May 4, 2023

Part 2 - Conversation with Rose Monday - 2020 Head Women's Track & Field Olympic Coach for Team USA

Part 2 - Conversation with Rose Monday - 2020 Head Women's Track & Field Olympic Coach for Team USA

Do you want to elevate your coaching game by mastering emotional intelligence? Look no further! Rose Monday has the solution to help you achieve heightened emotional intelligence as a coach, leading to greater success and fulfillment in your career. ...

Do you want to elevate your coaching game by mastering emotional intelligence? Look no further! Rose Monday has the solution to help you achieve heightened emotional intelligence as a coach, leading to greater success and fulfillment in your career.

In this episode of Gettin' Grittywith Dr. J, you will be able to:

  • Gain insight into the role of sports psychology in training athletes for peak performance.

  • Discover how to effectively balance individual training and team competition for optimal results.

  • Uncover the crucial part emotional intelligence plays in coaching and leadership.

  • Learn the importance of fair compensation for athletes in maintaining a competitive and thriving sports landscape.

  • Understand the essential aspects of prioritizing mental and physical health for young athletes. List 2:

My special guest is Rose Monday

Rose Monday, an accomplished Olympic coach, is joining Dr. Julie Wiernik to share her insightful perspective on emotional intelligence in coaching and leadership. With an impressive background in the world of athletics, Rose has trained numerous world-class athletes and has been inducted into the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame. Her genuine passion for nurturing the mind and body of her athletes has led her to work closely with sports psychologists and prioritize mental well-being. Rose's wealth of experience and dedication to her athletes makes her the perfect guest to discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in coaching.

Takeaways from this episode include:

  • San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony to be held on May 13, 2023.

  • Consider working with a sports psychologist to improve mental performance and overcome negative self-talk.

  • Train the brain like any other muscle by practicing positive affirmations and calming techniques.

  • Seek out a trusted and qualified sports psychologist for personalized coaching.

  • Focus on race strategy and competing rather than solely on personal bests or winning.

  • Be realistic about the sport and understand the difficult odds of making it to the Olympics.

  • Strategize which meets to participate in for maximum points and rankings.

  • Consider the importance of earning points and ranking on the World Athletics list to qualify for the Olympics.

Importance of Finding Happiness in the Moment
For athletes and coaches, it can be challenging to maintain focus and motivation while dealing with the pressure to succeed. Finding happiness in the moment and appreciating the journey, rather than solely focusing on the end goal, can lead to a more balanced and satisfying experience. By cherishing and reflecting on smaller accomplishments, athletes and coaches can maintain an optimistic outlook and stay present, making the entire process more enjoyable for all involved. During the conversation with Dr. Julie Wiernik, Rose Monday reinforces the necessity of appreciating the present moment and not solely fixating on the outcome. She talks about her journey as an Olympian, how it took her until her 40s to appreciate her accomplishments, and what she learned from that realization. Rose encourages both athletes and coaches to focus on the process and the joy it brings, rather than solely on the results.

Balancing Winning and Development
The competitive nature of sports can lead to an overemphasis on winning, which may overshadow the importance of athlete development. Coaches should strike a balance between pushing their athletes to win and fostering their personal growth in the sport. This approach not only leads to more engaged and satisfied athletes, but it also promotes a healthy environment where athletes can learn, grow, and thrive. Rose Monday discusses this balance in the podcast, emphasizing the importance of understanding why coaches train their athletes and focusing on both physical and mental development. She cautions against pushing athletes too hard, leading to burnout and injury, and advocates for a more balanced approach to training that includes easy recovery days and hard days. By considering the whole picture—athletes' mental and physical well-being—coaches can contribute to the sustainable success of their teams.

Supporting Athletes
Providing support for athletes is crucial, as their well-being directly impacts their performance in the sport. Coaches should prioritize building confidence in their athletes and showing genuine care for their mental, emotional, and physical health. Additionally, recognizing when an athlete may need extra help or resources and facilitating access to the appropriate services can ensure that athletes receive the support they need to thrive. In the episode, Dr. Julie Wiernik and Rose Monday stress the importance of coaches being aware of their athletes' needs and concerns, and helping them address challenges effectively. They also discuss the issue of mental health in sports, with Monday emphasizing the need for athletes to receive help when necessary and advocating for the elimination of the stigma associated with seeking mental health support.