tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78453234857794501132024-03-05T15:41:33.701-08:00Psyche4SuccessSports Psychology and Mental Skills Training to improve your performance and create sporting and business successes.Peter McCroryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09327617503901583456noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845323485779450113.post-662216405782769202012-01-02T14:23:00.000-08:002012-01-02T14:26:16.682-08:00One year on!Following my last post which was in the midst of a busy period of completing my MSc, I am delighted to report that I passed with a Distinction. Now the hard work really begins. Not only that, but I have moved to Canada, set up a new home, taken a new job, and working in a busy consulting practice. Nevertheless, the work on mental skills will continue. Stay tuned for further details to come.Peter McCroryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09327617503901583456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845323485779450113.post-9347676993894381042010-12-28T16:57:00.000-08:002010-12-28T17:00:08.060-08:00MSc in Progress!!!Be Jezus!!! How time consuming is writing the world's longest MSc thesis, which needs to be the world's shortest!! Just been editing the Results section over the last 2 days. Got it down from a whopping 8500 words to 3500 after 4 edits!! Need to lose another 2000 at least!! Help!! Must get back to it!<br /><br />The results are great, it is a shame I have to cut out so much of the juicy responses! Less is more, after all.Peter McCroryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09327617503901583456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845323485779450113.post-44412848325082216572010-11-19T03:50:00.001-08:002010-11-19T03:50:37.302-08:00Latest Avatar<a href="http://avatars.yahoo.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://lookup.avatars.yahoo.com/ewimages?enc=RwtfK6dFScFP_7CaoBCAVwTuVIU0Jj_5KSImLcOl_UupmtiQu7HZ&size=large&type=png&.intl=uk" width="150" height="235" border="0" alt="Yahoo! Avatars"></a><br /><br />I have just found out how to create avatars using Yahoo.Peter McCroryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09327617503901583456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845323485779450113.post-41008445065478369742010-11-09T16:55:00.000-08:002010-11-09T16:57:31.394-08:00MSc ongoing ProjectThe bane of my life at the moment. Trawling through the data and figuring out the analysis tools and stats packages. Fun, fun fun. I surely cant have far to go now! Or rather how close is the finish!! Come on, motivation where are you when I need you the most!! Remember it is back on the bike when this is all over!! :-)Peter McCroryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09327617503901583456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845323485779450113.post-50353215158556147272010-10-02T14:07:00.000-07:002010-10-02T14:10:16.782-07:00Self-RegulationIt has been a while since I blogged on the Psych4Success Blog. I have been working on a piece of literature which will be ready for publishing in Jan. It is based on the topic of self-regulation in trainee military pilots. I conducted a study some months ago looking at the effects of Mental Skills on these participants over a 2 month period. The early findings are very exciting and positive.<br /><br />I will keep you updated as the publishing date approaches.Peter McCroryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09327617503901583456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845323485779450113.post-50519177614919914452010-03-21T14:05:00.000-07:002010-03-21T14:20:06.501-07:00Dissociative Running Techniques<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPkAYCTsjY9BcQbp7dv6tKpLWYUnQ2l4G-yLB99-46HNZpm-IKQoayrKKdhRm-QOncwIKJmu19vVl28ur2l4Pmm8Cg-FEcK4v8aDj5KewCSfH5sdWRccdhrOCQdTnAbVNmOD-ZXa_U6nF/s1600-h/Dissociation--46072.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPkAYCTsjY9BcQbp7dv6tKpLWYUnQ2l4G-yLB99-46HNZpm-IKQoayrKKdhRm-QOncwIKJmu19vVl28ur2l4Pmm8Cg-FEcK4v8aDj5KewCSfH5sdWRccdhrOCQdTnAbVNmOD-ZXa_U6nF/s400/Dissociation--46072.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451197139960778258" /></a><br />As my wife completed her first half marathon this afternoon, and the whole family cheered her over the line, I asked her about how the race went. Well she said, the race went fine until about mile 5 or 6 when it got a little tough and the hills appeared. Then all of a sudden a lady came past her and they got talking as they ran along. This was the perfect opportunity for the pair of them to put their minds elsewhere, off the pain they may have been suffering, and onto the words and convesation that they chose. How did this work? Well they were completely dissociated thinking, and their minds were diverted away from any thing their minds had previously been screaming at them, due to the constant pounding of the streets. At about mile 12, the pair separated and ran the last mile and a bit on their own. Was this dissociative method effective? Well yes, and the proof is in the post-match debrief. Both of them commented on how their minds switched back to any aches and niggles they may not have been consciously been aware off, whilst they were chatting. Their minds drifted back to the thoughts of maybe stopping and walking, or the ever-present threat of an injury re-occuring!! However they both persisted and reached the finish line in fine form.