As we progress through this general preparation period, I’d like to share the positive impact that Coach Gianpaolo and his Mental Coaching services have had on Team Scirocco this season.
The Beginning of Our Collaboration
In the spring of 2021, Gianpaolo reached out to explore the possibility of integrating Mental Coaching into Scirocco TF. After several discussions, we met in person during my visit to Manerba del Garda on May 23rd. Our initial meeting was both enjoyable and insightful, and I felt a strong alignment with Gianpaolo’s vision.
We delved into our backgrounds in athletics, shared our experiences, and discussed our sports philosophies. It quickly became clear that we shared a common goal: to infuse Italian athletics with fun, confidence, and optimism. This initial connection made me confident that Gianpaolo could be a valuable asset to our team.
The First Individual Session: Intake Session
Between summer and autumn 2021, we developed the Mental Coaching services, culminating in their launch on the Scirocco website. With the winter 2022 indoor championships approaching, we decided to introduce Mental Coaching, inviting athletes Elisa Di Lazzaro and Hassane Fofana to participate. Our first session, known as the “Intake Session,” offered:
- An opportunity to build trust and confidentiality
- An exploration of the session topics related to coaching
- Guidance on setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
- An evaluation of the potential duration of our coaching journey based on individual goals
Although I initially had no specific goal, my curiosity led me to explore this path. During the Intake Session, we conducted several fundamental exercises, including:
- Timeline Exercise: Mapping out key life events, labeling them as positive or negative.
- Wheel of Life: Rating satisfaction in areas such as leisure, health, and finances, followed by an analysis of the results.
- Skills Analysis: Reflecting on strengths and weaknesses to understand sources of satisfaction and dissatisfaction.
These exercises helped me formulate a SMART goal and provided valuable insights into my current situation, future prospects, and objectives. Encouraged by my experience, Elisa and Hassane also participated in similar sessions.
The LUXX Profile Test: Enhancing Team Motivation and Communication
Track life is demanding, often challenging athletes’ motivation. The LUXX Profile Test, a standardized psychological assessment, proved invaluable in understanding and managing motivation. It screens primary motivational factors, offering a deeper comprehension of behavior and facilitating effective self-awareness.
Coach Gianpaolo provided a link to the LUXX Profile Test, which involved a 20-minute questionnaire with 144 statements. Participants, including Elisa and Hassane, rated each statement to generate a detailed personality profile. This profile, analyzed by Coach Gianpaolo, led to individual sessions where we reviewed the results.
Discovering Personal Motivations
In the week between my first Mental Coaching session and the interpretation of the LUXX Profile results, I engaged in profound reflection. The profile interpretation session revealed insights into how my Motivational Factors were expressed. For example:
- Curiosity: Differentiated between practical (blue) and theoretical (red) expressions.
- Autonomy: Analyzed as either seeking community (blue) or independence (red).
- Power: Explored how individuals handle decision-making and control.
Understanding these factors and their combinations—such as the interplay between Social Engagement, Social Participation, and Autonomy—helped refine communication strategies and improve team dynamics.
Conclusion: Why Mental Coaching Matters
This article highlights the features and benefits of Mental Coaching. Many athletes focus solely on physical training, overlooking the significant impact of mental training on performance and overall quality of life. I encourage coaches to consider the importance of understanding and connecting with athletes on a deeper level.
The future is bright,
Alessandro
Mental Coaching has proven to be an essential tool for enhancing relationships and achieving effective communication between coaches and athletes. It is a valuable resource for addressing individual needs, fostering motivation, and building a cohesive team environment. Visit this page to explore Our Mental Coaching Services.