01/12/2026
I used to think being mentally tough meant pushing everything down, pretending I was always doing well, or only looking at the positives.
I used to spend a lot of time making sure other people thought I was okay, regardless of how I really felt inside.
It might have tricked a few people, but when you spend all your time trying to feel differently than you actually do, you begin to wonder if somethings wrong with you for feeling anything at all.
That's when burnout comes, good athletes quit, and others wonder why they no longer love the game that they have dedicated their lives to.
Now, I know that being mentally tough actually means seeing what's honestly happening inside me and having a way to RESPOND, not just react.
It doesn't mean I have to only focus on the positives or block anything out.
In fact, all mental toughness really requires is two things: awareness and honesty.
You have to be willing to see what's happening in your head, heart and gut.
And be honest enough to name it.
That's what grounds you in reality.
And from there, you can make a decision about what to do next with clarity and precision.
As a coach, this is the first skill I teach. Without awareness, honesty and TRUE mental toughness, no other skill will stick.
If you want to train for pressure, for trust in yourself, and for consistency, this is where it begins.