<br />The question is, what techniques do you use to dissociate when the going gets tough? Paula Radcliffe counts up to 200 and back again, and that is approximately 1 mile. Some people imagine a picture of themselves running just ahead of their actual self, and the pretend to chase that person down. People can focus on the person in front, and their stride pattern, look at the scenery, or picture the finish line and them crossing it. This is a very simple overview of dissociative thinking, combining imagery and effective self-talk to ensure that you are successful in whatever you are engaged. For more information on these techniques, and how to apply them in more complex settings then please contact me.Peter McCroryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09327617503901583456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845323485779450113.post-53375354044360727322010-03-12T13:35:00.000-08:002010-03-12T14:00:09.664-08:00New Course on Mental Skills<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSjIk3uvh8QDONeRoZRLRAQFwQXKlNij6BVAqX8Ia9UXMdUW-TsoiS2Gnv_tljm-_3I6zQ4AycRNa4PfI6ZgTBJBkBIwVCRYB9ZI7gUqNO1DoijOzD08SUjP0SPvrwBcTyYBWzA5RmREF/s1600-h/brain+training+image.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 67px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSjIk3uvh8QDONeRoZRLRAQFwQXKlNij6BVAqX8Ia9UXMdUW-TsoiS2Gnv_tljm-_3I6zQ4AycRNa4PfI6ZgTBJBkBIwVCRYB9ZI7gUqNO1DoijOzD08SUjP0SPvrwBcTyYBWzA5RmREF/s320/brain+training+image.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447870369376649954" /></a><br />Well I have had a lay off in posts on this blog recently for lots of reasons. I have been in the midst of collecting data for my MSc Dissertation. It is proving a time consuming project, however I am noticing evermore frequent trends in behaviours with the guys that I am coaching. Frequently I am finding similar trends with people which I will publish in the forthcoming report. <br /><br />We are focused on performance and how different strategies can be used to regulate oneself in high pressure environments. Arguably the flight deck is the one of the most stressful places to work, which calls for the individuals working within that environment to be in touch with their 'game', to be able to aviate, navigate and communicate in a manner which is performance enhancing to the rest of the individuals on the flightdeck.<br /><br />I have conducted several goal-setting sessions recently which have allowed individuals to open-up and discuss their concerns, and also discuss what it is that is preventing them from achieving the results they so dearly strive for. For example one individual recently had some issues especially when it came to performing in flying tests. So how does one deal with that from a coach's perspective. We can help you outline how to perform under stress. One can easily and effectively learn the strategies to embrace success and take yourself to the next level. More to follow on how this individual coped with his predicament and went on to much bigger and greater things.Peter McCroryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09327617503901583456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845323485779450113.post-36481140912806526862010-02-15T07:05:00.000-08:002010-02-15T07:10:40.891-08:00New Coaching CourseWell over the weekend I set to devising a new exciting Coaching Course which I will be revealing later this year. The Course will focus on some key Sports Psychology concepts, and effectively utilises them to enhance performance for teams and individuals. The course will be dynamic in nature, have a host of personalised tools and steps to help people focus on making a difference in their lives. Moe to follow on its release soon.Peter McCroryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09327617503901583456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845323485779450113.post-90951886747637196932010-01-26T08:39:00.000-08:002010-01-26T12:00:03.080-08:00Compartmentalising EventsI have not posted for some time due to the pressures of University work and getting my Thesis proposal presentation together. Now I have to write it all up and submit it by next Monday, the proposal that is.<br />The time I have spent on the bike has allowed me some 'head space' to think about other topics, notably the Race Across America and the logistics and organisation of the team and crew. I have also been pondering the enormity of the task that awaits us in little over 140 days. That of cycling as a 4-man team from the west coast of the USA to the East Coast of the USA in under 9 days. So what is the most useful way of tackling a huge challenge psychologically.