Brian Baxter
Tuesday, 10 April 2012 09:21
Sport Psychology and the Military
"Mental Skills Training is extremely important to today's Army. We need toinculcate it into our culture; broadly, to the Soldiers and their Families... PeakPerformance is not a destination; it is a constant in life. We need to get good atit by applying these principles to the whole unit and the Army as a culture. Thisneeds to be part of our everyday lives."
- GEN Peter J. Schoomaker Former Chief of Staff, Army
SPINw Sport Psychologist Eric Bergreen recently left Portland to work on contract withthe US Army to help set up mental skills training programs for soldiers. Using his experiencewith athletes and performance, he is helping soldiers to perform at their highest level everyday in the CSF-PREP program. SPINw checked in recently with Dr. Bergreen to see how things were going.
SPINw: How did you get the position with the Army?
Dr. Bergreen: CSF-PREP has been an expanding program within the Army. I had previous contacts who have been contacting me to see if this might be a population I would be interested in working with. They were interested in my experience with athletes as well as high performers from the corporate and academic domains.
SPINw: How is it going so far?
Dr. Bergreen: It has been a fantastic experience. I have worked with Soldiers from all walks of life; from Special Forces to the Wounded Warrior program. The diversity of needs has been challenging which makes for a great learning opportunity.
SPINw: What similarities have you noticed between soldiers and athletes?
Dr Bergreen: High performance is not specific to athletics. Whether its combat, academic success, or managing life, attaining a high level goal requires the same mental skills.
SPINw: What differences have you noticed?
Dr. Bergreen: I think the main difference comes from the traditions within the Army culture. They are very accustomed to the technical, tactical and physical training required for success. They are less accustomed to thinking about specific mental skills required to perform at a high level. When presenting the science behind mental and emotional competitiveness, there is often an initial resistance. Once they grasp the nature of high performance psychology, they become very enthusiastic.
SPINw: Are there any sport psychology techniques that are especially helpful for soldiers?
Dr. Bergreen: First, it is important to understand the difference between training and high performance moments. One must recognize how the brain operates when in the “zone.” The programteaches how to regulate thoughts and emotions so that one is most likely to achieve an optimal performance mindset. Then it becomes an issue of focus and continued self- regulation.
SPINw: What is the biggest lesson you've learned about sport psychology since taking this new position?
Dr. Bergreen: I think it about the versatility of the mental skills. Emotional regulation, situational confidence, attention control, etc., all play a role in high performance. These skills give you an edge in any performance situation from high stress combat, an academic test, even an awkward family get-together.
Published in
Positive Thinking
Tuesday, 10 April 2012 09:12
Who is Portland’s Motivational Leader?
Brian Baxter interviewed by Stumptown Footy about the Timber’s home field advantage, late game collapses, and leadership.
http://www.stumptownfooty.com/2012/4/5/2928397/who-is-portlands-motivational-leader#comments
http://www.stumptownfooty.com/2012/4/5/2928397/who-is-portlands-motivational-leader#comments
Published in
Confidence
Friday, 23 March 2012 08:40
SPINw Founder Mark Henry launches new website for Golfers
www.warriorgolfer.com
Warrior Golfer is designed to help you Perform Better, Enjoy the Game More, and Learn. Warrior Golfer grew out of a conversation between teaching pros and golfers about how to help golfers improve.
This is a really cool site to join a community of golfers where you can track your stats, take a free mental game profile, communicate with other golfers, and more. Check it out and join today! You can also click the link above to purchase Mark’s new e-book “Warrior Golf
Published in
Golf
Thursday, 08 December 2011 09:43
The New Year’s Resolution – How to set Effective Goals
The New Year’s Resolutions is a form of goal setting. In sport psychology research, literature, and practice, goal setting is the most consistently proven factor in facilitating peak performance. However, when goals are not set properly, they are not as effective as they could be, and can even be counter-productive. This is almost always the case with the New Year’s Resolution.
Whether setting a New Year’s Resolution, or just a goal in general, here are the main reasons for failure:
1 – Too general
2 – Too hard or unrealistic
3 – Doesn’t account for unexpected events
4 – No consistent check in
5 – Lack of support system
Let’s take a common example of a New Year’s Resolution that is well intentioned, but destined to fail.
Goal: “I want to get in better shape this year.”
Sounds good, right – who wouldn’t want that? But, as is, this goal is destined to fail because it is 1) too general. What does that goal mean? How is it measured? If you go running 1 time in 2012, compared to 201, when you went running 0 times, you have accomplished your goal! However, I doubt this is what you had in mind when you set that goal. It is too general; so let’s make it more specific:
“I will get in better shape this year by running every day.”
