But this theory holds true time and time again.
Catastrophe Theory- All performers have an optimal range of arousal under pressure circumstances. Pressure is a privilege. When arousal gets too high, it turns into anxiety and then there can be an extreme drop-off in performance or a “catastrophe” (Hardy, 1990).
The catastrophe is caused by one error or mistake which leads to another and another, a complete drop-off, or meltdown.
Rory McIlroy was 496/46 on putts inside of 3-feet the entire season on thr PGA Tour. After the U.S. Open, he was was at 99.7% of putts inside of that distance.
How Rory McIlroy choked at The U.S. Open is that he merely got away from his pre-putt routine and the moment got away from him. There was probably a thought that popped in the head over the putt, such as ” don’t miss it” or more likely, a mechanical thought with a poor focus on the speed of the putt or just not completely trusting it and letting it go.
It’s hard to imagine it can happen to the best in the game, but Rory McIlroy has wanted to win another Major, for over ten years now that it got too big. He had a poor missed putt on 16 and it caused a lack of confidence and belief in the last putt of the day, that it was a collapse.
Confidence and Focus: An Unbeatable Pair For Your Mental Toughness
Confidence and Focus: An Unbeatable Pair For Your Mental Toughness
Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. DRB & associates coach executives and professional athletes. Some clients have included three different winners on the PGA Tour, Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens.
Check Out All The Books
Keynote Speaking On Mental Toughness
Mental Toughness Podcast as we interview expert athletes and coaches about Mental Strength and their Hinge Moment.
New Blog Posts are published weekly.
Follow on Twitter @drrobbell
Follow on Instagram @drrobbell
June 4, 2024
Why Rhythm Is More Important Than Speed
Slow Is Smooth And Smooth is Fast
Farmers are the hardest workers. They were the one’s who put the hustle in “hustle-culture.” I have never met someone who said, “farmers don’t work hard.”
However, they approach the workday with a focus on rhythm, not speed. They are up at 4 am and grind away, but they still have time for coffee and breakfast. They also make sure dinner is eaten with peace and patience. And the leftovers are what become supper!
They realize that slow is smooth and smooth is fast!
They understand and apply that the day the seed is planted is not the day it’s harvested!
Stating that rhythm is more important takes nothing away from the importance of speed, it’s just that rhythm is even more important! Just as rhythm is most important for athletes, it is the same in business life as well.
Thus, it does NOT mean that speed is bad. Speed is great, It’s crucial in fact to success. I agree mostly with the statement of “first in, wins.” However, think about when you are at you best performance, are you rushed, overwhelmed, and stressed? This is why rhythm is more important than speed.
More often than not, we operate at a controlled rhythm of our day, our week, and month. This results in slow, steady progress. Because when we need, we can always speed up to our top speed or slow down from our max velocity.
What happens when we rush too much?When we rush, mistakes occur. It’s inevitable. There is a speed and accuracy trade off in everything we do. The faster something is, the more negative variance it brings. Check out our post on how patience actually saves patients.
So we are doing too many things, or aren’t transitioning well in-between projects or people efficiently enough, mistakes will occur. When we become too focused on the deadline or speed, we’ll neglect a detail and it will eventually catch up to us.
Timelines are important to getting things completed. Although, we must still be flexible enough to have a bend, don’t break approach to our schedule and deadlines. Resiliency and mental toughness depend upon remaining adjustable and patient with results.
Rhythm is More Important Than SpeedSince time is our most precious resource, we must treat it as such.
We need to use these four steps below to help maximize our time.
It begins by having a plan and segmenting our day. We start by carving out time that allows us to stay focused completely on the task at hand! Rhythm is more important than speed because it is the path on how to be efficient, productive, and good looking (okay, maybe not good looking). These four steps below are the basis for our book on Mental Toughness– I Can’t Wait To Be Patient.
This is how we can “get rhythm” in our day.
Step #1 Examine The First Hour of Your Day
The first hour of the day sets the rudder for the rest… We need to start the day out strong and in rhythm, not rushing around. Allow yourself ample time.Step #2 Maximize Your Transitions
We move from place to place and people to people without really decompressing and setting our attention and attitude on how we want to show up.Step #3 Plan For Flow
The beauty of life and sports is being in the zone. Getting so immersed into the task at hand is the best gift we can give ourselves and any activity in which we can achieve this zone is magical!Step #4 Schedule The OMD Time— “Off My Desk”
These OMD’s are the things that we don’t want to do, but the tasks that we need to do! These must be scheduled in order to achieve rhythm in our busy day! Check out our resource on how we became more efficient, productive, and less overwhelmed.
Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. DRB & associates coach executives and professional athletes. Some clients have included three different winners on the PGA Tour, Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens.
Check Out All The Books
Keynote Speaking On Mental Toughness
Mental Toughness Podcast as we interview expert athletes and coaches about Mental Strength and their Hinge Moment.
New Blog Posts are published weekly.
Follow on Twitter @drrobbell
Follow on Instagram @drrobbell
May 29, 2024
3 Requirements For Greatness
Blades Brown, 16, is one of the top amateur golfers in the world. He played in his PGA Tour debut, made the cut and finished 26th at the Inaugural Myrtle Beach Classic.
Spending the week with Blades Brown and his team as a mental coach, here are three observations about what makes one great.
1. Greatness Tip: MAKE it Look Easy… What do they say about greatness?They make it look easy!
Tips to greatness begins with embracing and welcoming the moment. The best shine brighter when the lights are on! That is how everyone can achieve greatness. However, what people don’t see however is the work and practice and play that is conducted when the lights are off. There are very few who reach top levels of success without putting in the effort, hard work, and extreme sacrifice. This is the way to greatness. Hence, the adage is true “success is not owned, it is leased, and rent is due everyday.”
And most people frankly underestimate the effort and requirements for greatness to emerge.
People will witness the putts and shots that Blades Brown successfully made during his PGA Tour debut, but they didn’t see the hours of chipping and putting that he did until it was dark outside. That is a simply one of the requirements for greatness.
2. Greatness Tip: Build A Winning Team What is a fact about greatness?
The greatest build a winning team around them. Parke Brown and Rhonda Brown are his parents. They are both outstanding people! They instilled in both of their children, doing the details along the journey. Mastering the simple is one of the requirements for greatness.
Blades Brown’ parents reflect on his PGA Tour debut.
Everyone must surround themselves with competition, because that is how each of us improves. For instance, Michael Phelps used to get beat regularly during practice sets in the pool. But, he knew it was needed for his path of greatness.
3. Greatness Tip: It’s Not A Linear Path…
How do you explain greatness?
Greatness points toward the path of hinge moments.
One moment, person, event, or decision that connects who we are with who we become. There are setbacks, roadblocks, and barriers that will make us stumble. It may even makes us question in our own lives, “Will this happen?”
Your own important moment is coming, but you’ll have to be ready! That’s how you’ll achieve greatness. This is also a requirement for greatness in any field of life. Overall, this PGA Tour debut was a hinge moment, but there were hinge moments even inside of the play and tournament itself.
One of Blades Brown hinge moments in the Myrtle Beach Classic was on Friday, when he shot -4 to make the cut. He was -2 at the time and he chipped in to save par with four holes remaining in the round, which kept the momentum going. It was also his 2nd chip-in for the the week.
Greatness does not keep going up, up, and up. There are many plateaus, mountain tops, and even false summits.
The key is to stay positive, focus, and capture those hinge moments.
When our moment hits, it’s too late to prepare, we need to be ready. Lastly, greatness comes in many forms and fashions and it takes patience.
There is NOT one personality type of greatness, nor mold. There are many paths and these three requirements for greatness ring true.
Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. DRB & associates coach executives and professional athletes. Some clients have included three different winners on the PGA Tour, Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens.
Check Out All The Books
Keynote Speaking On Mental Toughness
Mental Toughness Podcast as we interview expert athletes and coaches about Mental Strength and their Hinge Moment.
New Blog Posts are published weekly.
Follow on Twitter @drrobbell
Follow on Instagram @drrobbell
May 18, 2024
Five Lessons on How To Become a Business Coach
Five Lessons on How To Become a Business Coach Table of ContentsFive Lessons on How To Become a Business Coach “You will get fired.” Can’t help everyone, so screen the “motivation” as best you can. Multiple streams of incomeKeep creating your personal brandGet so good that they have to hire youHow To Become A Business CoachI finished graduate school and was a professor for 5 years before leaving academia in 2011 to start my mental coaching for business full-time. There was no safety-net, no nest egg, no back-up plan, nor business and coaching plan for that matter. And starting out, many months were a struggle, financially, so I hope these lessons can help.
