ACT in Sport, Improving Performance through Mindfulness
Dr James Hegarty has a wide range of experiences as a Clinical Psychologist and a long standing interest in Sports Psychology. Throughout his career he has worked with sports people, from passionate amateurs through to professional athletes. He was an early adopter of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training, and as a speaker and presenter was pivotal in its widespread adoption among New Zealand Psychologists.
Since 2005, he has trained Psychologists and others in the implementation of ACT,
and written ACT-based protocols. These have been used with high performing sports teams, in business settings, and with criminal offenders.
James and his friend and colleague, Dr Christoph,Huelsmann have co-authored a book ACT in Sport, improve performance through Mindfulness which is a manual for Athletes, Coaches and Sport Psychologists. Currently he works in private practice in Dunedin, New Zealand.
In today’s episode I introduce the concept of Acceptance Commitment Therapy or Training (ACT) and Mindfulness with co-author of an excellent book on the topic Dr James Hegarty. In sport it is very easy to get ahead of yourself or dwell on past mistakes impacting on your performance levels. James and I go on to unpick how ACT and Mindfulness principles and tools can support you in this regard so that you can perform better under pressure. Enjoy tuning in.
Key Takeaways:
- In psychology a lot of work is focused on capturing unhelpful thoughts and looking to change them, with more helpful and positive thoughts. Using ACT and Mindfulness is different where I teach people to attend to their thoughts and pay attention to their body.
- ACT and Mindfulness can be difficult to get your head around however it is very beneficial, with research backing up it’s use in a range of settings.
- The six core principles of ACT include; acceptance, defusion, connecting with the present moment, the Observing Self, values and committed action.
- Mindfulness is where you consciously bring your awareness to the present moment and the here and now.
- Using ACT and Mindfulness can help you overcome performance anxiety and deal better with nerves.
- There are simple tools that can help you move on from the inevitable mistakes that we all make in sport.
- It is a tool that can give you a better chance to find the zone more often.
Connect with Dr James Hegarty:
Email: [email protected]
Book – ACT in Sport: Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment
Connect with David
Download THE FOCUSED ATHLETE CHECKLIST
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Useful Resources
Blog: Case study supporting a professional rugby player rehabilitating from injury
Blog: Why you should meditate to improve your sport performance
Blog: 3 Tips to help you overcome setbacks
Useful Podcast Episodes
Podcast Ep013: Karl Morris – How to stay present like a major champion
Podcast Ep016: David Charlton – Observations: Learning From Your Mistakes
Podcast Ep032: David Charlton – How Can I Be Grateful For The Little Things
Podcast Episode 084: Dr Jim Afremow and Phil White – Mental Toughness and The Leaders Mind
Click the button below to join The Sports Psychology Hub a Facebook group that David hosts to help ambitious athletes, serious sport coaches, sporting parents, sports psychologists and mental game coaches to support each other.
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Best Wishes
David Charlton
Global Sports Psychologist who is located near Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK and willing to travel Internationally. David also uses online video conferencing software (Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp) on a regular basis and has clients who he has supported in USA, Canada, South America, UAE, Australian and New Zealand.
Managing Director – Inspiring Sporting Excellence and Founder of The Sports Psychology Hub. With over 10 years experience supporting athletes, coaches, parents and teams to achieve their goals, quickly.
T: +44 7734 697769
