Why
I also see the 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, it has been scientifically proven that mental training optimally prepares your head and your body for the performance you want to deliver. My book 'Your head against your body' is all about this topic.
In the guidance as a sports psychologist I go deeper into which factors make you underperform (or why you find less pleasure in performing), I call this the mental brakes. But on top of that we train on skills that will make you perform optimally, I call this the mental skills.
Mental Brakes
On the one hand you can work on mental brakes, such as:
- fear of competition
- mental fatigue
- performance anxiety
- stress...
- worry
- the common "I am great in training, but it doesn't work out at competitions"
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In mental counseling we ensure that these mental brakes do no longer slow you down.
mental skills
On the other hand, you can train your 'head' by learning mental skills that allow you to make certain percentages of progress. Instead of 'marginal gains' you make 'mental gains', with the effect being more than just 'marginal'.
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Mental skills:
- Visualization
- Effective Goal Setting
- Routines
- Flow
- Self-talk
- Effective focus and concentration
....
The difference you can make with this can sometimes mean the difference between winning or losing a time trial, or between just hanging on or dropping on a hard climb during a race.
How do I work?
We always start with a free exploratory conversation of half an hour, which can be done via video calling, for example, but also on location. We'll see if I can help you and if there is a fit. We will then discuss further steps.
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One reason I call myself 'the cycling psychologist' is because I try to do certain mental session on the bike. It has been proven that when the context is as similar as possible during the learning process, there is a greater chance that you will use these skills at the moment of truth. It is also true that the natural environment better organizes your thoughts and you are often more creative in seeing solutions.
This can take place in my region (Pajottenland/Roosdaal region) or on location. Of course this does not have to be cycling, but it can also be done walking, for example, I try to be in movement as much as possible.
Of course, if it doesn't fit to move, we'll just sit down.