Here’s just five business coaching tips that I wanted to share on how to become a business coach and successful business coach.
“You will get fired.”When the late, great Ken Ravizza uttered these words, I totally accepted and understood it. But, until it happens, not much prepares you for the feelings of hurt of being fired. However, what I failed to Ken mention was you’ll get fired AFTER doing a good job business coaching.
I was and am still never prepared for this situation, but I’ve coached PGA Tour winners, Indy 500 champions, Olympic medalists, successful small business owners, executives, and I’ve been let go AFTER success.
Getting fired after success does not every time of course, but it occurs because after reaching the mountain top, the Sherpa is no longer needed. Hence, there is often a feeling from those that hire you as “ okay, we did it, now what?”
The toughest part of getting fired are the relationships that are built because of the intimacy of the work involved. Hey, maybe it never happens to you, but as the saying goes, “there’s two types of coaches, those have have been fired and those that will.”
Can’t help everyone, so screen the “motivation” as best you can.Initial sessions are sometimes as much for you as it is them. It’s a lot about fit. You’ll need to assess and game-plan potential clients , coach, small business owner, or team that you can help reach their goals.
Motivation is the skill that is hardest to coach, so that potential client must have that either pain or vision driving them to do what it takes. Out of every 10 calls we receive, 9/10 people are in some sort of pain and want it taken care of. Only 1/10, in my experience, are seeking you out for coaching because they have a vision of where they want to be and just aren’t realizing their potential. Yes, we want sport psychology coaching, mental skills coaching and business coaching to be proactive, but this field is still blend of being an athletic trainer and a strength coach.
If it’s a parent who wants to hire you, make sure you set boundaries before engaging so they understand what is ‘okay’ and what is not ‘okay’ from their role as a parent. Lastly, If there’s too many red flags, be prepared to say no.
Multiple streams of incomeWe have never accepted insurance, performed consulting as a part-time gig, nor received a steady paycheck, so revenue is the heart of the business.
This becomes a crucial part about “how to become a business coach.” Multiple streams of income means being diversified like most successful business coaches, and we’ve delineated this into five (5) streams: Team clients/sessions, individual clients/sessions, professional athletes, professional speaking, and online business coaching (podcast, books, courses, & sponsorships).
One part of the coaching business may be struggling, so it’s best to handle the ups & downs by having multiple streams of revenue. And residual income is king. Hence, after initial sessions, have a monthly, quarterly, or annual model of coaching to forecast revenue. This strategy also provides the freedom to do your best work. Avoid the one-off model as best as you can.
And since you’ll be fired, make sure “the juice is worth the squeeze.” If you coach for free, you’ll not only undervalue your own work and the field as a whole, but it makes charging and building your business exponentially more difficult.
Resentments can also easily emerge if you invest your time and expertise for free, so do this sparingly, if at all.
Keep creating your personal brandI’ve written eight books on mental toughness and sport psychology.
I’ve written over 300 mental toughness blog posts and recorded over 140 mental toughness podcast episodes. We have a modest, but devoted newsletter list of over 10k.
I mention these, because I believe creativity is a super-power with this field of developing business coaching programs.
Writing, recording, thinking, developing ideas, and talking with others is a way to keep the creativity muscle growing. When you stay creative, you’re able to develop content in a multitude of ways that can serve as a way to help others. Your content becomes your brand and your brand makes income.
Get so good that they have to hire youThe mental health coaching and business coaching field has exploded with guru’s, part-timers, and successful business owners in other arenas of life who are now mental coaches. Anyone can call themselves a certified business coach or professional business coach. Most everyone also has some expertise into mental game work, regardless of what they call it. Now, most of this existing coaching is simply motivational in nature, but the point is that everyone is a coach.
You simply need to be so good at your business coaching practice and helping people achieve their goals, that they need to hire you. Also, you need to be ready for that moment that a coach or business owner asks you an in-depth mental game question that will led them to hire you or not.
How To Become A Business Coach
Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. DRB & associates coach executives and professional athletes. Some clients have included three different winners on the PGA Tour, Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens.
Check Out All The Books
Keynote Speaking On Mental Toughness
Mental Toughness Podcast as we interview expert athletes and coaches about Mental Strength and their Hinge Moment.
New Blog Posts are published weekly.