<br />Well I have used some tried and tested techniques to segment the race into various stages. I have noted the number of State boundaries that we will traverse, along with the major mountain ranges that we will cross. These major segments can then be broken down either by distance, landmarks, or projected time on the bike (although caution with this technique as it is basically setting an outcome goal, the non-achievement of which could lead to a dip in motivation especially when considered in the context of factors out of one's control such as head winds, driving rain, detours en route etc.<br />From that point I then break the sections down and give myself milestones, at which I will celebrate the success of having achieved it, and also put it firmly behind me and move on to the next event. In some cases I am considering the next event before achieving the current one!<br />Together with guided imagery the above can be extremely powerful in allowing you to create the images in one's mind to imagine overcoming the various hurdles that the RAAM will throw at us. More on imagery on the next blog. Til then, take care and here's to safe cycling on the slippy roads.Peter McCroryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09327617503901583456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845323485779450113.post-79346723551749715692010-01-05T14:13:00.001-08:002010-01-05T14:13:58.698-08:00Inspirational Cycling Video<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fzPpXiNTvRs&hl=en_GB&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fzPpXiNTvRs&hl=en_GB&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Peter McCroryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09327617503901583456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845323485779450113.post-13268495538399130962010-01-03T06:14:00.000-08:002010-01-03T06:14:38.092-08:00Turbo Training | Turbo Trainer Plan - 2 Hour Winter Pyramids<a href="http://www.turbotraining.co.uk/indoor_cycling_workout.php?id=305">Turbo Training | Turbo Trainer Plan - 2 Hour Winter Pyramids</a><br />When Jack Frost is out, there is nothing for it especially as I don't have a Mountain Bike, except going into the garage to become re-acquainted with the turbo trainer. At least I have accurate power even if it is mind numbingly dull watching the brick wall!! So here goes!!Peter McCroryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09327617503901583456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845323485779450113.post-68956395637060220382010-01-01T08:13:00.000-08:002010-01-01T08:15:43.385-08:00Bicycle Dreams - A Portrait of the World's Toughest Bike Race<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcBHlreLeCw8jGR35GC8b1uAohLXeWw3bYT9-cEgD1-aDdib4sKX28c0nywAhF9wvBxKD_jWPPTeh2kE1aFHqxNzcLvdXx1hCXCZSeETe3iwc8mJHNn4VVNQ4f4AOs9kjlwOCOblItOna/s1600-h/bd_3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcBHlreLeCw8jGR35GC8b1uAohLXeWw3bYT9-cEgD1-aDdib4sKX28c0nywAhF9wvBxKD_jWPPTeh2kE1aFHqxNzcLvdXx1hCXCZSeETe3iwc8mJHNn4VVNQ4f4AOs9kjlwOCOblItOna/s200/bd_3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421805411221311858" /></a><br /><a href="http://bicycledreamsmovie.com/"></a>Peter McCroryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09327617503901583456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845323485779450113.post-32953224871188232342010-01-01T06:40:00.000-08:002010-01-01T07:07:54.682-08:00"IADIP" - It's Another Day In Paradise<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFz5KbKSwkwEQXZmddQ7GOYGprII-UdbtmtGJs2Fa30MJzgOV-rkdjD91-A0M6dnDH1EYvoS0KVW-oAhaqVNZQtZ5c_A44clmLQwQaTBobt2TSh0WLJC90vIHhW0l9XvwJmR40fx7ouEXc/s1600-h/breedlove_dmos.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFz5KbKSwkwEQXZmddQ7GOYGprII-UdbtmtGJs2Fa30MJzgOV-rkdjD91-A0M6dnDH1EYvoS0KVW-oAhaqVNZQtZ5c_A44clmLQwQaTBobt2TSh0WLJC90vIHhW0l9XvwJmR40fx7ouEXc/s200/breedlove_dmos.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421788328551854994" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.ultracycling.com/about/hof_breedlove.html"></a><br />I have just finished watching Bicycle Dreams, a documentry about the Solo Bike Racers who competed in the 2005 Race Across America. Having recently been in dialogue with the Movie's Director, Stephen Auerbach, I felt compelled to write about the film. <br />Stephen and his team have done a magnificent job in capturing the true essence of what it takes to be true winner. I feel that all the riders who enter this gruelling event are heroes. Whilst the film is focusing on the Race itself, it is really about the people. I was completely engrossed in the film. The music is incredible and reflects the various stages, the transitions and the mood of that particular race. Stephen works his magic and one feels a real connection with each and every one of the competitors. There are successes throughout the race, and there are tragedies. I had tears of sadenss and tears of joy watching the film. <br /><br />I feel that the movie should be compulsory viewing for all kids in schools for lots of reasons. It is an inspiration to all, and could be a true motivator. One gets a real insight into what it takes to be a solo rider in the world's toughest bike race. It reminds us how precious life is to each and every one of us, and how easily that can be taken so cruelly from us in the blink of an eye. I would like to dedicate this post to Bob Breedlove, who did not complete his journey in 2005. As Bob commented during the race, for him being on the bike was simply "another day in paradise". He was truly at one with the earth and the meaning of life.