044 Observations: How to Assert Yourself

Life throws at us different situations in social settings; dealing with difficult people, coping with criticism, and approaching people where we can choose to have an inferiority complex.  In sport, coach-athlete, parent-athlete, coach-parent-athlete relationships and the overall culture of clubs and organizations can have a big impact on athletes.  Playing team sports such as football, cricket, or rugby; different cultures, moving clubs, playing styles, new coaches, managers or teammates, egos and big personalities can also play a part in whether you as an athlete perform at your best, consistently. So in this short episode, David touches on the last 3 episodes of Demystifying Mental Toughness with Paul McGee, Mark Bennett and Jamie Forrester and looks at how important interpersonal confidence is if you are to thrive in sport, your chosen field or in life in general. Key Learning Points: You will build your awareness of where you're assertive, where you're aggressive, passive, or passive-aggressive. Assertiveness is not raising your voice or shouting. Assertiveness is about controlling your emotions and then responding in a confident, yet direct way. The passive person will be good at controlling their emotions, however, remaining quiet. Controlling your emotions, yet manipulate someone by lying to them, or avoiding responsibility is classed as passive-aggressive behaviour. As a young footballer or rugby player, it’s important to have confidence in yourself and take responsibility for what you say and do. If you’ve interpersonal confidence you’ll be able to take and receive criticism and compliments much better. Connect with David Charlton Download THE FOCUSED ATHLETE CHECKLIST Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn Other Podcasts to Help You Podcast Ep41: Paul McGee - How to Develop Interpersonal Confidence Podcast Ep42: Mark Bennett – Characteristics of High Performance Athletes Podcast Ep43: Jamie Forrester – Thriving in Professional Football Other Resources to Help You Download INTERPERSONAL CONFIDENCE HANDOUT Blog: 5 Reasons team captains should work with a Sports Psychologist Blog Coaches - Are you and your team pulling together during tough times? Blog: 3 Tips to deal with bullying in sport Blog: Communicating with children in sport