Beyond Better

In April 2021, I welcomed my first client. It was a challenging time—the world was still grappling with the pandemic, and we were just emerging from a three-month lockdown. Sports, like many other sectors, hadn’t returned to full swing. Yet, this period offered me a unique opportunity to focus on building connections that could later turn into collaborations. Hours of daily research became my norm, as I scoured for clubs, teams, and individuals who might benefit from my services. Armed with an email template outlining my role and value, I reached out to every relevant contact I could find.

The process was laborious and sometimes discouraging, but perseverance paid off. My first “yes” came from a judo club in Greater London, home to about 20 elite athletes. The coach responded to my email with genuine interest, and our phone conversation revealed specific challenges within his group, like confidence building and managing performance anxiety. We agreed to move forward, starting with a series of tailored workshops.

Customising Workshops for the Athletes’ Needs

Before diving into workshop creation, I asked the coach to survey his athletes about their biggest challenges. Unsurprisingly, their responses aligned with his observations: managing emotions in high-pressure competitions and a lack of self-belief were at the forefront. This feedback became the foundation of my workshop content. The initial structure looked something like this.

I proposed a schedule addressing these topics, which the coach adjusted to fit the group’s financial and time constraints. Initially, workshops were held online due to restrictions, but eventually transitioned to in-person sessions. This was not only my first time leading workshops for a group of athletes but also my debut at delivering online sport psychology training—a topic deserving its own discussion.

Key Reflections from My First Group Experience

Looking back, I’ve identified three major lessons that have shaped my approach:

1. Invest Time in Understanding the Group

In my enthusiasm to introduce sport psychology, I realised I hadn’t spent enough time getting to know the athletes. My focus was on helping them understand what sport psychology is and how it could benefit them. While that was valuable, it didn’t leave much room for understanding their unique perspectives and experiences.

If I were to redo that introduction session, I’d start by engaging the group more actively. Questions like, “What do you think a sport psychologist does?” or “How do you feel psychology relates to performance?” could provide insights into their baseline understanding. This would help me tailor the content to address misconceptions or knowledge gaps. For instance, if some athletes viewed sport psychology as something only necessary during setbacks, I’d emphasise its proactive benefits—how it can take confidence from an 8 to a 9 out of 10.

Building rapport and trust early on is also critical. If athletes don’t feel connected to you, their engagement and openness in future sessions can be limited. Personalising the experience fosters trust and makes the work more impactful.

2. Simplify Complex Concepts

During that first workshop, I noticed some confused faces and received questions that suggested my explanations weren’t landing as intended. Reflecting on this, I realised I was using complex, academic language—effective in a university lecture but less so in a practical setting.

Now, I aim to explain psychological concepts as if I were speaking to a 5-year-old. If I can distill complex ideas into simple, relatable terms, they’re more likely to resonate with a wider audience. Simplification doesn’t mean dumbing down; it means making the information accessible and actionable. This is a skill I’m continually refining.

3. Go Beyond What’s Expected

The relationship I’ve built with this judo club continues to thrive, partly because I strive to exceed expectations. Beyond delivering workshops, I maintain open communication with the coach, providing feedback on the group’s progress and remaining receptive to his input.

I also take extra steps to reinforce learning. For instance, after each workshop, I share slides with additional notes, either reiterating key points or presenting them from a fresh angle. This not only helps athletes digest the material but also shows my commitment to their growth. My dad calls this “going beyond the call of duty,” and I see it as a cornerstone of professional integrity.

Looking Ahead

This experience with my first client was a pivotal moment in my career. It taught me the value of relationship-building, clear communication, and exceeding expectations. These lessons have become guiding principles as I continue to work with this group and others.

If you’re just starting in sport psychology—or any field for that matter—remember that the early days are about learning as much as teaching. Be patient with yourself, open to feedback, and willing to adapt. Growth lies not just in what you achieve but in how you evolve along the way.

Go get it!

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