Podcast
Demystifying Mental Toughness
Hosted by David Charlton · ENGLISH
Demystifying Mental Toughness is for people who want to reach their goals faster and are curious what high performing athletes and professionals do to fulfil their potential. David Charlton shares insights, strategies and stories from leading athletes, coaches, psychologists and specialists to help you perform to your optimum level on a more consistent basis. If you're a motivated athlete, coach, sport psychologist, mental game coach or executive listen in for proven and practical advice in this podcast.
313episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
312 Dr John Perry: How Sport Coaches Influence Mental Toughness
Apr 300:50:12Tap to summarizeTo end a recent series on the coach-athlete relationship, in this bonus episode of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, David Charlton is joined by Dr John Perry, Head of Department of PE and Sports Sciences at the University of Limerick, researcher, former coach and performance analyst, to explore how coaches can better support athletes through the lens of mental toughness. The conversation explores why coaches have such a powerful influence on athletes' habits and environments, how agency and behavioural standards can strengthen control, and why confidence should come from within rather than being outsourced to results, selection or feedback. They also discuss how coaches can create challenging environments that encourage growth without fear, why mistakes should be accepted as part of development, and why commitment is often misunderstood as a character issue rather than a cognitive skill linked to attention and focus. This is a rich, thought-provoking episode for coaches, parents and athletes who want to understand how to create environments that develop stronger, more self-aware and resilient performers. >> Key Takeaways · Great coaching helps athletes develop agency by focusing on behaviours, habits and standards they can control. · True confidence is stable and internal, it should not depend on results, selection decisions or external praise. · Commitment is often misunderstood; many so-called commitment errors are actually cognitive errors linked to attention and focus. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the other parts of this mini-series and our previous podcasts on the coach–athlete relationship: Ep311 – Learning Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep310 - Risk Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep309 - Interpersonal Confidence: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep308 – Confidence in Ability – When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep307 - Achievement Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep306 - Goal Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep305 – Emotional Control: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep304 – David Charlton - Life Control: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Connect with David Charlton · Sign Up To The Mental Edge · Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub · LinkedIn Connect with Dr John Perry · University of Limerick Profile
Transcribe →
311 Learning Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently
Mar 2700:11:24Tap to summarizeIn this episode David concludes the eight-part series exploring the coach–athlete relationship by focusing on a powerful concept within the Challenge pillar of the 4Cs model of Mental Toughness, learning orientation. Learning orientation reflects how willing athletes and coaches are to reflect on mistakes, setbacks and difficult experiences in order to improve. Without this mindset, progress in sport can stall and with it, challenges become powerful opportunities for development. David explores a common dynamic where a coach has a high learning orientation but the athlete struggles to reflect on mistakes. For some athletes, errors can feel threatening to their confidence, which may lead them to avoid reflection, become defensive, or withdraw after setbacks. Drawing on Sophia Jowett's 3 + 1 Cs model of the coach–athlete relationship; closeness, commitment, complementarity and co-orientation. David explains how coaches can create psychologically safe environments where learning becomes easier and less emotionally threatening. The episode also provides practical strategies for coaches including normalising mistakes, using structured reflection questions, encouraging perspective and introducing simple review routines. Ultimately, learning orientation acts as the engine that drives long-term development in sport, helping athletes turn setbacks into valuable lessons that strengthen confidence, control, commitment and their ability to embrace challenges. >> Key Takeaways · Learning orientation helps athletes turn mistakes, setbacks and challenges into opportunities for development. · Athletes low in learning orientation may avoid reflection because mistakes feel threatening to their confidence. · Coaches can support learning by normalising mistakes, guiding structured reflections and creating psychologically safe environments. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the other parts of this mini-series and our previous podcasts on the coach–athlete relationship: Ep310 - Risk Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep309 - Interpersonal Confidence: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep308 – Confidence in Ability – When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep307 - Achievement Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep306 - Goal Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep305 – Emotional Control: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep304 – David Charlton - Life Control: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Connect with David Charlton · Sign Up To The Mental Edge · Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub · LinkedIn
Transcribe →
310 Risk Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently
