high expectations

How “Trying to do Too Much” Can Hurt Performance

Performing Within Yorself

Perform Smarter, Not Harder Just give a 110% effort! Has anyone ever told you that prior to a performance? The more valuable advice may very well be… “Perform smarter, not harder.” Trying harder, shooting for perfection, or attempting to meet crazy-high expectations rarely produce better results. In fact, these false motivators generally cause athletes to

Sports Psychology Podcast: Perform with Confidence, Not Expectation

Sports Psychology Podcast

In this week’s sports psychology podcast, Dr. Cohn helps a ice hockey player improve his self-confidence.  Sports psychology expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn helps athletes let go of high expectations and perform with confidence. Dr. Cohn answers the following mental game question: “I play travel AAA ice hockey. I have been the leading goal scorer on my team for the entire

Sport Psychology Podcast: Perform Without Expectations

Sports Psychology Podcast

In this week’s sports psychology podcast, Dr. Cohn helps a basketball player who puts pressure on himself to perform. Sports psychology expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn helps athletes perform without expectations and tension in competition. Dr. Cohn answers the following mental game question: “I play pro basketball in Europe and after two games have not played

When Your Young Athlete’s Confidence is Low Because Friends Excel

Young Athlete Confidence

Young Athletes And Confidence Struggles What do you do when your young athlete’s confidence sinks every time a talented friend or teammate excels in sports? This is a common problem for young athletes. Kids are social beings—and they tend to compare themselves to their friends. But in sports, this is a bad thing to do.

Why Athletes “Check Out” After Making Mistakes

Checking Out in Sports

Do You Check Out After Mistakes? OK, so I’ve received a ton of questions from athletes, coaches and parents about how to help athletes who “check out” after making mistakes in competition. Do you (or your players) have trouble keeping your head in the game after mistakes? Do mistakes compound because you’re so frustrated you