Follow on Twitter @drrobbell
Follow on Instagram @drrobbell
April 15, 2024
The 3 Priorities Of Handling Distractions At Work
Ahhh, handling distractions at work.... A "Code Blue" announced in the hospital setting is because a patient needs immediate medical attention! It's an urgent and important life or death situation.
What do your own code blues throughout the day look like? Chances are that none are actual life and death situations at work, but in the moment, it may actually feel like it.
An issue, emergency, or someone else's emergency, can all create angst, and a sudden rush to deal, handle, and cope with it. So what is the best path to handling distractions at work ?
We also have to consider the role that cell phones, social media, and simple common distractions through the work day that can impact our own stress and mental health.
Many employees also ask us these two questions: "How can I avoid online distractions and how can I focus better?"
Unfortunately, there are 3 issues with your own "Code Blues" and handling distractions at work
1) We succumb to the urgent and it trumps the important!
Common workplace distractions are simply a result of succumbing to the urgent. We deal with the issue not because it's the most important thing, but merely because it's perceived as urgent. It requires patience.
2) Handling distractions at work takes away from our focus.
The path to productivity is through your focus and staying immersed into the task at hand. Workplace distractions take us away from the moment. We want to and need to get to that highest level of flow and focused work, where we boost productivity because it magically takes off by itself.
This simply cannot happen with common workplace distractions or by handling other issues throughout the day.
3) Our focus and attention is limited.
Taking care of one code blue in our work environment is entirely different than managing five or six of these workplace distractions.
However, during the business day, we don't know how many or what issues will arise and hence which distractions at work are worth our energy and focus. Once we get into the weeds and handle all the issues and the stop and go of the day, our efficiency, and productivity drops.
And as a result, our focus has waned as well. That's why we become irritated, tired, and feel like we are trying to play catch up.
One of Our Mental Toughness Books
I Can't Wait To Be Patient
3 Performance Solutions of How To Stop Handling Distractions At Work
1) Know A Real Code Blue
Is it life or death and/or does it need your immediate attention? Does it require you to stop, drop, & roll to make sure this is handled, right now?
The way to focus better is to understand that every urgent situation is NOT a code blue. You'll have to determine what is a real issue that needs to be handled NOW, or one that can wait a bit. This simple solution to managing interruptions and distractions at work is how to focus better. It's a way that many hall of famers focused as well.
2) Schedule Your Emergency Room Times To Eliminate Work Distractions
Just as you need to be immersed in your most important tasks of the day, scheduling and blocking off time to handle these distractions in the workplace will greatly enhance your productivity and keep your attention levels at their peak. This is simply the best way on how to focus better at work.
If you're serious and want coaching, check out the fast video series to help boost productivity, efficiency, and save time.
Schedule and specially plan a few times throughout the day to handle distractions in the workplace and check-in on these issues!
3) The One Minute Rule
These examples of handling distractions at work are tested well with the one-minute rule of focus. If it's a pressing issue that you won't be able to mentally let go of until it's handled, then assess the time needed.
If it takes less than one minute to handle it, then go ahead.
However, just note, few issues and responses actually take less than a minute. This technique is key to answering the question of how to avoid distractions and stay focused.
Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. DRB & associates coach executives and professional athletes. Some clients have included three different winners on the PGA Tour, Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens.
Check Out All The Books
Keynote Speaking On Mental Toughness
Mental Toughness Podcast as we interview expert athletes and coaches about Mental Strength and their Hinge Moment.
New Mental Wellness Blog Posts are published weekly.
Follow on Twitter @drrobbell
Follow on Instagram @drrobbell
The post The 3 Priorities Of Handling Distractions At Work appeared first on Mental Toughness Coach | Dr. Rob Bell - Speaker & Author.
February 28, 2024
Just How Good Are Professional Golfers?
Just How Good Are Professional Golfers?
It's a fair question.
It's different from other professional sports where if you can't throw 90MPH, you've got limited opportunities as a MLB pitcher. If you're physically unable to run a 4.5 second forty yard dash, then the NFL isn't in your future business ventures.
And because there are no concrete criteria for one to become a Professional Tour Player, it leads one to ask how good are professional golfers?
Professional Golfers Vs. Golf Professionals
First, there is a canyon size difference between a golf professional and a professional golfer.
Golf professionals are at every golf club and frankly the straw that stirs the drink of the game of golf. The "club pros" are the key to growing and enjoying the game, and are so very needed. Some of my best friends are PGA Class A professionals.
