The Football Mindset Podcast (John Johnstone - Performance Coach)

The last day or two of the transfer window can see so many players experience the highs and lows that very few people see

For one player the ecstasy of securing a life changing transfer and for another the chances of that life changing move coming so close but ultimately falling through

But how do you deal with it?

It is so easy to always focus on the big picture

But what about when you feel miles of from where you want to be or unable to achieve the big picture, what then?

It is so easy to start doubting yourself, drop your head and feel deflated

In this episode, JJ talks about how a change in perspective might help you reduce that self doubt and transform your confidence levels

For so many players the festive period is a time where subconsciously they take their foot of the gas

But whilst they drop things, it is your opportunity to put the systems and process' in place where you can up things

You can moan about having to make sacrifices 

or

you can instead focus on making the right choices...

You choose

Football Mindset Instagram

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When you don't get what you feel you deserve

How do you respond to that?

Make sure you follow the Football Mindset Instagram page @footballmindset

JJ watched the build-up to Israel v Scotland on Sunday night and there was one thing in particular that really done his nut in about how the press and former professionals had build up the game

They had built it as a must win

2 games in to a 10 game campaign and there was a must win match

Crazy isn't it?

Is there a lesson in there that you can use to help you and your football going forward?

Something that all the top players have in abundance is composure

But how can you go about playing with more composure in your game?

JJ reveals his beliefs around composure and what you can do in order to create more in your game

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JJ talks about his monster day of sessions yesterday but also rewinds the clock back 4 years to give you an insight on his journey so far!

He really hopes you enjoy this episode and that by him sharing his story it can resonate with you in order to help you get yourself a wee bit further on than where you are currently

Let him know what you think by emailing john@footballmindset.co.uk

There are loads aren't there?

But what is the worst shout that you hear in football?

Whether that be from a manager, teammate, supporters, press etc

Direct message the @footballmindset instagram page with the worst shout you have heard

During the festive period, JJ watched the Marcus Rashford Documentary on BBC 

It follows Rashford's journey in trying to ensure that all kids in need are given free school meals 

The documentary talks about how 1/3 of interactions on Rashford's social media when he talks about his school meal plans are negative!

Crazy isn't it?

Some may see it as a rant but JJ is serious and 100% backs the message that he is putting out in this episode...

What do you think about what he says?

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To mark the milestone of episode 200 of the Football Mindset podcast JJ has decided to do a free giveaway

Listen to today's podcast to find out what you need to do to be in with a chance of winning either:

A copy of the book Master your confidence: The elite footballer's guide to high performance

or

A 30-minute coaching session with JJ

Best of luck

Scotland secured a place in the World Cup 2022 qualifying play offs with a 2-0 win v Denmark

Former FM client John Souttar scored the 1st goal of the night to send the Scotland boys on their way to victory

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Every team and every player in that team has a story

Allow yourself to be inspired by other's success

If they can do it, why can't you?

Do not be put off by the title, some of the Scotland teams stories will be relevant to where you are in your own journey

Whether you are Scottish or from any other part of the world this episode is well worth a listen!

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We have all done it, haven't we?

Compared ourselves to someone else's social media timeline and it has caused us to doubt ourselves and the path that we are currently travelling

But what does JJ want you to remember if you find yourself doing it?

Find out in today's podcast

Find out which client loves to remind JJ of his words that success is boring as fuck

In the words of Bruce Lee "I fear not the man who has practised 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practised one kick 10,000 times."

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2020 has been a tough year for so many footballers

But whether you have had a tough year or not it is essential to enter the new year with confidence

JJ recalls a story from when he went to Thailand that will help you enter 2021 with confidence and ensure you continue to drive towards the targets you set for yourself!

From all at Football Mindset, have a happy new year and we will be back with you early in the new year

Thank you for your continued support

Do you ever find you doubt yourself before going into training or onto the park for a game?

If so, have a listen to JJ in this episode

Can you learn from and adopt a new way of thinking based on what he says in this episode?

We take a look at what you can learn from Jordan Pickford's performance for Everton in their 3-2 defeat to Newcastle United on Sat 9th March.

It seemed pretty clear that he struggled with his decision making and performance after playing the game and not the occasion.

Make sure you subscribe and leave a review on the podcast!

Also, give our Instagram page a follow!

https://www.instagram.com/footballmindset/

and check out our website

http://footballmindset.co.uk/

Enjoy your week

JJ

JJ talks about the session he did with Heart of Midlothian's Jake Mulraney before his Scottish Cup Semi Final against Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday.

