Many of us start playing sport because we just fall in love with it. However, many athletes who progress to a higher level of competition lose the joy of sport on the way and their sport-life becomes filled with worry and anxiety. This is a phenomenon Sam Jarman has encountered in many athletes he has worked with. Sport has become a means to happiness rather than an experience of happiness in itself. Is there a way to restore the relationship or find a new way of relating to sport?
In the first part of our conversation, Sam tells about his life as a professional athlete and subsequent work on the mental side of sport, including the philosophical perspective that guides his work. According to him, we first need to address the ‘Big Questions’ about the nature of reality and our beliefs and values before thinking about any techniques to try to solve our problems. And actually, if we confront and address these questions, the other problems might resolve; we (again) just play our sport.
Part 1 here:
In the second part of the episode, we explore the spiritual dimension of sport. What is spirituality, how does it manifest in our sport lives? We also explore the questions about finding out who we are, and also discuss the mental health crisis in sport.
Part 2 here:
Sam works with teams, coaches and players in a number of sports, helping them learn about the mental side of their games. He has written two books on the subject for golfers.
Originally a golf professional, he has experience working in professional football and rugby environments, as well as amateur clubs and schools. He currently works as the Wellbeing and Performance coach for Buckinghamshire Cricket and BB&O Golf.
Sam brings a different approach to learning about the mental side of sport, emphasising understanding and self enquiry, rather than prescribing techniques or coping strategies.
Sam has written two books, the Three Principles of Outstanding Golf and Take Relief.
You can find out more about Sam and his work at https://samjarmangolf.com/ and https://sportsprinciples.com/.
You can follow Sam on Twitter @SamJarmanGolf.