<br />I intend to use and cite several parts of the film in upcoming blogs and entries.<br />From a pure Sports Psychology perspective the riders effectively use sports psychological techniques to help them cope with the ups and downs during the race.Peter McCroryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09327617503901583456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845323485779450113.post-13293808372150005302009-12-25T12:22:00.001-08:002009-12-25T12:36:10.213-08:00Mind Over MatterHere is just a sample of what outstanding achievements are possible by putting your mind to <em>any</em> task. This is just one example of how Brian McKeever is able to "put his mind" to the task in hand and overcome whatever perceived obstacles may try and prevent him from being successful I feel that Brian's story is even more notable due to the fact that he has competed in both Paralympic and able-bodied races. And he has not won by a small margin either, in his recent races. He certainly is a talent to watch out for in Vancouver in 2010.<br />You may need to cut and paste this link into your browser to view it: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympic_games/vancouver_2010/8428841.stm <br /><br />The question is what is the key to his success? Clearly he is displaying what we Sports Psychologists call mental toughness, and also resilience. That is important to his success, but what has enabled him to get there? What has enabled Brian to cope with the changes in his life? What strategies have been facilitative in helping Brian think about success, despite his ailing eyesight? How has Brian's use of imagery helped him deal with restricted vision. What about the changes in skiing technique, how has the skill development been enhanced and/or impaired by the use of restricted vision. How does he control attention in a race. He must surely have a unique concentration ability to be able to fully focus on the race course and his guide, and block out other thoughts and inputs. How does Brian do this? In the field of applied sports psychology Brian's strategies could prove to be very informative, and potentially useful to both able- and adaptive athletes in their quest to be successful.Peter McCroryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09327617503901583456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845323485779450113.post-66049092993730819372009-12-23T08:20:00.000-08:002009-12-23T08:30:15.624-08:00A Tribute to Pure Bravery and Inspiration.I know that my words would not do the following link justice, so I will just ask you to click on it and make your own mind up. I think that Major Phil Packer's determination is worthy of mention through as many sources as possible, if nothing else but to raise awareness of the need to support children, and young adults with disabilities. Please pass thin on to contacts you may have in the Sporting and Business Communities to help Major Packer's Program be as sucessful as its founding member. Please cut and paste the link below into your browser to view Major Packer receiving his award.<br />http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/sports_personality_of_the_year/8409139.stmPeter McCroryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09327617503901583456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7845323485779450113.post-59624853941735454652009-12-19T17:59:00.000-08:002009-12-20T04:50:37.885-08:00Welcome to Psyche4Success<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMFt5hRL0fDrwnV8JOg0WEsgfpkItm-rIsGOi3gxIMKtOMkkfc8UmggAXxOTBPvMUSqWUGYZ16UHV0L0b560jHnIcAs-xHB4Z2Px5MH3t6A-ZJcze0lxLwB3hYwRvyutNEBZrpiccAUVt/s1600-h/antarctica-ice-climbing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMFt5hRL0fDrwnV8JOg0WEsgfpkItm-rIsGOi3gxIMKtOMkkfc8UmggAXxOTBPvMUSqWUGYZ16UHV0L0b560jHnIcAs-xHB4Z2Px5MH3t6A-ZJcze0lxLwB3hYwRvyutNEBZrpiccAUVt/s200/antarctica-ice-climbing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417133957257345266" /></a><br />I thought I would separate the blog I was writing for the Race Across America and Triathlon and start blogging about Performance Psychology and Mental Skills Training in both the Sporting and Business contexts. This blog will outline key areas where you can make improvements in your thinking that will positively affect the way you run you life, and thus set you up for success. It is up to all of us to reach for the stars and set challenges and goals that are achievable and challenging. This blog is designed to do just that and to help you on your way. There will be times when I will link my other blog as there will be a reasonable degree of overlap in some of the subject areas.<br /><br />I hope you enjoy the Applied Nature of the Blogs.Peter McCroryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09327617503901583456noreply@blogger.com1