Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has developed an angry alter ego called 'Nine' to channel built-up frustration into his performance, which has helped him and his team improve despite a mixed season.
Science shows you can rewire your brain to enjoy exercise by using techniques like temptation bundling, reframing workouts as play, and tracking mood to reinforce positive feelings, making it easier to develop consistent exercise habits and enjoy the process.
Aryna Sabalenka lost the French Open final to Coco Gauff, with former coach Paul Annacone attributing her defeat to unforced errors and serve weaknesses, while praising Gauff's composure and mental resilience. Annacone emphasized the importance of learning from setbacks and highlighted the contrasting emotional responses of the two players, which influenced the match's outcome.
Aryna Sabalenka expressed deep disappointment after losing the French Open final to Coco Gauff, criticizing her own performance and citing poor weather conditions as a major factor. Despite being the world No. 1, she struggled with the external pressures and intangible elements like weather and stakes, which seemed to overwhelm her. Gauff's strategic play and resilience ultimately led her to victory, highlighting the importance of managing mental and environmental factors in tennis. Sabalenka plans to take a break to recharge, reflecting on the challenges of handling the game's intangible pressures.
Max Homa, playing without a caddie after parting ways with his previous caddie, carried his own bag through a US Open qualifier, narrowly missing a spot after a playoff. He reflected on the benefits of walking alone and the mental challenges of his recent changes in his golf career, including equipment and coaching adjustments.
Caleb Williams, the rookie quarterback for the Chicago Bears, demonstrated significant physical and mental toughness despite the team's ongoing struggles, including a seven-game losing streak and a recent loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Interim head coach Thomas Brown prioritized Williams' health by substituting him late in the game, acknowledging his resilience and leadership qualities. Williams, who has been sacked 56 times this season, remains a hopeful prospect for the Bears' future, showcasing his potential with a strong performance, including a touchdown pass, even as the team faces broader challenges.
Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel dismissed former player DeShon Elliott's comments labeling the team as "soft," focusing instead on the current season's performance. Elliott, now with the Steelers, criticized the Dolphins' mental toughness on a podcast, referencing their past losses. McDaniel emphasized his concern for the 2024 Dolphins and their recent victories, showing little interest in Elliott's remarks.
New York Knicks' Miles McBride showcased exceptional mental toughness by playing a full 48 minutes in a game against the Nets, contributing 26 points and stellar defense against Cam Thomas. His increased playing time and performance reflect his dedication and work ethic, as he has transitioned from limited minutes to a significant role in the team's rotation. Coach Tom Thibodeau praised McBride's work ethic and physical conditioning, emphasizing his ability to handle long minutes on the court. Off the court, McBride focuses on rest, running, biking, and game-like practices to maintain his physical condition, while crediting his upbringing for instilling mental fortitude and leadership qualities in him.
Oregon State women's basketball team continues their trend of remarkable comebacks, erasing a 12-point deficit to secure an 85-79 double overtime victory against Colorado in the Pac-12 tournament quarterfinals. The team's mental toughness and ability to overcome seemingly impossible situations have been a defining feature of their season, reflecting an evolution from a challenging previous year. Coach Scott Rueck attributes the team's success to their competitive spirit, desire, and evolving mindset. Oregon State advances to the semifinals to face Stanford, aiming to break a 14-game losing streak against them.
Tony Ferguson reflects on his training with former Navy SEAL David Goggins, stating that he needed to go through the intense "Hell Week" to improve his mental and cardio game. Despite criticism from others who believe these areas are already strengths for him, Ferguson insists that the rigorous training pushed him to his limits and helped him prepare for his upcoming lightweight bout against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan responds to linebacker Fred Warner's comment about the team's mental toughness, stating that it's more about the reality of the NFL where most games are decided by one score. Shanahan acknowledges the need for improvement in close games and emphasizes the importance of coming out with more wins in such situations. The 49ers aim to bounce back against the Cincinnati Bengals and regain their early-season form.
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien stated that he anticipates Mac Jones will remain the starting quarterback for Week 6 despite his poor performance in the last two games. O'Brien emphasized the importance of mental toughness in the league and stated that there is no time for mental breaks. Jones has completed 62.5% of his passes this season with five touchdowns and six interceptions. The Patriots are looking to bounce back from their recent losses and take things one day at a time.
Arnold Schwarzenegger expressed his concerns about the lack of resilience in modern society, stating that he doesn't want a "generation of wimps" who shy away from struggle. He emphasized the importance of accepting pain, misery, and discomfort as opportunities for growth and toughness. Schwarzenegger urged people to teach kids to be tough, engage in sports, study, and embrace challenging moments instead of over-babying them. He believes that the United States was built by hardworking individuals who faced struggles and fought for success, and he hopes to continue that legacy.
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright credits a renewed mindset for his improved performance after struggling in recent starts. Wainwright, who has been contemplating retirement, admitted that he had lost his mental edge and focus. However, he made adjustments and delivered a quality start against the New York Mets, showing signs of regaining his form. Wainwright emphasized the importance of maintaining a controlled aggression and staying present in order to pitch at his best. Despite the Cardinals' loss, manager Oliver Marmol confirmed that Wainwright will continue to start in the rotation.
Steph Curry describes his "black out" moment after hitting a hole-in-one at the American Century Championship, celebrating by sprinting the length of the 7th hole. Despite struggling in the middle of his round, Curry relied on his mental toughness to bounce back and finish strong. He is currently the 36-hole leader and hopes to close the deal on Sunday.