The mental game is fundamentally overlooked in the majority of sports. Yet it frequently holds the key to peak performance.
However, despite this, and even with a background in psychology, I found it a difficult to know where to start to improve my mental game. I suspect others have found the same.
My goal with this site is to share what I have learnt about the mental game. It is based on my own experiences shooting English Skeet - but this site isn't about shooting - it is about the mental game.
I have kept the theory to a minimum while providing as much practical advice as I can. I have broken down the material into a step by step guide - 15 steps overall - accessible from the menu above. Where appropriate, I have included links to additional material - both online, paper based, and videos - should you want to find out more about particular topics.
You will also find various materials that I have developed for my own use along the way that you can download and adapt them for yourself.
It all started in 2014 when, at the age of 52, I took up competitive sport for the first time. It took me just over 4 years to go from complete beginner to being selected to represent my country. In 2018, I shot for the Welsh National Skeet team. In 2019, I shot for Wales again and won AA Class at the British Open.
I have kept records of my performance from the start - I know every target that I have missed in competition as well as what I was wearing when I did it, the weather conditions and what I ate the night before!
Between July 2015 - January 2020:
What follows is a structured and systematic approach to becoming the best sports person that I could and what I learnt along the way. What I lack in talent and youth has been replaced by hard work and perseverance - and a little bit of thought!
In 1983, I graduated with a degree in Behavioural Science. This started by lifelong interest in psychology.
I have spent most of my professional career in the Computer industry - first as a researcher, then as a consultant and finally as a business leader.
Whatever I do - whether it is inside or outside of work - I always want to do it to the best of my ability. Although it sounds great, it can seem like a bit of a curse at times since I am constantly driven to improve at what I do. I guess this site is testament to that!
And I'm born and bred Welsh!
I hope you find this site useful.