He also talks about how preparing for the big games isn't your problem but the way you prepare for the smaller ones might be draining you of your confidence.

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/footballmindset/

Website:

http://footballmindset.co.uk/

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Earlier this week JJ got an email and was fined for using an image on his website that he never had permission to use

Although he never uploaded the image ultimately he believes that what goes on his website is his responsibility

Listen to today's episode to find out what he thinks is cool about accepting responsibility and ultimately seeing yourself as the problem

If nothing changes then nothing changes

Here is a chance for you to step forward and begin to remove the mental barriers that you feel are currently holding you back

Take action at john@footballmindset.co.uk

or head over to the Instagram page

Ever wondered what JJ and Football Mindset actually do and how they help their clients?

If so, this is the episode for you

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For 4 years JJ has answered the same question each morning

'What do I need to do today?'

Recently he was asked a different question that he feels is more helpful and powerful than that

Listen to today's episode to find out what that question is

It is easy to look at the FA Cup and spot a shock result and tell you that it shows you what is possible and to believe you can win each game that you go into

No doubt we will give you that message at some point

But in today's episode, we look back at the events surrounding Friday night's game between Aston Villa v Liverpool and why it is essential that you expect the unexpected

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January is the silly season when it comes to transfer speculation

But for some players that speculation turns into the reality of making a move

Once the contract is signed and training is out of the way there then comes a point where you need to perform

This episode will help you understand what you need to have in place to perform with confidence on your debut

Did you pick up a copy of our new book?

If not click this link to get your copy now

6-time snooker World Champion Ronnie O'Sullivan gave an interview after being knocked out of this year's snooker world championships and in it he spoke about working on his mindset

JJ thinks that there are so many things that you can take from the interview which he describes in today's episode

So what is your biggest takeaway from O'Sullivan's interview and how can it help you going forward with your football career?

Former Dundee and Raith Rovers forward Craig O'Reilly gives a great insight into his 2 ACL rehab journeys and how they couldn't have been any more different 

From going through the 1st rehab himself to 5 years later going through his next rehab under expert guidance from a specialist at Glasgow Rangers Football Club

It is fair to say that Craig made the most of the hands he was dealt and thankfully has fully recovered from both injuries

He also touches upon what he would do differently looking back on his career and regardless if you are going through a long term rehab or not you will no doubt take something away from this open and honest interview

Enjoy

JJ has stolen this episode from a picture that a client sent him of his whiteboard

On the whiteboard has 6 things that the client focuses on during the week in order to help his performance

If you can use just one of the 6 points JJ truly believes it can help your performance

Please leave a review of the podcast, this helps greatly 

JJ talks about how he feels so many areas of a footballer's game are described as a skill but the mental side of the game is often ignored in those descriptions

If you are a semi-professional footballer who would like to sign up to the Confidence of a Pro online program 

Click the link below

https://football-mindset.thinkific.com/courses/confidence-of-a-pro

Ben Davies transferring from Preston North End to Liverpool Football Club... what a move for the man

Within this episode is a simple technique that JJ uses on an almost daily basis to create confidence and deal with the self-doubt that comes along at times on his journey

You struggle with self-doubt at times as well, don't you?

Maybe the same technique will help you on your journey?

This one is for the subs who are coming on from the bench and getting minutes but would like to get more minutes

If you can't do what JJ has invited you to do in this episode, maybe that is the reason you are not currently getting the minutes that you want?

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If you are trying to gain the trust and respect of your teammates, make sure you check out this episode

As always, please subscribe and leave a review

How do you get up for a match?

That is a question that one of the listeners has messaged in and asked for help with

Find out what JJ's answer to that question is in today's episode

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On Saturday JJ went to visit a mate in the North of Scotland 

They watched and talked football all day before he drove the 3 and a half hours back down the road

But what was the audiobook he listened to driving up and back that he is recommending in today's episode?

You will need to listen to find out ;)

Over the past few months, JJ has grown Football Mindset into the strongest that it has ever been

But with that has come an increase in expectation from himself to maintain that and kick it on again

This episode is a bit of a ramble but will explain what he is doing in order to deal with them

One of the last things you want to be heading into a match is UNCERTAIN

Listen to this episode to find out how you can go from being uncertain to certain ahead of today's match with a simple change in focus

Drop the Instagram page a message with how you get on in today's game

The words that you use and the way that you talk to yourself are so important in whether you play with the shackles on or play with freedom and an element of risk in your game.