That sounds a little better, but will most likely fail because it is 2) too hard or unrealistic. Most people do not run everyday, and missing 1 day will serve as a de-motivator, making it easy to say the next day: “Oh well, I have already failed, there is no way to accomplish my goal, so what’s the difference if I run or not today?” So let’s adjust to make the goal more realistic:
“I will get in better shape this year by running 3 times a week.”
More specific? Check. More realistic? Check. This goal is pretty good as set. But there are a few other factors to consider. 3) Does this goal account for unexpected events? What happens if there is a weeklong blizzard? What happens if you turn an ankle and can’t run for 2 weeks? These are the kinds of rhythm-breaking events that can derail a goal fast and permanently. So what adjustment can be made to this goal to account for the unexpected? Have a back-up plan so that running can be expanded to other exercise: yoga at home, a Pilates class, and basketball or swimming at the gym are some examples.
“I will get in better shape this year by exercising 3 times a week.”
This goal is infinitely better than it was in its first iteration, and more likely to be attained. Now let’s consider a couple extra points to solidify this goal further; into a life changing plan. The first point is that, with 4) no consistent check-in, many goals can just drop off your radar (due to the factors already mentioned). A couple ideas can help with this. The first is to make sure you write it down and put it in a place you can see it. Or if you like to write, try journaling on your goal. Even better yet, you can break your goal down into smaller pieces:
“I will get in better shape this year by exercising 3 times a week in January. I will set a new goal for February.”
Last but not least, make sure there is no 5) lack of support system. Goals tend to move along better with someone there to support and push you in your goal. It might be a family member or a friend or a trainer at the gym. No matter whom you choose, it has to be someone who is not afraid to call you out when you are slacking, and tell you the truth. This person can also help with the consistent check-in.
It can be helpful to set this goal with a friend or family member (“I will get in better shape this year by exercising 3 times a week with Bill.”) or by making sure it is in a class (“I will get in better shape this year by taking a yoga class 3 times a week.”) or with a trainer (I will get in better shape this year by exercising at Bob’s Gym 3 times a week.”
The New Year is a traditional and natural time to make changes – to improve yourself and your quality of life. Athletes know that this needs to be done more than just once a year. Give yourself the best chance to succeed in the changes you want to make by setting goals properly. The New Year’s Resolution is a good place to start!
Need that support system, or interested in working with a sport psychology consultant on your goal setting plan? Contact SPINw to set up an appointment!
Sounds good, right – who wouldn’t want that? But, as is, this goal is destined to fail because it is 1) too general. What does that goal mean? How is it measured? If you go running 1 time in 2012, compared to 201, when you went running 0 times, you have accomplished your goal! However, I doubt this is what you had in mind when you set that goal. It is too general; so let’s make it more specific:
“I will get in better shape this year by running every day.”
That sounds a little better, but will most likely fail because it is 2) too hard or unrealistic. Most people do not run everyday, and missing 1 day will serve as a de-motivator, making it easy to say the next day: “Oh well, I have already failed, there is no way to accomplish my goal, so what’s the difference if I run or not today?” So let’s adjust to make the goal more realistic:
“I will get in better shape this year by running 3 times a week.”
More specific? Check. More realistic? Check. This goal is pretty good as set. But there are a few other factors to consider. 3) Does this goal account for unexpected events? What happens if there is a weeklong blizzard? What happens if you turn an ankle and can’t run for 2 weeks? These are the kinds of rhythm-breaking events that can derail a goal fast and permanently. So what adjustment can be made to this goal to account for the unexpected? Have a back-up plan so that running can be expanded to other exercise: yoga at home, a Pilates class, and basketball or swimming at the gym are some examples.
“I will get in better shape this year by exercising 3 times a week.”
This goal is infinitely better than it was in its first iteration, and more likely to be attained. Now let’s consider a couple extra points to solidify this goal further; into a life changing plan. The first point is that, with 4) no consistent check-in, many goals can just drop off your radar (due to the factors already mentioned). A couple ideas can help with this. The first is to make sure you write it down and put it in a place you can see it. Or if you like to write, try journaling on your goal. Even better yet, you can break your goal down into smaller pieces:
“I will get in better shape this year by exercising 3 times a week in January. I will set a new goal for February.”
Last but not least, make sure there is no 5) lack of support system. Goals tend to move along better with someone there to support and push you in your goal. It might be a family member or a friend or a trainer at the gym. No matter whom you choose, it has to be someone who is not afraid to call you out when you are slacking, and tell you the truth. This person can also help with the consistent check-in.
