Strengthen Your Mental Muscles in the Gym This Summer
When you read the title of this week’s post, you’re probably wondering what the heck I’m talking about. You condition your body in the gym, not your mind, right? Well, yes, the gym is where you get your body stronger with hang cleans, squats, bench, core, and many other strength exercises. But here’s the really […]
Read MoreMore Evidence That Early Specialization Doesn’t Lead to Later Success (Not Just in Sports)
I just read a fascinating article by David Epstein, the author of The Sports Gene, that further supports my position that early specialization in sports (or any achievement area, for that matter) is not the path to later success. He recounts research and anecdotes in which children who didn’t specialize early went on to have […]
Read MoreRaising Young Athletes Podcast: Episode #3-Athletic Identity
Episode #3: Self-identity of my Raising Young Athletes podcast explores how the role that athletic identity plays in the development of children’s overall self-identity. Topics to be discussed include early specialization, values, the pressure parents feel to “keep up with the Jones,” balance, and the struggles parents have to take the good road for their […]
Read MoreMental Imagery is the Foundation of Your Summer Mental Training
One of the most indelible memories I took away from the 2018 Winter Olympics was from the start area of the alpine events (and, in fact, every ski and snowboard event). Time after time, we saw the best ski racers in the world with their head down and eyes closed, moving their hands and their […]
Read MoreTaylor named Columnist for Saturday Evening Post
I am honored to have just been named a columnist for the Saturday Evening Post, the venerable magazine first published in 1821. My column, On Your Mind, explores the ways in which we can grow and find meaning, fulfillment, and joy in our lives. My approach is deep and practical, with a focus on understanding […]
Read MoreWhat’s Your Mental Training Program for the Off-season Prep Period?
It happens every winter. In December, January, and February, I get calls from national team athletes and parents of young racers who are struggling mentally in their ski racing and they have big races coming up. They want me to somehow fix them quickly. Though I think I’m pretty good at what I do, I’m […]
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