Mar 2000:10:38Tap to summarizeDescription Today, David Charlton explores another dynamic within the coach–athlete relationship: differences in risk orientation (a sub-measure of Mental Toughness). He discusses a common scenario in sport, a coach who prefers structure, routine and predictability working alongside an athlete who thrives on experimentation, creativity and challenge. While structured environments can provide stability and clarity, athletes high in risk orientation often crave variety, stimulation and opportunities to explore different solutions. When these two approaches collide, tension can emerge. The athlete may feel restricted or bored, while the coach may view experimentation as reckless or unpredictable. Drawing on Sophia Jowett's 3 + 1 Cs model of the coach–athlete relationship; closeness, commitment, complementarity and co-orientation. David explains how coaches can balance structure with controlled variety so that creative athletes stay engaged while maintaining clarity and purpose within training. The episode highlights how strong relationships, open communication and thoughtful session design can help coaches channel adventurous mindsets into productive performance environments where curiosity and learning are encouraged rather than suppressed. >> Key Takeaways · Risk orientation reflects how comfortable individuals are with uncertainty, experimentation and challenge. · When coaches prefer structure and athletes crave variety, training environments can feel restrictive or chaotic depending on one's perspective. · Balancing structure with opportunities for creativity and exploration keeps high-risk-orientation athletes engaged and developing. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the other parts of this mini-series and our previous podcasts on the coach–athlete relationship: Ep309 – Interpersonal Confidence – When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep308 – Confidence in Ability – When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep307 - Achievement Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep306 - Goal Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep305 – Emotional Control: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep304 – Life Control: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Connect with David Charlton · Sign Up To The Mental Edge · Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub · LinkedIn
Transcribe →
309 Interpersonal Confidence: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently
Mar 1300:08:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, David Charlton explores an often overlooked aspect of confidence in sport, interpersonal confidence. He discussed a common dynamic seen in sporting environments: a coach with very high interpersonal confidence working alongside an athlete who struggles to speak up. Highly confident coaches often communicate clearly and persuasively. They lead conversations, provide direction and bring strong conviction to their coaching. Yet when this confidence dominates the interaction, quieter athletes can become increasingly passive, hesitant and disengaged. Using Sophia Jowett's 3 + 1 Cs model of the coach–athlete relationship; closeness, commitment, complementarity and co-orientation, David explains how coaches can create environments where athletes feel psychologically safe to contribute their ideas and ask questions. He argues great coaching creates space for an athlete's voice to be heard. >> Key Takeaways · Confidence in sport is not just about performance, it also includes interpersonal confidence and the ability to communicate. · When coaches dominate conversations, quieter athletes can become passive and disengaged. · Creating psychological safety through listening, open questions and patience allows athletes to develop the confidence to contribute. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the other parts of this mini-series and our previous podcasts on the coach–athlete relationship: Ep308 – Confidence in Ability – When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep307 - Achievement Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep306 - Goal Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep305 – Emotional Control: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep304 – David Charlton - Life Control: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Connect with David Charlton · Sign Up To The Mental Edge · Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub · LinkedIn
Transcribe →
308 Confidence In Ability: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently
Mar 600:11:19Tap to summarizeToday, David Charlton explores a powerful but often misunderstood dynamic in sport: the highly confident coach working with an athlete who lacks confidence in their ability. At first glance, this combination might appear positive. A confident leader should inspire belief and clarity. However, when the balance isn't right, the relationship can unintentionally increase anxiety, self‑doubt and disengagement for the athlete. Drawing on Albert Bandura's concept of self‑efficacy and Sophia Jowett's 3+1 Cs coach–athlete relationship model (closeness, commitment, complementarity and co‑orientation), David explains why perception inside the relationship is crucial. Low‑confidence athletes often interpret blunt feedback or high standards as confirmation that they are not good enough. Without awareness, confident coaching can therefore widen the psychological gap rather than close it. David shares practical ways coaches can adapt their approach to create psychologically safe environments where confidence can grow. From shifting towards process goals and asking better questions, to recognising quiet athletes and building ownership, this episode offers practical strategies for coaches who want to support athletes more effectively. Ultimately, great coaching combines high standards with empathy, awareness and strong relationships so athletes feel safe to try, safe to fail and supported to learn. >> Key Takeaways · Confidence from a coach doesn't automatically create confidence in an athlete, without awareness it can increase anxiety. · Low self‑efficacy athletes often interpret criticism as proof they don't belong, which can lead to avoidance and disengagement. · Strong coach–athlete relationships built on trust, communication and psychological safety help confidence grow. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the other parts of this mini-series on the coach-athlete relationship and it's connection with Mental Toughness: Ep307 - Achievement Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep306 - Goal Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep305 – Emotional Control: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep304 – David Charlton - Life Control: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Connect with David Charlton · Sign Up To The Mental Edge · Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub · LinkedIn