Performance wise, a golf professional plays in local or sectional events across their state and the best of those play in their own national event every year. The top 20 golf professionals in the United States earn an invite to the PGA Championship. So, THEY can play!
However, even the best golf professional just has an outside chance of making the cut at the PGA Championship. It does happen and it's a huge victory for them! Hypothetically, if that golf pro received an entire year exemption to play in every PGA Tour event that they'd could, a handful of cuts is all that they would make. Now, this player maybe would crack a top 25 finish in an event or two, but not enough to keep one's tour card. Sorry, It's brutal, but it's honest, PGA Tour players are THAT good.
However, even with this golf professional vs. professional golf analogy, it doesn't quite do it justice about just how good are professional golfers.
It's because we see them miss 5 foot putts, hit bad shots, flub chips, and leave an occasional shot in the bunker. When this happens, your golfing buddy will exclaim "Oh, I could make that shot." Um, no you couldn't...
First, we must admit that the level of performance of any professional athlete is relative. For instance, the top 20 dart throwers or bowlers are exponentially better than anyone you've ever seen. So, a professional golfer is the same level of performance as an olympic athlete or major league baseball player or elite marathon runner. This applies to LPGA golfers as well!
Here's the analogy to illustrate just how good are professional golfers. If you watch the New York or Boston Marathon, you'll see the lead pack at 10 or 15 miles into the race, and within that pack, the winner will emerge. Now, the SLOWEST male winning time at the New York Marathon since 1995 was 2 hours and 11 minutes. The winner at the slowest pace was still averaging 5 minute miles for 26.2 miles. Oftentimes, the winner is running 4:45 pace.
The women's record for New York Marathon is 2:22, which is 5:25 per mile! Try going out there and running just 1 mile at that pace!
So, this is how good professional golfers truly are!
Let's take the comparison a bit deeper. The best in your current town are elite competitive runners who will race in the Boston or New York Marathon. They earn some money for winning local or regional races and have some sponsorship to help them compete, pay for race fees, gear, travel expenses, etc. However, it's not their full-time gig.
If they run a sub 2:30 marathon, they are elite! Their pace is 5:42 per mile for 26.2 miles and they are elite! They are akin to your top golf professionals!
The difference is a 5:42 vs. sub 5:00 minute per mile.... That is :42 seconds per mile difference between a sub 2:30 marathon and a 2:11 marathon time.
42 seconds per mile...
Hence this is the difference and just how good are professional golfers that you'll watch on T.V. and even those touring pro's whose name you've never heard of.
If you take a +2 handicap compared to a tour professional, it's not even close. Over the course of a 72 or 54 hole tournament, the gap will be the difference between a 2:30 and 2:11 marathon, HUGE!
Don't take my word for it, On my podcast, 15 Minutes of Mental Toughness, I interviewed Rickie Fowler's Caddy, Joe Skovron and he made a similar claim, except with much more detail.
Hopefully, this illustration has answered the question just how good are professional golfers?
The post Just How Good Are Professional Golfers? appeared first on Mental Toughness Coach | Dr. Rob Bell - Speaker & Author.
Worried About Children’s Physical Distancing and Mental Health? Check the L.A.B
Examining exactly how physical distancing affects a child’s mental health is a tricky endeavour. First, keep in mind that every child is different - while the changes brought about by the need for physical distancing are likely to produce a degree of anxiety in almost anyone, how severely it affects your child will vary.
Another difficulty is the lack of studies available related to intentional, prolonged, physical distancing (sometimes called social distancing). While we have studies about the mental health effects of isolation, the use of long-term physical distancing as a tool to stop the spread of disease has never been studied. In light of this, the best way to evaluate its mental health effects on children may be to look at related studies.
Many of the topics we’ll discuss here can affect adults, as well. When evaluating the mental health of a child or teenager, keep in mind that they may not have the language or emotional experience to properly express their feelings to you. You may have to do a bit of detective work as well as be open to difficult conversations.
The acronym L.A.B refers to the three biggest drawbacks to physical distancing: loneliness, anxiety, and boredom. We’ll go over a number of techniques to help alleviate these feelings in your child while they’re being asked to be physically distant due to illness.
