99. Mindset Monday #15 'Coping with Defeat' with Eric Manuel of Expert Mindset Coaching

Summary

In this conversation, Scot Cooper and Eric Manuel discuss coping with defeat in sports and life. They explore the importance of the groundwork that can be done before encountering defeat, such as accepting the inevitability of failure and adopting a growth mindset. They also discuss coping skills for dealing with setbacks, including seeking social support, practicing positive self-talk, and practicing optimism. The conversation emphasizes the need to separate athletic identity from personal identity and the negative impact of perfectionism. They also touch on the influence of external expectations and the importance of investing in the groundwork to better manage the ups and downs of sports.

Takeaways

• Accepting the inevitability of failure and understanding that defeat is part of the journey as an athlete.
• Adopting a growth mindset and viewing failure as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
• Managing emotions and practicing self-compassion to bounce back more quickly from defeat.
• Separating athletic identity from personal identity and finding fulfillment in other areas of life.
• Avoiding perfectionism and unrealistic expectations, as they can hinder coping with defeat.
• Seeking social support, practicing positive self-talk, and practicing optimism as coping skills for setbacks.
• Letting go of external expectations and focusing on personal growth and development.