By David Smith “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face.” – Mike Tyson This famous quote really hit me hard, not as hard as a punch in the face but almost so when it comes to the very foundation of what we consider “performance” within sport. Athletes will spend hours upon … Continue reading Improvise Your Way to High Performance in Sport and Life
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Standard of Expectation, Culture of Performance, and the Wednesday Problem
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) One of my first real applicable experiences in infusing sport psychology with coaching started well before I became involved at all. That is, I was coaching one weekly session for the large adult master’s inclusive swim team that was focused on technical skill development and conditioning. This group … Continue reading Standard of Expectation, Culture of Performance, and the Wednesday Problem
Dumb Jocks and Theater Geeks Unite! Sport Psychology in the Performing Arts
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) What does sport have anything in common with the performing arts? I was asked as I stood at the front of a crowded room full of professors and seasoned artistic professionals looking at me. I shifted slightly as I considered the question, all eyes on me as clearly … Continue reading Dumb Jocks and Theater Geeks Unite! Sport Psychology in the Performing Arts
Exercise Gaming as a Mental Health Intervention, Exercise Psychology and Dance Dance Revolution
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) + Art by Bandcamp Exercise Psychology co-exists as a separate by complementary component within our field of Sport Psychology. However, unlike sport psychology, exercise psychology focuses less on performance and more on motivation to develop and maintain consistent exercise and physical activity behaviors. Furthermoe, exercise psychology works more … Continue reading Exercise Gaming as a Mental Health Intervention, Exercise Psychology and Dance Dance Revolution
In the Office or Out on the Field? The Identity Conflict of Mental Performance Coaching and Clinical Sport Psychology Toward Athletic Development
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) Applied sport psychology is facing quite the identity crisis. On one hand, it struggles with the perception and stereotype that an athlete only sees a sport psychologist to “fix” a problem they have. Any and every sport psychology practitioner will tell you that applied sport psych is much … Continue reading In the Office or Out on the Field? The Identity Conflict of Mental Performance Coaching and Clinical Sport Psychology Toward Athletic Development
Diversification of Training and Experience Develops Robust, Resilient, and Tactically Creative Athletes
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) The vilification of words like “diversity” represent a socio-political shift within our society toward a more convergent hegemonic perspective. It is in this evolution that the diversity of peoples who do not subscribe to this hegemonic perspective find themselves at equal vilification. However, when it comes to “diversity”, … Continue reading Diversification of Training and Experience Develops Robust, Resilient, and Tactically Creative Athletes
Mansplaining a Class on Women in Sports: My Reflections on Teaching and Learning in Honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) “I am certainly competent, capable, and willing, but I need to ask… are you sure you want me as a cisgender white male to teach a class on women in sports?” Was the first question I asked when I took on my faculty teaching role at the State … Continue reading Mansplaining a Class on Women in Sports: My Reflections on Teaching and Learning in Honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month
Praise: Despite Good Intentions, How Much is too Much?
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) Praise is often used with best intentions. After all, who doesn't love some positive reeforcement with a pat on the back and a "good job!" when you do something well. Just like anything else, too much praise can turn into a bad thing and have the opposite of … Continue reading Praise: Despite Good Intentions, How Much is too Much?
Unlock Your Potential: The Benefits of Mental Performance Coaching Athletes, Artists, and Performers of All Kind
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) Within my professional practice as a sport psychology practitioner, strength & conditioning, and mental performance coach, I find that most people generally have two perceptions about the services I offer. “I don’t need to see a psychologist, I’m not sick/ there is nothing wrong with me.” “That sounds … Continue reading Unlock Your Potential: The Benefits of Mental Performance Coaching Athletes, Artists, and Performers of All Kind
Reaffirming LGBTQ+ Rights to a Diverse, Inclusive, Equal and Just Society in the Face of Prejudice, Discrimination and Oppression: Maintaining Resilience, Strength, and Optimism
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) Unfortunately, we are facing some turbulent and tough times ahead as religious conservatives subsume power. LGBTQ+ rights are under direct threat as we anticipate a rise in anti-LGBTQ prejudice, oppression, and discrimination that will push our limits to the edge of chaos. The fact is, we are likely … Continue reading Reaffirming LGBTQ+ Rights to a Diverse, Inclusive, Equal and Just Society in the Face of Prejudice, Discrimination and Oppression: Maintaining Resilience, Strength, and Optimism
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