In tennis, the match isn’t lost at the double-fault; it’s lost in the 3 seconds afterward. Pros “flush” the mistake; amateurs carry it to the next set. I’ve just updated my Tennis Psychology hub with new resources for players and coaches.… Read the rest
In tennis, the match isn’t lost at the double-fault; it’s lost in the 3 seconds afterward. Pros “flush” the mistake; amateurs carry it to the next set. I’ve just updated my Tennis Psychology portal with fresh resources on mastering the “Inner Match.”… Read the rest
Whether I’m heading to my office near Palm Beach or jumping on a call from New York or London, I’m always focused on one thing: Mental Performance. Success in high-stakes sports and life isn’t about working harder; it’s about training your brain to handle the pressure.… Read the rest
True team cohesion isn't built on physical drills alone; it's forged in the shared psychological space where communication, trust, and resilience are honed. While most teams focus exclusively on physical practice, elite programs understand that winning championships requires mastering the mental game.… Read the rest
Learning how to perform when the pressure is on isn’t about eliminating stress—it’s about learning to see it as a challenge, not a threat. As a clinical and sports psychologist, I help high-stakes performers develop the structured routines and in-the-moment focus techniques that turn nervous energy into a distinct performance advantage.… Read the rest
Resilience isn’t just about being “tough.” It’s a trainable mental skill that allows you to bounce back from a tough loss, a critical mistake, or a season-ending injury. As a clinical and sports psychologist, I view resilience as a mental muscle—it gets stronger every time you face a challenge and recover, turning setbacks into fuel for your next win.… Read the rest
Ever heard the phrase “practice makes perfect”? What if you could practice without ever moving a muscle? That’s the core of mental rehearsal. As a clinical and sports psychologist, I define this as a highly detailed dress rehearsal inside your mind—a structured practice where you vividly imagine executing a skill flawlessly to prime your brain for the real thing.… Read the rest
When people hear “sports psychology,” they often picture high-stakes sessions with elite pros. But for young athletes, it’s something far more fundamental: mental strength training. As a clinical and sports psychologist, I help parents and coaches give kids the tools to handle pressure, bounce back from mistakes, and forge a healthy relationship with competition.… Read the rest
As a coach, you’re already an expert in the X’s and O’s. But the biggest competitive advantage isn’t on the whiteboard—it’s between your athletes’ ears. As a licensed psychologist and sports psychologist, I help coaches transition from being pure tacticians to becoming mental performance coaches, building confidence, focus, and resilience from the ground up.… Read the rest
In a business world that feels more unpredictable by the day, great leadership isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the engine that powers the whole organization. As a licensed psychologist and sports psychologist, I view leadership development programs for executives as a strategic investment designed to forge leaders who can cut through complexity with vision, resilience, and genuine emotional intelligence.… Read the rest
Making a big call when everything is on the line takes more than just the right information. It demands mental clarity precisely when your brain is wired to panic. As a licensed psychologist and sports psychologist, I’ve found that the art of decision making under pressure isn’t about ignoring stress—it’s about mastering your response to it.… Read the rest
It’s game day. The moment you’ve trained for. But instead of feeling ready, a wave of dread washes over you. Your heart pounds, your palms sweat, and the skills you perfected in practice suddenly feel a million miles away. This is performance anxiety.… Read the rest
If you want to improve communication in your workplace, you need to start treating it like any other critical performance metric. This isn’t just about “soft skills.” It’s about building concrete systems for clarity, feedback, and understanding that have a direct line to your bottom line.… Read the rest
By John F. Murray, PhD Success is never an accident; it is a psychological state. Over the past 25 years, I have observed that the most elite performers—whether in professional sports or high-stakes business—share a common mental vocabulary. This collection of wisdom isn’t just a list of sayings; it is a blueprint for the mental toughness and performance excellence required to reach the top of your field.… Read the rest
In my football book, The Mental Performance Index, I ranked the greatest teams in Super Bowl history based on their psychological grit and execution under pressure. Whether you’re a quarterback in the pocket or a pitcheron the mound, the math is the same: Confidence is the engine of performance.… Read the rest
As a tennis coach who became a sports psychologist, I’ve spent my career proving that the space between your ears is the largest court you’ll ever play on. In my book Smart Tennis (availabled in Japanese or Spanish too), I outline how the best players don’t just hit better; they think better.… Read the rest