Transcribe →
307 Achievement Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently
Feb 2700:10:37Tap to summarizeIn part 4 of this mini-series, David Charlton explores a challenging but common sport dynamic: the high achievement-oriented athlete working with a low achievement-oriented coach. The athlete is organised, early, diligent, and constantly looking for ways to improvetechnical work, gym work, extras, metrics, and a "leave no stone unturned" mindset. But the coach may appear distracted, rushed, inconsistent, late, or disorganised and may find structured goal-setting and CPD stressful. When those worlds don't align, athletes can feel unsupported, unwanted, and even inadequate, despite doing "everything right". They may also become vulnerable to overworking, anxiety, and neglecting recovery especially if they're known as the "postman" who always delivers! Drawing on Sophia Jowett's coach–athlete relationship framework (closeness, commitment, complementarity and co-orientation), David explains how misalignment often comes down to unclear expectations and poor communication not a lack of care. The episode finishes by linking the dynamic to Peter Clough's 4Cs: confidence, control, challenge and commitment and offers practical ways both coach and athlete can meet halfway through recognition, structure, boundaries, and honest conversations. >> Key Takeaways · Misalignment is the issue: clarity and communication are more effective than blame · High-achieving athletes need boundaries recovery and priorities protect long-term performance · Small structure matters: simple session aims, feedback and recognition build confidence If you enjoyed this episode, check out the other parts of this mini-series and our previous podcasts on the coach–athlete relationship: Ep306 - Goal Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep305 – Emotional Control: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep304 – David Charlton - Life Control: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep303: Doug Strycharczyk - Why You Think the Way You Do Under Pressure Ep293: Stuart Barnes - High Challenge, High Support: Mental Toughness in Cricket Connect with David Charlton · Sign Up To The Mental Edge · Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub · LinkedIn
Transcribe →
306 Goal Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently
Feb 2000:12:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode (part 3) of Demystifying Mental Toughness, David Charlton continues his solo series exploring the 4Cs of Mental Toughness through the coach–athlete relationship lens. The focus this week is Commitment, specifically Goal Orientation, and a common challenge in sport: the mismatch between a highly goal-oriented coach and an athlete who feels overwhelmed, anxious or uncomfortable when targets are discussed. While goal-driven coaches bring structure, clarity and high standards, some athletes experience goals as pressure rather than motivation. Fear of judgement, developing brains, and low confidence can lead to avoidance, distraction or even self-sabotage. Drawing on research from Professor Sophia Jowett and the 4Cs model of Mental Toughness, this episode explores how coaches can create shared ownership of goals, strengthen the relationship, and build confidence through simple, process-focused targets. Listeners will learn practical ways to support athletes by improving self-awareness, simplifying goal setting, and creating a learning environment that prioritises progress over pressure. When goals are built together rather than imposed, athletes feel more confident, more in control, and more committed to their development. >> Key Takeaways · Process goals increase confidence by focusing attention on controllable behaviours · Shared ownership of goals strengthens trust, motivation and commitment · Intrinsic motivation supports long-term development, enjoyment and wellbeing If you enjoyed this episode, check out the other parts of this mini-series and our previous podcasts on the coach–athlete relationship: Ep305 – Emotional Control: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep304 – David Charlton - Life Control: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep303: Doug Strycharczyk - Why You Think the Way You Do Under Pressure Ep302: Doug Strycharczyk - Why You React the Way You Do Under Pressure Ep293: Stuart Barnes - High Challenge, High Support: Mental Toughness in Cricket Connect with David Charlton · Sign Up To The Mental Edge · Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub · LinkedIn
Transcribe →
305 Emotional Control: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently
Feb 1300:18:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Demystifying Mental Toughness, David Charlton continues in part two of his solo series exploring the 4Cs of Mental Toughness through the coach–athlete relationship lens. The focus this week is Emotional Control and a common but misunderstood dynamic in sport: the emotionally reactive coach and the calm, composed athlete. While passion and intensity are often seen as leadership qualities, strong emotional reactions, sarcasm or outcome-focused language can unintentionally create a fear-based environment. When athletes feel judged or humiliated, the brain's threat system activates, reducing attention, decision-making and learning. At the same time, athletes who regulate their emotions well are often misunderstood. Calm behaviour can be interpreted as a lack of care or motivation, leading to unnecessary conflict. Drawing on research around the coach–athlete relationship and youth brain development, this episode explains how emotional climate shapes confidence, creativity and long-term engagement in sport. Listeners will also learn a simple framework for understanding emotional intensity and regulation, along with practical strategies for improving communication and psychological safety. >> Key Takeaways Fear and public criticism trigger threat responses that reduce learning and decision-making Calm athletes often care deeply, emotional control is a coping style, not disengagement Performance improves when coaches combine passion with emotional regulation and relational awareness If you enjoyed this episode, check out part one of my mini-series and our previous podcasts on all things mental toughness: Ep304 – David Charlton - Life Control: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently Ep303: Doug Strycharczyk - Why You Think the Way You Do Under Pressure Ep302: Doug Strycharczyk - Why You React the Way You Do Under Pressure Ep293: Stuart Barnes - High Challenge, High Support: Mental Toughness in Cricket Ep249: Edward Hall - Workplace Collaboration in Team Sports Coaching Environments Connect with David Charlton · Sign Up To The Mental Edge · Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub · LinkedIn
Transcribe →
304 Life Control: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently
Feb 600:14:19Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Demystifying Mental Toughness, David begins a new eight-part solo series exploring how mental toughness shapes the coach–athlete relationship in sport. Today's focus is Life Control — a part of mental toughness that influences whether people feel able to shape what happens to them, or whether life simply "happens" to them. David explores one of the most common and frustrating mismatches in sport: the high life-control coach and the low life-control athlete. High-life control coaches are driven, organised and solution-focused. They believe effort changes outcomes. Low life -control athletes, often younger or more emotionally sensitive, experience sport as something that happens to them. Their confidence fluctuates, motivation comes and goes, and excuses become a way of protecting self-esteem. What looks like laziness or lack of commitment from the outside is often helplessness on the inside. This episode shows how this clash creates tension and how, when handled well, it can become one of the most powerful developmental partnerships in sport. David also draws on research from Sophia Jowett on the coach–athlete relationship, highlighting how closeness, commitment, complementarity and shared understanding allow athletes to grow in confidence and responsibility. >> Key Takeaways High and low life control are not "good" or "bad" they are different ways of responding to pressure Low life-control athletes are often emotionally sensitive, creative and adaptable. Coaches who provide structure, chunking and emotional safety help these athletes thrive. If you enjoyed this episode, check out our previous podcasts on all things mental toughness: Ep302: Doug Strycharczyk - Why You React the Way You Do Under Pressure Ep293: Stuart Barnes - High Challenge, High Support: Mental Toughness in Cricket Ep249: Edward Hall - Workplace Collaboration in Team Sports Coaching Environments Ep201: Dr John Perry and Doug Strycharczyk – Even The Mentally Tough Can Find Things A Struggle Without Self Awareness Connect with David Charlton · Sign Up To The Mental Edge · Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub · LinkedIn
Transcribe →
303 Why You Think the Way You Do Under Pressure
Jan 3000:28:09Tap to summarizeIn part 2, David Charlton is again joined by Doug Strycharczyk from AQR International to explore how mental toughness shapes the way we make decisions especially when information is incomplete and pressure is high. Doug explains that confidence is not just about believing in your skills, but also about having the interpersonal confidence to work with others, challenge ideas, and avoid the trap of groupthink. In teams and organisations, those with higher interpersonal confidence are more likely to think divergently, question assumptions, and protect ethical decision-making rather than simply follow the crowd. The conversation then moves into "challenge" and its two key components: risk orientation and learning orientation. Some people are naturally willing to step into uncertainty, but what really separates high performers is whether they learn from what happens next. Doug also introduces the idea of mental toughness as an enabler not an outcome. It helps explain why we behave the way we do, so that we can optimise rather than try to change who we are. For athletes, coaches, and leaders, this episode reinforces why self-awareness, reflection, and purposeful practice sit at the heart of long-term performance. >> Key Takeaways · Confidence is both personal and interpersonal it affects how well we think and how well we collaborate. · Risk-taking without learning leads nowhere growth comes from reflecting on what didn't work. · Mental toughness isn't about being "better" it's about understanding yourself well enough to optimise performance. DISCLAIMER: David committed a schoolboy error! Sincere apologies for the poor sound quality in parts! If you enjoyed this episode, check out our previous podcasts on all things mental toughness: Ep302: Doug Strycharczyk - Why You React the Way You Do Under Pressure Ep242: Doug Strycharczyk - What Is The Difference Between Mental Toughness And Resilience Ep201: Dr John Perry and Doug Strycharczyk – Even The Mentally Tough Can Find Things A Struggle Without Self Awareness Ep050: Doug Strycharczyk, Peter Clough MBE & Dr John Perry – Mental Strength Does Not Guarantee Success Ep001: Doug Strycharczyk – The Importance of Mental Toughness Connect with Doug Strycharczyk: · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougstrycharczyk/ · Email: headoffice@aqr.co.uk Connect with David Charlton · Sign Up To The Mental Edge · Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub · LinkedIn
Transcribe →