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 In sports, we are conditioned to see failure as the enemy. However, the greatest champions—from Michael Jordan to John Elway — share a common secret: they view failure not as a verdict, but as their most powerful tool for improvement.… 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
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