JJ explains this by talking through a session that he done with a client of his these past couple of weeks.

Powerful episode right?

Remember if you haven't already, make sure you get a copy of the new book master your confidence. Click here

From his travels to Northern Ireland at the weekend, JJ has come up with 4 or 5 points that you can potentially look at and use in order to make yourself a better player

Which one is your favourite?

Is it right to assume that you WILL get mentally stronger as a result of surviving what the world is currently going through just now due to Covid 19?

Master your Confidence - the elite footballer's guide to high performance is out now

Click here to get your copy

You may not have to know the answer to your confidence struggles but what do you have to know instead?

It is so easy to get caught up in the minutes that you played, or didn't play

But is that the most important thing?

JJ thinks that something else is more important than the minutes that you played

Do you agree?

Today JJ gives you 3 simple tips that you can use throughout your training sessions in order to help you mentally for the next time that you take to the pitch in a game

If you would like to purchase the Confidence of a Pro online program

Please click the link below

https://football-mindset.thinkific.com/courses/confidence-of-a-pro

JJ talks about why what so many footballers are currently committing to is leaving them stuck and frustrated!

He also talks about what you need to commit to in order to empower you on your journey to the top

Please subscribe to the podcast and spread the word to help us grow!

Over the years JJ has been to hundreds if not thousands of games as a fan and today he decided to ask you what is the greatest game you have witnessed whilst telling you his own answer

Infact, you may even say he has cheated as he names two

So what is the greatest game you have witnessed?

When you lose your edge in training, what do you do?

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JJ talks a little about how he got Football Mindset to where it is today and what is the one question that you do not want to be asking come the end of your football career

Please leave a review and subscribe to the podcast!

Website

www.footballmindset.co.uk

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/footballmindset/

Buy your copy of our new book

Master your confidence - The elite footballer's guide to high performance 

Click here

Thank you for all your help and support
JJ

Today's episode is a lesson that comes from something that happened inside a coaching group that JJ is part of 

Business or football, the message is just the same

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Today's podcast is an extract from an interview that Charlton midfielder Sean Clare gave to BBC Scotland Sportsound (Monday 11th October) about his time working with Football Mindset

This episode is not to be missed and I'll bet that you will relate to what he says in some way

If you do, let us know by emailing john@footballmindset.co.uk

Hopefully by answering this question you will commit to improving your confidence instead of just paying lip service to it like so many professional players do currently 

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As JJ comes to the end of a 4-week pre-season training plan, today he talks about how having a structured training plan build by an expert allowed him to build confidence in his training

He also talks about how you can avoid making the same mistakes as him when it comes to your mental performance

Ever wondered how as a professional footballer you can use a notepad in order to improve your performance?

If so, listen to this episode now

You wouldn't judge a book after reading only one chapter so why do it with your football career?

It is easy to think that since you are playing well you should ignore your inner game because you are in such a good moment

But what about when that good moment starts to turn into a tough moment?

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In relation to a previous podcast where JJ says he felt unstoppable a listener asked

"How do you harness that feeling for the short term you experience it?"

In today's episode JJ answers this question

Do you ever sit and think what is the point?

Why bother bursting your balls every day when it doesn't seem to be making a difference?

If you ask yourself what is the point... this episode is not to be missed!

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JJ sees it more and more players putting loads of time and effort into their outer game

Their activation work, gym work, recovery, nutrition and what they do on the training field

But what about the inner game?

How much time is getting spent, creating an inner game that will serve you when your back is against the wall and pressure is massive

Are you making the same mistake in training that my client has been making?

When players struggle with confidence JJ often finds them wanting to do more and more

But often they are working harder and harder on the wrong things 

At the end of this podcast, JJ gives you a question that you can ask yourself in order to know where to start when trying to overcome your confidence struggles

Master your confidence - the elite footballer's guide to high performance was released on Friday

But what can you do to ensure that you get results from it?

Listen to this episode to find out

If you haven't got your copy of the book

Click here to order yours now

Are you a player who if their preparation doesn't go to plan their game crumbles?

JJ believes that the sports of tennis and boxing prove the answer to the question

Do you need perfect preparation to perform well?

Make sure you listen to the episode to find out what that answer is

Today JJ tells a story about a client of his which highlights just how important it is to solve any struggle that you have ASAP as opposed to holding off and hoping it sorts itself

Have a listen to how you can learn from his near mistake when it comes to preparing to perform with CONFIDENCE at 3pm on a Saturday

JJ could have gave 50 benefits about what a footballer would gain from working on his inner game but in this episode he chose 5 of what he thinks are the biggest benefits

Do any of those benefits surprise you?