Loneliness
One of the biggest obstacles during periods of physical distancing is loneliness. Children may find this especially hard as they’re often surrounded by their peers at school and during after school activities. This is a good time to work on your relationship as a family - walk together, talk together, and spend valuable time getting to know each other.
There is some evidence that it’s easier to bond with others through audio and video communication, rather than texting. This may mean that your children will feel less lonely if they communicate through Skype/FaceTime or via phone call than if they were to communicate over text exclusively. Your child is feeling lonely? Encourage them to phone their friends.
At the top, we briefly discussed that communicating feelings may be more difficult for children. Fortunately, this isn’t typically the case with loneliness. If you ask your child if they're feeling lonely, they should be able to express themselves with no problems. Though you can’t arrange for playdates, you can coordinate with parents to arrange for group phone calls or video chats. Encourage older children to do the same. Playing games online together can also be bonding.
Anxiety
Children are often in a position where they feel they have little control, from having to do what adults tell them to lacking the tools necessary for projects they’d like to undertake. With physical distancing, there’s an even greater removal of agency - not only are they not allowed to make rules for themselves, they can’t even do the things that used to be in their power, like seeing their friends and choosing their extracurricular activities.
One of the consequences of becoming sick and being asked to physically distance ourselves is that our normal routines have been wrested away from us - one of the many things that lie outside of our control. One of the benefits of routine is that it gives us a sense of control, no matter how old we are - by simply following our routine, we are accomplishing something. We have agency over something. Locus of control, the feeling that you have control over your life, is one of the keys to good mental health.
Children and teens will, inevitably, see substantial changes to their routines as a result of physical distancing. They don’t need to be up on time to catch the bus, they don’t go to school where classes are rigidly structured, they don’t have sports or clubs once school is over. The resulting feeling can be disorienting; routines give us a sense of place in time.
When your child is feeling listless, bored, or acting chaotic, it may be good to encourage them to create a routine. Do so in tandem with your child, helping them choose when to schedule certain activities. Make sure their routine involves mentally, physically, and spiritually stimulating activities. Work hard to maintain your own routine as well; as we know, children emulate their parents.
Alleviating anxiety is tricky, especially when everyone seems to be feeling it to some degree. Have honest conversations with your child about their feelings. Put extra effort into ensuring they have some degree of control over their lives. You may ask for their input on what to make for supper, and help them learn how to cook. You may ask them what chores they want to do, and give them responsibility over those chores. The more that your child feels they have power over their own lives, the less anxiety they might experience.
Boredom
You may be hard-pressed to find a group of kids who will tell you they love going to school. Nevertheless, you’re unlikely to find a group of kids who are all perpetually bored at school - they’ll enjoy gym class, or science, or talking with their friends. Throw in after school activities, and children often won’t have the time to be bored; their schedules are just too packed.
That’s all changed when you’re practising physical distancing. Boredom isn’t necessarily bad for your mental health; it can stimulate you to find a new hobby or do something creative. Perpetual boredom, on the other hand, can be a problem.
Fortunately, there are still plenty of things you can do while staying while physical distancing guidelines. Have a backyard? Set up a couple of impromptu soccer nets and play. A little less space? Look up some YouTube videos of activities you and your kids can do by using body weight. Yoga, gymnastics, kung fu - the number of tutorials you can find online to relieve boredom is astounding.
Looking for something more mentally stimulating? Pick up some board games to play with your kids. Encourage them to learn to draw, write poetry, or play an instrument. These activities can serve a dual purpose - alleviating boredom while providing creative and social outlets.
Authors Bio:
Veronica Wallace is a childhood educator and blogging enthusiast. Some of her favourite articles can be found on the Kidthink website. Kidthink specializes in offering clinical treatment of mental illness in children aged twelve and under, along with community outreach and training for this type of treatment.
The post Worried About Children’s Physical Distancing and Mental Health? Check the L.A.B appeared first on Mental Toughness Coach | Dr. Rob Bell - Speaker & Author.
What Mindset Is Best To Beat Post-Traumatic Stress?
What Mindset Is Best To Beat Post-Traumatic Stress?
Consider the pandemic as a trauma that we've all had to endure. Some of us, of course, have had it worse than others.
This trauma not a singular event that occurred, like a crash or a service member returning from deployment. But, it has had an impact.
Life stress doesn't have to be diagnosed, but consider the questions:
Has the quarantine been distressing or disturbing?
Have you felt edging and irritable?
