Sports and Performance Psychology

Beyond Office Hours: Coaching for Success on the Track, in Business, and Beyond

October 27, 2024

This article talks about:

Coaching for success with autonomy, competence, and connection  

Beyond Office Hours: Coaching for Success on the Track, in Business, and Beyond

Last Friday, I made the drive up the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH as we call it here in LA) to Oxnard College, where I put on my coaching hat to support the Santa Monica College cross-country team at the Western State Conference meet.

After a season marked by illness, injury, and challenges, both the men’s and women’s teams came together for their best race of the year. Seeing them push past setbacks and display resilience and mental grit reminded me how impactful mental performance skills can be, not just in sports but in every high-stakes arena.

Over the season, we worked on core principles—autonomy, competence, and connection—that became the foundation for their growth and peak performance. By building autonomy, they took ownership of their training and race-day decisions; by reinforcing competence, they gained confidence in their ability to push past limits; and by strengthening connection, they developed a team commitment that fueled their drive on race day.

These same skills translate powerfully to the business world. Leaders and teams who cultivate autonomy, foster competence, and nurture connection create an environment that fuels both individual and collective success. As both a clinical and performance psychologist, I’m passionate about helping athletes, professionals, and teams develop the mental resilience and focus needed to achieve their highest potential. The lessons from last Friday extend far beyond the track, affirming the power of mental strength in unlocking success in any pursuit.

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