What the Best Do with Dr. Gloria Balague, Sport Psychologist with the Chicago Bears & USA Track and Field

Gloria Balague is a sport psychologist who currently works with the elite athletes and teams including the Chicago Bears, USA Gymnastics and USA Track and Field. She taught at the University of Illinois, Chicago starting in 1988 and retired just a few short years ago. Gloria has attended several Olympic and World Championships helping athletes with the mental game.

She says that the world’s best have two distinguishing characteristics: 1) they have a clear picture of where they are right now and 2) have an unshakeable belief in themselves and belief they can get there.

She describes the unique environment of the NFL and how this creates difficulties in helping athletes with the mental game. The NFL is the only environment where new athletes can be signed throughout the season. She also talks about her experiences as a female working in the NFL.

Other topics discussed:
• The importance of the breath and how the breath should move all the way into your feet.
• Her biggest failure
• How the best are very careful who they surround themselves with.
• How all outcomes should be approached as feedback. Ask yourself, What did I learn from it?
• How athletes need to see themselves as much more than just athletes.

You can email Gloria at gbalague@gmail.com.

All outcomes are feedback. Ask yourself, What did I learn from it? Dr. Gloria Balague via @Mentally_Strong
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My advice to coaches: Catch your athletes doing something good. Dr. Gloria Balague via @Mentally_Strong
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The only thing you can control is what you can do now. Dr. Gloria Balague via @Mentally_Strong
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Self-awareness it the most important psychological skill. Dr. Gloria Balague via @Mentally_Strong
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At the end of a game ask yourself, what went well and then, what can we improve on? Dr. Gloria Balague via @Mentally_Strong
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My advice to coaches: Catch your athletes doing something good. Dr. Gloria Balague via @Mentally_Strong
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