Not All Pressure Is Equal
When the pressure is on, what exactly do you think of? Is it a high-stakes game? A scout or family in the stands? A loud and sizable crowd? Pressure comes from anything that increases the importance of performing well.
Eliminating Anxiety
Spoiler alert: it's impossible. If your goal is to eliminate anxiety or "block out" the bad thoughts, whether they are distracting or negative in nature, you're playing a losing game. This can be hard to accept for many athletes...
Cognitive Tool to Deal with Criticism
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla presents a perfect example of how to deal with criticism that stems from a classic tool in working on your mental game, reframing, when discussing the unfair criticism that Jayson Tatum receives.