How do I stop it from happening? Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques are your mental toolkit—practical strategies to manage your thoughts and actions under pressure. For those wondering what is a sports psychologist capable of providing, it often starts with this: structured mental skills training designed to build resilience when everything is on the line.… Read the rest
When we talk about building team culture, we are really designing the shared beliefs and behaviors that determine how a team acts under pressure. In the world of sports psychology, culture is the invisible architecture behind every championship. It requires an environment of psychological safety, consistent rituals, and purposeful leadership to ensure every individual brings their A-game.… Read the rest
At its core, sports performance coaching is systematically building an athlete’s mental skills so they can deliver when the pressure is on. Think of it as strength and conditioning for your mind—a dedicated program for developing the confidence, resilience, and focus that creates a true competitive advantage.… Read the rest
In sports, what truly separates the good from the great? It’s often boiled down to one thing: confidence. True confidence is more than just a feeling; it’s an unwavering belief in your ability to get the job done when the pressure is at its peak.… Read the rest
By Dr. John F. Murray To truly overcome the fear of failure, you must fundamentally change how you see it. It is not an endpoint or a verdict on your abilities; it is simply a data point on the path to growth.… Read the rest
By Dr. John F. Murray The road to recovery starts with a tough admission: you are running on empty. True recovery isn’t achieved by simply taking a vacation; it demands a fundamental shift in how you manage your energy. You must learn to set firm boundaries, prioritize deep, restorative rest, and reconnect with the purpose that originally fueled your ambition.… Read the rest
By Dr. John F. Murray To truly overcome a mental block, you must face it head-on. A mental block is not a sign of weakness or a personal failure; it is your brain’s protective “freeze” response to perceived pressure. Whether you are an athlete facing a slump or an executive paralyzed before a presentation, you have the power to dismantle this invisible wall through consistent mental training.… Read the rest
By Dr. John F. Murray Mental toughness is the ability to maintain laser-sharp focus and resilience when the pressure is at its peak. It is not about suppressing emotions or being a “robot.” Instead, it is a dynamic, trainable skill set that allows you to manage stress effectively so you can stay locked in on your goals.… Read the rest
By Dr. John F. Murray You wouldn’t walk into a gym once and expect to be powerful. The same logic applies to your mind. Mental training is the systematic practice of psychological skills to sharpen focus, build rock-solid confidence, and develop gritty resilience.… Read the rest
By Dr. John F. Murray Performance anxiety is more than just “pre-game butterflies.” It is a debilitating fear of failure that can hijack your hard-earned skills right when you need them most. In my practice, I often compare an elite athlete to a high-performance engine.… Read the rest
Famed sports psychologist Dr. John Murray says the Jets rose up his Mental Performance Index as the season went on – Kristian Dyer – Jan 6, 2020 Not only did the New York Jets show a drastic turnaround over the second half of the season, going 6-2 to close out the year, they also showed more brains.… Read the rest
By Dr. John F. Murray Hi, this is Dr. John F. Murray. See if any of the issues below pertain to you, your kids, or your students. My name is Dr. John F. Murray, a clinical and sports psychologist in Palm Beach, Florida.… Read the rest
This article was originally published by the Boca Raton News and features insights from Dr. John F. Murray. It is archived here for educational purposes. For more information on mental performance coaching or psychological services, or to schedule a consultation, visit my Sports Psychology Services page.… Read the rest
This article was originally published by the Detroit News and features insights from Dr. John F. Murray. It is archived here for educational purposes. Detroit Free Press – June 4, 2006 – Mark Francescutti – Are sports really mind over matter?… Read the rest
This article was originally published by Tennis Europe and features insights from Dr. John F. Murray. It is archived here for educational purposes. For more information on mental performance coaching or psychological services, or to schedule a consultation, visit my Sports Psychology Services page.… Read the rest
This article was originally published by Groundstrokes Canada Magazine and features a cover story from Dr. John F. Murray. It is archived here for educational purposes. For more information on mental performance coaching or psychological services, or to schedule a consultation, visit my Sports Psychology Services page.… Read the rest