It can be helpful to set this goal with a friend or family member (“I will get in better shape this year by exercising 3 times a week with Bill.”) or by making sure it is in a class (“I will get in better shape this year by taking a yoga class 3 times a week.”) or with a trainer (I will get in better shape this year by exercising at Bob’s Gym 3 times a week.”
The New Year is a traditional and natural time to make changes – to improve yourself and your quality of life. Athletes know that this needs to be done more than just once a year. Give yourself the best chance to succeed in the changes you want to make by setting goals properly. The New Year’s Resolution is a good place to start!
Need that support system, or interested in working with a sport psychology consultant on your goal setting plan? Contact SPINw to set up an appointment!
Published in
Preparation
Thursday, 08 December 2011 09:39
Book Review: Play Big Baseball by Dr. Tom Hanson
Book Review: Play Big Baseball by Dr. Tom Hanson
The follow up to his Heads Up Baseball is a unique sport psychology book. In the spirit of Dan Millman’s Way of the Peaceful Warrior, Play Big Baseball is a story about a young baseball player and a mysterious mentor who teaches him how to “play big.” Dr. Hanson does a really good job of explaining the mental game in a language that anyone can understand.
Buy Play Big Baseball from the SpinW webstore
The follow up to his Heads Up Baseball is a unique sport psychology book. In the spirit of Dan Millman’s Way of the Peaceful Warrior, Play Big Baseball is a story about a young baseball player and a mysterious mentor who teaches him how to “play big.” Dr. Hanson does a really good job of explaining the mental game in a language that anyone can understand.
Buy Play Big Baseball from the SpinW webstore
Published in
General
Tuesday, 25 October 2011 14:40
Book Review: No More Broken Eggs by Tom Morin
In working with young athletes, I come across some amazing parents! The stereotype of the sports parent is not always a pleasant one, and I think it's highly undeserved a majority of the time. Most of the parents that bring their young athletes to SPINw to help their mental game are super supportive and caring, and want to see their kids enjoying their sports to the fullest.
It's no secret that today's youth sports environment is vastly different from the one that most parents grew up in. It's more competitive and specialized, and puts a lot of unneeded pressure on young athletes. I was lucky to have Tom Morin as a professor when I was in graduate school, and am excited to recommend to you his book, No More Broken Eggs. And not just because I make a brief, albeit uncredited appearance on page 57 :)
As the subtitle suggests, it's a Guide to Optimizing the Sports Experience for Athletes, Coaches, and Parents. Half of the chapters deals with a real life story of an athlete Tom worked with, and the other half contains tips for athletes, parents, coaches, and sport psychology consultants. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is involved with youth sports.
It's no secret that today's youth sports environment is vastly different from the one that most parents grew up in. It's more competitive and specialized, and puts a lot of unneeded pressure on young athletes. I was lucky to have Tom Morin as a professor when I was in graduate school, and am excited to recommend to you his book, No More Broken Eggs. And not just because I make a brief, albeit uncredited appearance on page 57 :)
As the subtitle suggests, it's a Guide to Optimizing the Sports Experience for Athletes, Coaches, and Parents. Half of the chapters deals with a real life story of an athlete Tom worked with, and the other half contains tips for athletes, parents, coaches, and sport psychology consultants. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is involved with youth sports.
Published in
Mental Game Training
Saturday, 17 September 2011 11:13
Book Review: Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow
Football season is underway, and as part of our book review series, SPINw suggest you check out this inspiring book, Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow. It's not common for a 23 year old to write an autobiography, but then again, he is not your common athlete. Tebow is one mentally tough athlete - see how his goals, attitude, and work-rate led him to the NFL. He may be considered third string at the moment, but after reading this book, it's hard to doubt he'll eventually win the starting job.
Published in
Mental Toughness
Saturday, 17 September 2011 10:39
Attention Winter Season Sports Coaches and Athletes!
Attention winter season sports coaches and athletes: SPINw and Bethany Physical Therapy are joining forces to bring you a unique series of workshops to get you mentally and physically prepared for the upcoming season.
ACL Injury Prevention Training & Sport Psychology Class Series!
Head over to our events section to learn more, and check out the upcoming workshops on the right side of the page.
