Mental Toughness

[Daniel Sonsini]

Does anyone any good 'mental toughness' articles or books?

[Guy Erez]

Do crossfit sessions hard enough that is with high intensity, and it would teach you mental toughness in the best way there is. (except the army or a few other things lol).

[Geoff Archibald]

The only mental training book I've read is very rock climbing specific called The Rock Warrior's Way. Some of it probably applies to crossfit although the danger factor isn't really there which is a large aspect of lead climbing. The discussion centers around fear and ego but the role of ego in not pushing yourself in crossfit would be similar. Fear of failure is a big one for me which would manifest itself in a WOD as backing off when you don't think you can meet the target you've set.

There must be some good sport psychology books out there. Personally it's a real weakness of mine and always has been since I was a kid. I've competed in a lot of sports but never really felt like I could perform at my best on game day but then I always thought I should win.

[S.S.]

I have a book called the Triathlete's Guide to Mental Training. It didn't teach me anything valuable. Personally I'd rather put my best effort into training hard and performing during an event in order to build mental toughness, instead of reading some lame book.

[Sean J Hunter]

I book I found invaluable is "Learnt Optimism". It isnt sports specific but it is written by a past President of the American Phyciatrist Association, which means he probably knows what he's talking about. He is also the father of modern positive Physcology...and I dont mean self talk I mean Phycology that look sat how we can improve the human phyci not fix damaged ones.

It actually covers the negative base of thinking that we create and how to counter it and no it's not Pop Physcology, it really moves into monitoring and changing the way you see adversity.

Very good stuff.

Another great read is on a Special Forces website called ProfessionalSoldiers.com (95% WFS) Search for mental toughness and you'll get some very good advice from some been there done thats.

P.S. It's their website, so don't post anything, they generally wont appreciate your opinon. But they dont mind you as a visitor.

Sean

I have other reads if you want them

[Emily Mattes]

"The Art of Excellence" by Terry Orlick is great. It covers a number of strategies for maintaining commitment and focus both throughout training and on game day.

Mental strength is as, if not more, important as physical strength, and like the body must be trained. It rarely simply happens or develops along with training the physical. Anyone who is serious about real competition should not discount its importance.

[Daniel Sonsini]

Thanks for all the help. Will definately check out the sites and books.

[Ben Moskowitz]

Performance Menu Issue 36
Mindy Freak Part 1
by Aimee Anaya
The importance of a strong mind for a strong body

Performance Menu Issue 38
Mind Freak Part 2
by Aimee Anaya

Issue 38 also happens to be the current Free Issue

The articles also reference some great resources.

Links WFS

[Dave Coughlin]

Originally Posted by Shane Skowron

I have a book called the Triathlete's Guide to Mental Training. It didn't teach me anything valuable. Personally I'd rather put my best effort into training hard and performing during an event in order to build mental toughness, instead of reading some lame book.

I'm so glad someone else got zero from that book. There are quite a few great triathlon books, that is not one of them.

[Frances Bolton]

Sam Sheridan's *The Fighters Mind* has some good stuff about mental toughness.