046 Why Snowboarding is a Metaphor for Life

Life, sport, or our careers are not straightforward.  There is no linear path that you can carve out as regularly we are faced with challenges and setbacks.  Mental Toughness is all about how we deal with these times, whether we choose to move on forward positively, simply survive or drown and potentially quit.   Today, author Kate Mackay shares with me some fascinating insights into learning how to snowboard in her thirties as a new mum, the difficulties that cropped up along the way, and how she faced them head-on.    Key Learning Points: On learning to snowboard Kate found it extremely challenging and often found herself frustrated and angry at herself. She also found glimmers of how much fun it could be. It was about mentally and physically learning a new skill, in an environment that she wasn’t used to and could change fast.   In snowboarding, you will fall over. If you don't want to fall over, then don't strap on a snowboard, that's all part of the learning process! In terms of the four C's of Mental Toughness, she felt she was in control of her life and was committed, but she was just surviving.   She wasn't thriving with her snowboarding, she was struggling with her confidence, her ability to accept the risks involved and struggling to learn. It's useful to have a coach, somebody who can look at things objectively, someone who gets away from the emotion and can remind you what you achieved a year ago or more recently that you often forget about. It is important to recognize your fears, acknowledging them but also listen to that devil on your shoulder, saying go on, do it. Connect with Kate Mackay Instagram Facebook Kate’s Mummysnowboarder blog Book written by Kate Mackay Take It All On Board Connect with David Charlton Download THE FOCUSED ATHLETE CHECKLIST Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn Podcasts to Help You Podcast Ep02: Steve Judge – How to Deal with Adversity Podcast Ep35: Dr John Perry – Thrive, don’t just Survive 2021  Podcast Ep37: Penny Mallory – World Class Thinking, World Class Behaviour Blogs to Help You How to Learn from Last Year Improving Sport Performance Using Gratitude Five Ways to Get Out of a Slump