FFP78: What's holding Gen Z athletes back from building true confidence?
[00:00 - 03:30] Introduction
Michael introduces David Durand, who shares his background and perspective on working with Gen Z athletes.
[03:31 - 06:50] Social Media’s Impact on Adolescents
David discusses how social media fuels perfectionism and insecurity among young athletes. He explains how constant social surveillance amplifies the pressure to appear flawless.
[06:51 - 10:09] Navigating Perfectionism and Social Comparison
David highlights how perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. He dives into the concepts of social comparison and fear of negative evaluation, which are heightened by social media use.
[10:10 - 14:10] Building Internal Security Through Sports
The conversation shifts to how sports can be a powerful tool for developing internal confidence. Michael and David discuss the shift from seeking external validation to cultivating self-worth.
[14:11 - 19:30] Early Intervention and Planting Seeds of Resilience
Michael shares his experiences working with younger athletes and emphasizes the importance of introducing sports psychology concepts early. David explains how building mental strength at a young age can counterbalance social media’s negative influence.
[19:31 - 22:40] The BET Method: Breath, Eyes, Touch
David introduces his framework from his book, Bet On It, which uses the BET method to help athletes regulate stress and improve performance.
- Breath: Techniques to control stress through breathing.
- Eyes: Using panoramic vision to combat tunnel vision under pressure.
- Touch: Grounding techniques to enhance presence and focus.
[22:41 - 29:02] Practical Applications of the BET Method
David provides practical examples of how athletes can use the BET method to stay grounded during competition. They discuss how these techniques can also be applied to academics and everyday stressors.
[29:03 - 36:00] Mental Resilience for Injured Athletes
David shares insights from his upcoming book, Better Than Before, which guides athletes through the mental challenges of recovering from injuries. He emphasizes turning adversity into an opportunity for personal growth.
[36:01 - 41:20] Empowering Coaches to Understand and Support Athletes
Michael and David discuss the importance of fostering empathy and understanding in coaching. They explore how asking better questions and creating a supportive environment can positively impact athletes’ mental well-being.
[41:21 - 44:40] Advice for Parents and Coaches on Connecting with Gen Z
David emphasizes the need to approach young athletes with curiosity and empathy, asking questions to better understand their perspective. Michael shares the importance of giving young people a voice and respecting their need to understand the "why" behind decisions.
[44:41 - End] Closing Thoughts and Takeaways
David and Michael wrap up the conversation with their final thoughts on how to best support young athletes in navigating today’s pressures. They discuss the long-term benefits of building resilience, confidence, and self-awareness.
Resources Mentioned:
- David Durand’s book: Bet On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond GET DAVE'S BOOK
- The BET Framework (Breath, Eyes, Touch) for emotional regulation and performance improvement.
Connect with Us:
Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to th