This article was originally published by USA Today and features insights from Dr. John F. Murray. It is archived here for educational purposes. USA Today – Ross Hawler – April 8, 2016 – USA TODAY High School Sports has a weekly column on the recruiting process.… Read the rest
by Dr. John F. Murray Sports training has advanced rapidly, and the mental game is no exception. As we roar into 2026, elite athletes, professional teams, and high-stakes business executives are seeking an edge through advanced professional mental performance coaching.… Read the rest
This article was originally published by Mental Floss Magazine and features insights from Dr. John F. Murray. It is archived here for educational purposes Mental Floss Magazine – Suzanne Raga – September 1, 2017 – Sports psychologists help athletes of all types achieve optimal results on the court, field, or track.… Read the rest
NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla., June 3, 2024 – When sports psychologist John F. Murray decided to auction the idea of “Confidence” on eBay he had no idea how much interest this auction would draw. Top athletes and film stars use mental coaches and sports psychology, but he didn’t know whether the general public would pay for what might be called nothing more than an idea.… Read the rest
This article was originally published by the Cincinnati Enquirer and features insights from Dr. John F. Murray. It is archived here for educational purposes Cincinnati Enquirer – John Eckberg – Crosstown Shootout highlight is when underdog wins prize – Mike Zilliox turned his XU hat around backward, then ambled out onto the floor at halftime at the Crosstown Shootout basketball game between University of Cincinnati and Xavier in January.… Read the rest
Who is John F Murray and How Can He Help You? Individuals seeking improved mental toughness in sport or work, or just psychological counseling for improved mental health, are Dr. John F Murray’s clients. Professional sports franchises seeking to help their players benefit too.… Read the rest
Washington Post: John F Murray is the Freud of Football “John F Murray is the Freud of Football”The Washington Post This article was originally published by the Washington Post and features insights from Dr. John F. Murray. It is archived here for educational purposes Washington Post – Feb 5, 2005 – Don Oldenb – Washington Post: John F Murray is the Freud of Football urg – Football Fans, Calling It as They Foresee It – John F.… Read the rest
By Dr. John F. Murray Losing a game isn’t just a loss. It’s one of the most critical parts of an athlete’s development. Real, meaningful progress kicks in when an athlete learns to see a setback not as a final judgment, but as a set of data points telling them exactly what to improve.… Read the rest
By Dr. John F. Murray Sports psychology is about training your mind to sharpen your game on the court. It’s how you turn mental skills like focus, confidence, and resilience into a real competitive advantage. And it’s not just some secret weapon for the pros—it’s a set of practical tools for any player who wants to be their best when the game is on the line.… Read the rest
When it comes to tennis, sports psychology is all about applying proven mental skills training to sharpen your performance, focus, and resilience right there on the court. It’s not just a fix for when things go wrong; think of it as a proactive tool for building a serious competitive edge.… Read the rest
By Dr. John F. Murray We’ve all been there. You have a fantastic session on the range, striping iron after iron, only to watch it all fall apart on the course. That frustrating gap between practice and performance? It’s almost never about your swing.… Read the rest
This broadcast appeared on multiple CBS affiliates and features an extensive interview with Dr. John F. Murray. It is archived here for educational purposes TV Broadcast – What separates elite NFL athletes from the rest? It isn’t just physical talent-it’s the “mental game.”… Read the rest
By Dr. John F. Murray Tackling imposter syndrome isn’t about just “thinking positive.” It starts with something far more fundamental: learning to spot its sneaky, persistent patterns in your own thoughts. Once you can recognize that internal voice that chalks your wins up to luck or makes you fear being “found out,” you can start to dismantle it.… Read the rest
This article was originally published by Psychology Today and features an extensive interview with Dr. John F. Murray. It is archived here for educational purposes Psychology Today – Marty Nemko – The Eminents Interview – After conducting today’s The Eminents interview with sports psychologist John F.… Read the rest
What separates a good athlete from a truly great one? Physical talent gets you in the game, but the defining factor is almost always an invisible force: motivation. This isn’t just about getting hyped up before a big match. It’s the deep, underlying engine that powers an athlete through grueling 5 a.m.… Read the rest
By Dr. John F. Murray Sports psychology for young athletes isn’t about “fixing” a problem. It’s about building mental skills like focus, confidence, and resilience that are every bit as important as physical training. Think of it as developing a ‘mental muscle’—one that helps your child perform under pressure, bounce back from tough losses, and ultimately, find more joy and fulfillment in their sport.… Read the rest
