Research from PsychTests reveals that when it comes to athletic success, mental prowess plays a crucial role.

Researchers at PsychTests analyzed the personality profile of 322 young athletes who took the Athlete Mental Skills Profile (Team Sports). The sample of athletes, all of whom aspire to go pro, was divided into three groups based on performance ratings from their coaches (Excellent, Good, or just Average). A breakdown of the psychological makeup of these athletes reveals that strong performers skimp on neither effort nor dedication.

Here’s what puts top athletes in a league of their own:

They Push Themselves To Achieve Their Full Potential…Then Push It Further 

 

  • 85 percent of excellent athletes regularly set challenging goals for themselves (compared to 79 percent of good athletes and 72 percent of average ones).
  • 87 percent possess an exceptional inner drive that keeps them motivated, so that they don’t have to rely on other people to encourage and push them (compared to 79 percent of good athletes and
  • 67 percent of average ones).
  • 72 percent of excellent athletes describe themselves as “ambitious” (compared to 51 percent of good athletes and 44 percent of average ones).2

They Possess Exceptional Self-Discipline

  • 66 percent of excellent athletes are dedicated to maintaining a healthy lifestyle (compared to 41 percent of good athletes and 18 percent of average ones).
  • 71 percent continue their exercise program even during the off-season for their sport (compared to 58 percent of good athletes and 67 percent of average ones).
  • 81 percent make sure to get enough sleep the night before a game (compared to 75 percent of good athletes and 78 percent of average ones).
  • 79 percent use visualization techniques to help them stay focused and motivated (compared to 74 percent of good athletes and 78 percent of average ones).
  • 94 percent consistently show up for practice on time (compared to 91 percent of good athletes and 78 percent of average ones).

Their Mental Toughness Is Unparalleled

  • 64 percent of excellent athletes are able to keep their cool even when angry or frustrated (compared to 61 percent of good athletes and 50 percent of average ones).
  • 71 percent take failure in stride and bounce back quickly (compared to 60 percent of good athletes and 39 percent of average ones).
  • 70 percent thrive under pressure (compared to 50 percent of good athletes and 33 percent of average ones).
  • 75 percent keep a positive attitude, even when things are not going well for them (compared to 73 percent of good athletes and 61 percent of average ones).

By comparison, average athletes may also struggle with psychological barriers. Among the findings:

  • 50 percent of the average athletes in PsychTests’ sample are plagued by self-doubt (compared to 36 percent of good athletes and 22 percent of excellent athletes).
  • 28 percent said that they have “choked” during crucial moments in a game (compared to 17 percent of good athletes and 8 percent of excellent athletes).
  • 11 percent make excuses when they don’t play well (compared to 5 percent of good athletes and 9 percent of excellent athletes).
  • 11 percent attribute their successes to chance and luck rather than their own skill and effort (compared to 6 percent of good athletes and 5 percent of excellent athletes).
  • 11 percent feel that attending team practices should be “optional” (compared to 5 percent of good athletes and 7 percent of excellent athletes).

“Ask any professional athlete the secret to their success and they’ll likely say something along the lines of ‘grit’, ‘hard work,’ ‘dedication,’ ‘passion,’ and ‘believing in myself,'” explains Dr. Jerabek, president of PsychTests. “It’s highly unlikely that someone like Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan will say that they were born to be an athlete. Granted, some people are gifted with a certain physical prowess that lends itself well to sports, but personality is a major contributor. You have to be a mental competitor in order to be a physical one. This is never more obvious than when a player ‘chokes’ at a moment when they really need to perform well. What would make someone like Wayne Gretzky miss the net during a crucial playoff game? Certainly not a lack of skill. However, a lack of focus, self-doubt, or an inability to handle pressure is a definite possibility. Here’s the bottom line: When coaching young athletes, developing their physical skills is important, but instructing them on the mental aspect of the game is absolutely essential.”

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