FFP 86: What Happens When Young Athletes Stop Fighting Their Insecurities?
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⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Introduction
02:00 – Why insecurity is part of every athlete’s experience
06:00 – How coaches and parents unknowingly reinforce doubt
10:00 – The problem with “just relax” and other empty advice
14:00 – Why bravery matters more than fearlessness
18:00 – The “3 B’s”: body, breath, and brain as anchors under pressure
22:30 – How Callum’s tennis journey shaped his work with athletes
27:00 – Preparing for failure: why athletes need to expect adversity
31:00 – The role of acceptance in emotional control and performance
36:00 – Why environment and culture fuel insecurity
40:30 – What “Liquid Sports Psychology” really means
44:30 – Callum’s advice for every young athlete: “You’re not alone.”
🧠SHOW NOTES
In Episode 86, I sit down with Callum Gowling, founder of Liquid Sports Psychology in the U.K., to explore why confidence doesn’t come from fighting insecurity — it comes from accepting it.
We discuss the false promise of “mental toughness,” why advice like “just relax” can do more harm than good, and how athletes can learn to manage their body, breath, and brain when pressure hits.
Callum also shares how his own tennis career and personal insecurities shaped his mission to normalize the emotional side of sport — reminding athletes, coaches, and parents that everyone feels fear and doubt.
If you’ve ever wondered how acceptance can actually enhance performance, this episode will challenge how you think about confidence.
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Instagram: @liquidsportspsychology
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