#25: Improving Mental Toughness with Dr. Rob Bell
The yips are one of the most fascinating parts of sports. An athlete normally at the top of their game develops a fear of the big moment and has a stutter in their activity. It’s a common experience—both in and out of sports—but can be overcome with the proper mindset and a focus on mental toughness.
Dr. Rob Bell wrote his Master’s thesis on the yips, and his sports psychology expertise continues growing. He’s acted as the mental coach for multiple winners on the PGA Tour, Indy Eleven, and the University of Notre Dame. He’s also worked with a medalist at the Rio Olympics and has caddied over 20 events on the PGA Tour. Through it all, he’s helped them achieve new heights through improving mental toughness and sports psychology coaching.
Rob is also the author of Puke & Rally, has completed a Full Ironman, ran a personal best marathon of 3:23, competed in ultra-marathons, and scored a hole-in-one. He’s sharing some of his insights and advice that he’s given the top athletes and thousands of others he’s come across.
Highlights of our conversation include:
Rob reflects on the time he fell off a cliff in college, and how it ended his sports career and sent him spiraling. (1:38)
Defining what a hinge moment is and why you have to look back to identify when these events happen—and how it only takes one of these moments to turn everything around. (4:53)
One of the hinge moments a baseball client has experienced: going 0 for 5 with five strikeouts, and why it’s important to focus on how it’s not about the setback, it’s about the comeback. (8:30)
Rob gives us a peek into his new book, Puke and Rally, and shares the story of how running an ultramarathon gave him the inspiration for the title. (9:42)
The importance of having a support system and why Rob aims to be a model for his family through his behavior. (15:25)
How the athletes Rob works with have been approaching their training during the COVID-19 pandemic and why a “what if” mentality is harmful for any goal you’re working toward. (16:21)
Why Augusta National is the best golf course Rob has gotten to experience and the awe factor it provides. (19:08)
The most painful experience Rob ever had while caddying for a golfer, how it became a hinge moment for his life, and why we need to respond to difficult moments, rather than simply reacting to them. (19:56)
Why individuals and companies alike should look at worst-case scenarios, and the importance of having a debrief to identify what went well and what didn’t. (25:32)
Rob defines the yips—the fear of an event happening and having an involuntary twitch as a reaction to it—and how we can overcome that anxiety. (27:18)
The process Rob follows for writing books by approaching each writing session like a workout. Plus, why each new book he writes is more difficult than the previous one. (34:11)
The common theme among people that find success and how to be successful in your own endeavors. (38:04)
Rob shares his top sports moments that still stick with him to this day. (42:48)
What’s next for Rob Bell?
Be sure to follow Rob’s work on his website, where you can also pick up a copy of any of his books. He’s also active on Twitter—give him a follow there!
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