By Dr. John F. Murray To build a truly cohesive team, you need to go far beyond just team-building games. It’s about cultivating an environment of psychological safety, setting crystal-clear goals, and genuinely encouraging the bonds between people to grow.… Read the rest
To truly improve team performance, a leader has to go deeper than just surface-level fixes. The real work is in building a solid foundation of psychological safety, setting crystal-clear goals, and making open communication the norm. It’s never about finding one magic bullet.… Read the rest
Sports psychology consulting feels like having a sideline strategist for your mind. Instead of drills or sprints, you work on focus, confidence, and stress management—all crucial when the pressure mounts. Understanding Sports Psychology Consulting A sports psychology consultant is your mental sidekick.… Read the rest
When we talk about visualization in sports, we’re not just talking about daydreaming or wishful thinking. This is a specific, powerful mental training tool where athletes intentionally create vivid, multi-sensory movies of success in their minds. It’s a structured form of mental rehearsal, and it’s designed to prime both the brain and body for peak performance, building rock-solid confidence before you even set foot on the field.… Read the rest
I conducted my doctoral dissertation at the University of Florida on The psychology of sport injury. It is all about what happens in an athlete’s head after their body takes a hit. It’s the recognition that the unseen wound—the shock, the grief, the sudden loss of identity—can be just as painful and debilitating as any torn ligament or broken bone.… Read the rest
Here’s a truth every serious athlete knows: stress management techniques are skills you build, not talents you’re born with. Mastering these mental tools directly improves your focus, builds resilience, and pays off big time in your performance. It’s about learning to control your mind and body under pressure, turning what could be a roadblock into a real competitive advantage.… Read the rest
Here’s the thing about confidence: it’s not something you just have. It’s something you build. Think of it like any other skill in your sport. You wouldn’t expect to master a serve, a swing, or a shot without countless hours of practice.… Read the rest
We’ve all seen it happen. The superstar athlete, brimming with physical talent, suddenly fumbles under pressure. It’s a frustratingly common scenario, but it highlights a crucial truth: sports psychology techniques are the missing link for so many performers. These aren’t abstract theories; they are practical, structured mental strategies designed to sharpen focus, manage emotions, and build unshakeable resilience.… Read the rest
Building real mental resilience comes down to mastering four areas: how you control your mindset, regulate your emotions, take purposeful action, and prioritize your recovery. This isn’t about ignoring tough times or just gritting your teeth. It’s about building the skills to adapt and grow through adversity, turning the inevitable challenges of life into fuel for your own strength.… Read the rest
When people talk about improving mental stamina, they’re really talking about training the brain to stay focused, handle stress, and perform at a high level when the pressure is on. It’s not magic. It’s a skill built on a combination of strategic mental training, solid physical well-being, and smart recovery practices.… Read the rest
When we talk about mental toughness in athletes, what are we really getting at? It’s the skill of delivering your best performance, consistently, no matter what the situation throws at you. This isn’t some vague concept; it’s a concrete skillset built on focus, emotional control, and unshakable confidence, especially when the game is on the line.… Read the rest
Mental skills training is the systematic practice of psychological strategies designed to sharpen your mind for better performance. It’s about building mental toughness as a trainable skill, not a mythic quality. The goal is to train your brain with the same focus you give your body, making your mind your greatest competitive asset.… Read the rest
When we talk about sports mental health, we’re talking about getting an athlete’s mind in peak condition. It’s about building up crucial psychological skills like focus, confidence, and emotional control, recognizing that an athlete’s mind is just as vital as their physical strength.… Read the rest
In elite sports, the difference between winning and losing often comes down to the six inches between the ears. While physical conditioning is crucial, mental mastery is the ultimate differentiator. The same principles that forge champions on the field are equally powerful for executives leading high-stakes projects and individuals navigating personal challenges.… Read the rest
There’s a direct and powerful line connecting sports psychology to an athlete’s performance on the field. When a mind is trained, it consistently unlocks the body’s full physical potential. Think of mental skills not as a repair kit you pull out when something’s broken, but as a proactive, daily training regimen for your brain.… Read the rest