Did Co-Vid19 cause you to feel anxiety or down?
We already have a growing anxiety concern because of our expectations and demands in life. And now we've added a huge life stressor with the pandemic. So, you have my permission to look at this experience as a society as a traumatic event.
When we understand what's occurred and how our mind wants to react, it can allow for recovery to take place. It doesn't mean we have a get out of jail free card, we need to accept it and get better from this, not stay bitter.
So what sort of mindset do we need to actively work on to overcome the traumatic stress?
My podcast episode with Dr. Bhrett McCabe shared some enlightening thoughts. We spoke about being at least a 6 month lag of mental health issues as a society. We spoke about confidence and knowing we were going to make it through, but then we touched on the most important mental skill.
What mindset we need is to stay flexible!
Flexibility allows us to bend without breaking. Boxer Jake LaMotta said, "You have to move WITH the punch."
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Flexibility allows us to bend without breaking. Boxer Jake LaMotta said, "You have to move WITH the punch."
We have to adapt and overcome.
We have to make adjustments.
We are going to Puke & Rally.
We are always evolving and always changing , but the problem is the unknown and speculation is the mother of all evil. It's as simple as being able to constantly take a step back and examine how do I need to adapt and what mindset is keeping me rigid and stiff? Am I too caught up in events that don't really concern me? Have I allowed others to negatively change my mindset? Am I on social networking too much?
But, truthfully, I'm not flexible!
I crave for routine and structure. I like control over my health, life and how I "get after it." I don't like people cutting me off in traffic, or running stop signs. I often react poorly when simple things don't work like they should.
The post What Mindset Is Best To Beat Post-Traumatic Stress? appeared first on Mental Toughness Coach | Dr. Rob Bell - Speaker & Author.
January 30, 2024
5 Reasons The Importance of Time and Patience Can Improve Your Mental Toughness
Time is powerful.
Think of the importance of timing in life. It takes one moment, encounter, or meeting with someone to change the trajectory of lives. That’s the importance of the hinge. Timing is often about being in the right place at the right time and taking full advantage of opportunities.
Time is universal and the only non-renewable resource that is the same for everyone. We can earn more money, make new friendships, opportunities, or experiences, whereas no one can create any more time.
Time remains a constant. Regardless of the many changes that take place in society and how we operate and whatever technological advances we use to advance our mental toughness.
We must first appreciate and understand our relationship with time in order to develop patience.
#1- This Too Shall Pass
#2- Supply & Demand
#3- Rhythm > Speed
#4- Urgency & Patience
#5- Process > Product
Read The New Mental Toughness Book:I Can’t Wait To Be Patient
#1- This Too Shall Pass
Because the good times can’t last serves as proof that the bad times can’t last either.
Good or bad, nothing gold or rotten can stay. No matter how good the feeling, it can’t last. Time is the most powerful resource.
That’s the importance of patience.
So, pause, celebrate, reflect, and enjoy your time.
#2- Supply & Demand
When you’re young, there is an unlimited supply of time and little demand.
As you age, demand ramps up and your supply decreases.
Hence, you ONLY value your own time more later in life.
The older we get, the more we appreciate the power and importance of time and patience.
#3- Rhythm > Speed
Farmers are the hardest workers. They put the hustle in “hustle-culture.”
But, they approach the workday with a focus on rhythm, not speed.
They realize that slow is smooth and smooth is fast!
That’s why patience is the New Mental Toughness and how it helps reveal the importance of patience.
#4- Urgency & Patience
Urgency is the workout of the mind.
We need to be urgent towards “the important” in life.
However, the issue is that we become URGENT about everything! We’re urgent about any type of waiting in our daily lives.
Patience is the recovery of the mind.
Without proper recovery, worry, angst, fear, and anxiety eventually overcome us.
#5- Process > Product
The process takes perspective!
It takes an intentional effort to stay focused.
The product takes patience!
Farmers simply know that the day the seed is planted is not the day it’s harvested.
And since patience is the new mental toughness, it reflects the importance of time and patience.
The main principle behind wealth and success is patience.
Warren Buffet said it best, when asked why everyone doesn’t adopt his simple investment strategy. He said, “because no one wants to get rich slow.”
Compounding with money merely reflects the importance of time and patience. Compounding is patience in action.
Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. DRB & associates coach executives and professional athletes. Some clients have included three different winners on the PGA Tour, Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens.
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