For more information, call Brian at (503) 309-3347 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
To register, please call Bethany PT at (503) 466-2254 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Published in
Preparation
Wednesday, 06 July 2011 23:38
Beating the Heat - The Mental Approach
While most of the country has been in summer weather mode for a month or more, the Pacific Northwest summer typically starts in July. This year, we’ve had especially little time to transition, going from temperatures in the 50's to the 80's in what seems like the blink of an eye. Of course, you know the need to hydrate and eat right (if not, here’s a good article), to wear sunscreen and the proper gear, all the physical elements of battling the heat, but what about the mental aspects?
As a coach, everytime a player said “It’s sooo hot!” all I heard was “Hey coach, I have an excuse to not play hard!” The mentally strong athlete treats the heat like another opponent: Not something to be feared and run away from, but something to look straight in the face and conquer. Here are a coupl esport psych standbys, tailored to the heat:
-Focus! - You could focus on the heat, but why? You don’t have any control over it. Focus on what you do have control over: preparation, attitude, and effort
-Positive self-talk – During uncomfortable moments, it’s natural to think negatively about asituation. But mentally strong athletes think positive thoughts and find the positives in any situation. “ugh, it’s hot, this stinks!” becomes: “this heat is only making me stronger – keep it up!”
- Visualization – Remember that if you are hot, your teammates and most likely your opponents are too. See yourself leading your teammates, and outlasting the competition
Athletes, want to work more on your mental game to boost your confidence this summer?
Coaches, looking for ways to add to your team’s experience and get that extra edge? Contact SPINw to talk to one of our consultants about individual or team programs for a strong mental game.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
1-866-300-1515
As a coach, everytime a player said “It’s sooo hot!” all I heard was “Hey coach, I have an excuse to not play hard!” The mentally strong athlete treats the heat like another opponent: Not something to be feared and run away from, but something to look straight in the face and conquer. Here are a coupl esport psych standbys, tailored to the heat:
-Focus! - You could focus on the heat, but why? You don’t have any control over it. Focus on what you do have control over: preparation, attitude, and effort
-Positive self-talk – During uncomfortable moments, it’s natural to think negatively about asituation. But mentally strong athletes think positive thoughts and find the positives in any situation. “ugh, it’s hot, this stinks!” becomes: “this heat is only making me stronger – keep it up!”
- Visualization – Remember that if you are hot, your teammates and most likely your opponents are too. See yourself leading your teammates, and outlasting the competition
Athletes, want to work more on your mental game to boost your confidence this summer?
Coaches, looking for ways to add to your team’s experience and get that extra edge? Contact SPINw to talk to one of our consultants about individual or team programs for a strong mental game.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
1-866-300-1515
Published in
Perform Under Pressure
Wednesday, 15 June 2011 09:40
Endings As Beginnings
Summer is here and for sports that means a lot of endings. European soccer culminated with a splendid display by Barcelona in the Champions League Final, the NHL and NBA finals are wrapping up, college and high school baseball and lacrosse are heading into the post-season. And oh yeah, if you are a student or teacher, school is coming to a close.
At SPINw we’ve been talking a lot about the new beginnings that happen when seasons end. In preseason there is a plan. There is excitement and focus and endless possibilities for the upcoming season. During the season athletes and teams train and fine-tune tune their games, and of course, compete. Those in the post season hope to peak and perform at the maximum level.
But, as you are heading into a break from your sport, what is your game plan? The off-season is in many ways, just as important as the pre- or post seasons. We have a couple suggestions to maximize your off-season:
-Rest: Most sports are year-round these days, and rest can’t be neglected. Make sure that you schedule some rest and relaxation, and stick to it!
-Review: Take some time to reflect on the season. Did you accomplish your goals? Did you improve? If so, how did you do it? Are there moments you wish you had back? Are there moments you’ll always remember?
-Recover: It’s time to heal those injuries, whether major or just minor nagging injuries.
-Renew: After resting and reviewing, and while recovering, it’s time to start looking forward again, at least mentally. It’s time to renew your commitment to the game, the team, and yourself.
Michael Jordan was famous for adding a new piece to his game every summer: three point shooting, spin moves, fade away jumpers, to name a few. He used the off-season to keep his competitive edge and continually distance himself from his opponents. What do you want to add to your game? What are your goals for the off-season?
Not only can you add a new physical skill: speed, agility, technique, a new move, etc, but you might also want to consider adding to your mental game: build your confidence, control your emotions, improve your leadership, or learn how to use visualization to enhance performance.
At SPINw we can help whether it’s getting you out of a slump, building confidence after an injury, or just helping give you an extra edge. Contact us today to ask how.
Published in
General
New - Warrior Golf E-book
SPINw founder Mark Henry has written an e-book for golfers!
Order yours by clicking the link above.