By: Eddie O'Connor

Ever find yourself stewing over a comment from a coach or a teammate long after the game? 

If every critique feels like a personal jab or if you’re constantly ruminating on a missed play, chances are you’re taking things too personally and you might be too sensitive. 

Recognizing this is the first step toward making a change.

Today we’re going to talk about how to be less sensitive on the playing field and also about some tips to toughen up, without giving up who you really are! 

Feeling a bit too sensitive on the playing field? 

You’re not alone.

Stimulus discrimination is a fancy term used in psychology, but don’t let it scare you. 

It’s all about recognizing and responding differently to various stimuli or situations. 

For an athlete, this means distinguishing between different game scenarios, crowd noises, or even the pressure of competition.

When we talk about classical conditioning vs operant conditioning in sports, we’re diving into how your brain and body can learn and adapt to better your performance. 

This stuff isn’t just for class—it’s how you train to become your best on the field or court.

In the dynamic world of sports, understanding your personality type isn’t just about self-awareness.

It’s a strategic advantage! 

Whether you’re an extroverted introvert or not, knowing your personality can seriously up your game. 

Let’s dive into why it matters and how you can leverage it. 

Especially in competitive sports environments!

Ever wondered, “What is the point of life?” especially after a tough game loss? 

You’re not alone!

This feeling is more common than you think in sports. 

It stems from putting a lot of emotional investment into the outcome. 

When expectations crash, so can your spirits.

When you’re starting out in sports or any new challenge, you might hear “trust the process” a lot. 

It sounds like just another sports cliché, but there’s deep wisdom in those three words. 

Let’s break it down from the viewpoint of a sports psychologist

Here’s a dive into core beliefs from a sports psychologist’s angle. Slicing through the usual chatter to give you fresh, actionable insights.

hink of core beliefs like your brain’s background apps. 

They’re running all the time, shaping your thoughts, feelings, and actions without you even pressing “start.” 

These beliefs are the big opinions we carry about the world, ourselves, and our futures. 

They can power us up or hold us back.
Let’s break it down some more!

From the playbook of a sports psychologist, the law of detachment isn’t about giving up. 

It’s about playing smart and freeing your mind. 

Let’s dive into what it really means and how you can use it to up your game.

Martyr complex is quite a tricky mindset to have and more so, if you have to deal with it when someone from the team has it. 

Ever noticed how some teams, despite having talent, just can’t seem to win? It’s not always about skill or practice. Sometimes, the real opponent is within the team itself, lurking in the mindset of its members. 

Let’s break it down… sports style!