the road to
mental gains

Sometimes I hear athletes say that they don't need a sports psychologist or mental coach, because they are 'strong' enough in their head. This shows that 'mental strength' is still often seen as something you 'have' or 'don't have'. And consequently, that only the 'weaker' athletes should improve their mental aspect, or need mental training. Mental guidance or training only seems necessary if, for example, their motivation is low, or if they experience too much fear or stress. In short, you often hear that working on that part that is between your two ears is only necessary when the results are not there.

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And that's strange, because there is probably no one who doubts that the mental aspect is a full and very important part of sports. And that seems more than logical to me. Because you can just as well look at your brain as an important muscle, which you can train just like your legs, back and abs. And just like physical training optimally prepares your body for performance, mental training can optimally prepare your head and your body for the performance you want to deliver.