How this Sports Psychologist Trains NFL Players' Brains | The Assist | GQ Sports

Summary

High-performance psychologist Michael Gervais discusses the significance of mental training in sports, emphasizing its role in both mental health and athletic performance. With the NFL and NBA mandating psychologists for teams, he highlights the importance of a strong mental foundation, including developing a personal philosophy and mental skills to excel under pressure. Gervais also explores mindfulness, its benefits for performance and well-being, and how it can help athletes achieve a flow state and improve their overall life.

Takeaways

• 🏈 The importance of psychology in sports is increasingly recognized, with major leagues like the NFL and NBA now mandating psychologists on staff.
• 🧠 Michael Gervais, a high-performance psychologist, emphasizes the significance of mental health and sports performance in high-pressure environments.
• 🏆 Gervais has worked with the Seattle Seahawks for eight years, highlighting the team's success as evidence of the benefits of psychological support.
• 🤔 The mental aspect of performance involves understanding how to excel under stress and in the presence of judgment, which was a challenge Gervais faced as a young athlete.
• 🎓 Gervais' educational background includes degrees in psychology and sports science, leading to a deep understanding of performance in high-stakes situations.
• 🌟 Coach Carol's philosophy is centered around creating a culture that enables individuals to thrive, focusing on relationships and being present in the moment.
• 🔍 The discovery phase of working with athletes involves understanding their personal philosophies and guiding principles, which are crucial for aligning thoughts, words, and actions.
• 💡 The concept of a 'signal' is introduced as a concise statement (25 words or less) that encapsulates an individual's guiding principles and personal philosophy.
• 🧘‍♂️ Mindfulness training is highlighted as a key component of mental training, focusing on awareness and wisdom to enhance performance and well-being.
• 🌱 Optimism is identified as a fundamental belief system that can be trained and is crucial for exploring potential and achieving desired outcomes.
• 🌀 The practice of mindfulness can suppress the default mode network in the brain, potentially leading to a flow state and improved performance.

Q & A

Who is Michael Gervais?

Michael Gervais is a high-performance psychologist who has been working with the Seattle Seahawks for the past eight years. He specializes in the mental aspects of sports performance and has a deep understanding of how people perform under stress.

Why is the inclusion of a psychologist on sports teams becoming more common?

The inclusion of a psychologist on sports teams is becoming more common because major sports organizations like the NFL and NBA are recognizing the importance of psychology for both mental health and sports performance.

What was Michael Gervais' educational background in relation to his field?

Michael Gervais has an undergraduate degree in psychology, a master's degree in sports science, and a PhD in psychology with a subspecialty in sport and performance.

What is the significance of Coach Carol's approach to building a team culture?

Coach Carol's approach focuses on creating relationships and an ecosystem that allows people to thrive, emphasizing the importance of being present and supportive in high-stress environments.

What is the discovery phase in working with an athlete?

The discovery phase involves asking many questions to understand how the athlete perceives themselves, their beliefs, and their guiding principles. It's about understanding their personal philosophy and how they engage in life.

What is the purpose of having a personal philosophy or guiding principles?

A personal philosophy or guiding principles help individuals align their thoughts, words, and actions across any environment. It serves as a foundation for how they engage in life and can be condensed into a simple signal or statement.

How does Coach Carol's philosophy of 'always compete' apply to his life?

Coach Carol's philosophy of 'always compete' is a way he organizes his life, striving to be a great dad, coach, friend, and husband. It's a guiding principle that helps him maintain focus and commitment in all aspects of his life.

What are the two basic pillars of mindfulness?

The two basic pillars of mindfulness are awareness and wisdom. Awareness involves being conscious of thoughts, emotions, physiological sensations, and the environment. Wisdom is about understanding and simplifying complex situations.

How does optimism play a role in performance and personal growth?

Optimism is a fundamental belief that things will work out, which encourages individuals to stay committed to their goals even when faced with challenges. Research shows that practicing optimism, such as writing down positive aspects of one's life, can increase overall optimism.

What are the two types of mindfulness training mentioned in the script?

The two types of mindfulness training are single point focus mindfulness, which involves focusing on one thing and refocusing when the mind wanders, and contemplative mindfulness, which involves observing thoughts and emotions without judgment.

What are the benefits of practicing mindfulness as discussed in the script?

Practicing mindfulness has been found to increase the frequency of flow states, change brain structure and neural chemistry, improve stress responses, and support overall health and performance. It also helps in better parenting, regulating sleep, and reducing mood fluctuations and fatigue.