Myth-Busting Sports Psych Buzzwords with Dr. Arman Taghizadeh

Today, I am putting Arman Taghizadeh (or Dr. T) in the hot seat! Dr. T is a former NCAA D1 college wrestler-turned-psychiatrist, A TEDx speaker, and the host of The Mindset Experience Podcast. As an athlete and a psychiatrist, I couldn’t have dreamed up a better guest for this podcast.

 

In this interview, Dr. T. re-defines common mindset terms that get tossed around in the coaching space, but are often misunderstood. As a medical professional with a sports background, Dr. T. has so much valuable insight for mindset coaches and anyone working with athletes. 

 

He dives into:

• How mindset coaches and psychiatrists can work together
• The problem with positive affirmations (and how to make them actually work)
• How to break down goal setting to create a road map 
• The science behind positive self-talk
• How to change your neurochemistry with a “culture of appreciation”

 

Throughout this episode, I am constantly impressed with the way Dr. T. pulls from his scientific knowledge of the brain and human psychology to strengthen his work with athletes. 

 

This one is packed with gold for coaches, athletes, parents, and mindset coaches, so grab your headphones and get ready to laugh, learn, and level up your mindset!

Follow Dr. T.:

• Instagram: @dr.t_sportspsych
• Website: https://armantaghizadehmd.com/ 

Here’s a glance at this episode:

 

[0:34] Dr. T. begins with a quick introduction, outlining his experience as an NCAA D1 college wrestler, and his journey to becoming a coach, then a psychiatrist. He shares what he’s most proud of, and the importance of living what you teach. 

 

[5:53] As a college wrestler, Dr. T. participated in a sport that was widely misunderstood at the time, and discovered the importance of a strong mental game first-hand. He shares how his love of sports led him to med school. 

 

[12:13] Where is the line between Mental Performance and Mental Health? Dr. T. believes physical health is the precursor to physical performance, and that the same is true for mental health. He explains why practitioners with higher level degrees don’t necessarily provide the best care for certain athletes. 

 

[17:37] Lindsey asks “When should athletes be referred out to a mental health professional?” Dr. T. outlines important red flags, and when collaboration is the best form of action. He shares why he doesn’t use the word “normal” anymore, and warning signs that indicate the need for psychiatric help and/or parent involvement.

 

[23:19] As a mental performance coach, Dr. T. offers an extensive first session with any athlete. He brings parents into the training, and spends a lot of time inquiring about an athlete’s home life and past experiences in their sport. 

 

[27:59] Dr. T. shares how he structures his curriculum, and how he builds on each session. Lindsey asks for an example, and Dr. T. teaches his unique take on positive affirmations and self-talk. 

 

[36:23] Lindsey asks Dr. T. how (and when) he would teach a teenage athlete about the subconscious brain. Dr. T. talks about the science of “getting in the zone” and how he illustrates brain activity in different performance states. 

 

[38:35] Dr. T. dives deep into his unique take on goal setting, and why 90% of New Years Resolutions fail. He explains the importance of a roadmap, and the “magic number” of steps between you and your goal. 

 

[45:45] Lindsey and Dr. T. discuss their definition of the word “belief”. Michael Jordan missed more game winning shots than he made; Dr. T. explains how his story perfectly illustrates belief. 

 

[48:56] Dr. T. talks about the #1 thing he wants people to remember about him 20 years from now. He explains how he builds a “culture of appreciation” and talks about why an intentional gratitude practice has the power to change your neurochemistry. 

• The Psychology of Competition: In this toolbox, you’ll gain a scientific understanding of the psychology of competition, and be introduced to printable worksheets, on the go guided visualization, and exercises you can use to help you and your team get your mind right before, during, and after competition: https://www.positiveperformancetraining.com/PSYCHOLOGY-OF-COMPETITION 
• The Mindset Coach Academy Certification: If you are ready to step into your purpose as a Postiive Performance Certified Mindset Coach, join our waitlist to be the first to know when enrollment opens: https://www.positiveperformancetraining.com/MCACertification
• How to Become a Mental Performance Coach E-Book: Our latest and greatest FREE ultra-simple guide will show you how YOU can make mindset coaching your full-time career or part-time hustle.  (Even without your PhD!). Take the first step to becoming the mindset coach you've been dreaming of: https://www.positiveperformancetraining.com/guide