In this conversation, Aaron and Aja discuss with Roger Friesen the intricacies of performance psychology, its evolution from sports psychology, and its application across various fields. Roger shares insights on managing emotions, the importance of focus, and the role of silence in communication. He emphasizes the significance of empowering others through guidance rather than simply providing answers. The discussion also touches on the characteristics of high performers and the unique experiences at the Olympics, highlighting the cultural exchange and personal growth that comes from such events.

Roger Friesen has been working as a mental training consultant for the past 20 years with many National level and Olympic teams and athletes. This has involved working with athletes in preparation for Olympic, Commonwealth and Pan Am Games as well as many world championships. Over the years, Roger’s work as a sport psychology consultant has also included work with those in the performing arts – musicians, actors and ballet. Roger also taught the sports psychology stream of courses he developed at the University of the Fraser Valley for over 2 decades.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Performance Psychology

05:46 Managing Emotions in Sports

11:52 Task Focus vs. Outcome Focus

17:58 The Importance of Team Dynamics

39:35 The Power of Silence in Conversations

45:07 Empowering Through Guidance, Not Answers

50:13 Characteristics of High Performers

57:18 The Olympic Experience: Unity in Diversity

Takeaways

• Performance psychology includes mental and emotional training.
• Managing emotions is crucial for optimal performance.
• The pre-shot routine in sports starts before the action.
• Focus on tasks rather than outcomes to avoid choking.
• Silence can facilitate deeper conversations.
• Empowering others involves guiding them to find their own answers.
• High performers often share traits like discipline and passion.
• The mundanity of excellence is essential for success.
• The Olympics serve as a platform for cultural understanding.
• Traveling enhances appreciation for diverse cultures.