What can we learn from Mentally Tough Tennis – Pat Flynn #198

How we can learn to change our relationship to our thoughts. I have always believed in looking to other sports to see what we can learn to bring to our own sport. Often when we look outside the confines of our own world we can gain so much. So today it is great to welcome on to the Brain Booster Pat Flynn from the world of tennis. Pat’s life story is an incredible one As a junior he was the Australian Junior Tennis Champion and went on to earn a scholarship at the University of Texas, Austin. After the college career he went on to play professionally, reaching 390 in the world and winning the Queensland Hardcourt Championships. After his playing career, he coached both on the professional tour and as a Tennis Australia state coach. More recently, his love of the game drew him back to competing, resulting in him becoming the Australian 50+ Seniors Champion and recently became one of the oldest players in the world to qualify for a Pro Tour Event, defeating a world ranked player in the process. Throughout his journey, he has had a passion for the importance of the mental parts of the game and how it can positively influence our lives both on and off the court. This passion later led Pat to seek out Dr Anthony Ross and undergo his MTT training and become a certified Mentally Tough Tennis Performance Consultant. We look into the importance of early development and the way to get the best out of your time What we can learn from the time intervals in tennis and how we can use these insights for our golf The ability to get back to the moment and to RESET for this point in this moment The importance of good body language and how the body is always talking to our mind The ability to have your attention on RELEVANT cues in the present moment Pat present a useful model of how the mind works Imagine the mind is made up of three parts: Automatic Thoughts and Feelings (ATFs) – The ATFs pop into the head and body automatically based on previous experience and genetic factors. They can be helpful or unhelpful. Wisemind – It quietly gives wise advice to act in ways that align with values e.g. Strive to Win and Improve. Enjoy the Challenge. Be Fair and Respectful. You – You decide how to act after listening to the ATFs and Wisemind. We look into the true principles of acceptance How you cannot instantly change the feelings you have in the moment but you CAN learn to accept those feelings and come back to the most relevant cues right NOW to get the job done. To find out more about Pat and his work go to https://www.mentallytoughtennis.com/pages/about-us or at  www.theperformancespecialists.com To get your copy of the Lost Art of the Short Game go to www.thelostartofgolf.com To engage with the Mind Factor for your own game or your own coaching go to www.themindfactor.com