Amanda Speed

Being mentally tough in sports helps you with life, and being mentally tough in life helps you with sports.

Mental toughness isn’t something you either have or don’t have. It can be learned and developed. Anyone is capable of training their mental toughness if they’re willing to do so.

As an athlete, you can’t be too nice while competing in games. You have to play to win and not worry about hurting your opponent’s feelings. Don’t take winning and losing too personal. Know that you can still be friends with your opponent after the game, whether you win or lose.

As an athlete, you should be happy when people doubt you, because it gives you extra motivation to work hard and reach your goals.

As an athlete, you need to have realistic expectations for your performance in games. Don’t be a perfectionist. By accepting that it’s impossible to be perfect, you’ll do a better job staying calm and moving on from mistakes.

If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not challenging yourself enough.