Is your inner game something that you work on consistently and in-depth or do you just pay lip service to it like so many other players? 

JJ thought he would take the pod in a different direction in this episode and give you his best 5 a side team that he has watched

What do you make of it?

What is your best team? Make sure you tag the Instagram page with your choice.

Whatever it is JJ is confident he ahs the beating of you!

JJ's good mate Kenny Hall talks very openly and honestly about doing his ACL not only once but going on to do it twice.

His hindsight can give you so many insights into what he would have done differently and how you can avoid making the same mistakes as him

If you are going through an ACL injury and have questions about his experience email john@footballmindset.co.uk

and Kenny will answer them for you

As always please leave a review and hit subscribe on the podcast

Your manager, teammates, the fans... you want to please them all

Right?

In today's episode JJ explains why that might not be the best idea and gives you a different approach to try

You spend so much time focusing and worrying about what is going wrong with your game

But how much time do you spend focusing on what is going well with it?

Make sure you follow the Football Mindset Instagram page 

https://www.instagram.com/footballmindset/

JJ tells how his own journey up to this point is a powerful tool in helping him continue to show up each day and get his work out into the world

Maybe your story can have the same impact on you when trying to deal with other people's opinions?

Colin, who is a listener to the podcast messaged in with this question

How do I keep consistent with my performance?

Listen to find out JJ's reply

If you have a question that you would like answered, drop the Instagram page a message

JJ was at the Rangers v Hibernian Scottish League Cup match on Sunday where Hibernian ran out as 3-1 winners

After the match, Rangers player Connor Goldson said that he felt his team have lacked hunger since winning the league title last year

JJ explains what he thinks is the problem and how to avoid it happening to you

JJ talks about a session that he done recently with a client where he held his hands up and said he wasn't a specialist in that subject but would help the client find someone who is.

He believes that as a professional footballer you don't need to know all the answers to your current struggles but you need to know where to find the answers to them.

Do you agree?

In episode 22 JJ talks about how not all opinions are true and why it is important that you take the time to understand whether the opinion that is currently holding you back is true or not.

He talks about a time in his journey where someone gave him their opinion. If he had assumed it was true Football Mindset would look very different to how it does now. Infact, it may not even still be here.

If you would like to help... please subscribe to the show, leave a review and forward the podcast on to one of your teammates.

The more players we can get the podcast to the more players that we can help.

On a recent session, JJ was told by a young lad that he does not feel his academy is setup to help deal with the tough times

They are all about the good times

JJ thinks that is also the case for lots of clubs

However, if your club isn't setup for to help you deal with the tough times you need to find a way of dealing with them yourself

JJ experienced something at the weekend that doesn't happen too often for him

He talks about it in today's episode and wonders if you have ever felt the same?

As always please feel free to provide feedback by dropping us an email at click here

Find out what the main thing John 'Yogi' Hughes said when he spoke to some of JJ's clients about improving their performance

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This episode was requested by a listener who wanted to know more about how Jamie Carragher used to deal with Liverpool signing new players to replace him in his position

With JJ being a big fan of Carragher as a player and pundit he uses quotes from a podcast Carragher done with Alastair Campbell which reveals his approach to dealing with new signings

What do you make of how Carragher approached it?

Growing up JJ thought you either had confidence or you didn't

Confidence and belief were things you were either born with or not

Unfortunately, he had stopped playing football by the time he had truly worked that out

But hopefully, by listening to today's podcast you can avoid some of the same mistakes he made with that way of thinking

It is so easy to get caught up in what you need to do on a Saturday

Analysis, tactics, technique etc

But is that really your problem come 3pm on a Saturday?

If not, find out what is by listening to episode 102 of the FM podcast

Today JJ talks about how having the ability to switch off is just as important as having the ability to switch on

Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and continue to share it with your teammates

You might have the talent but when the heat is on, can you deliver?

Please subscribe and leave a review to the podcast

** If you haven't already head over to Amazon and purchase your copy of our book Master your confidence: The elite footballer's guide to high performance

When you are struggling with where you are at it easy to focus on working harder on the training park, doing extras or eating better

But will that help you deal with your situation in the best way possible?

Listen to this episode to find out

JJ

JJ looks at 5 different scenarios that you may find yourself in during the January transfer window and explains what you can do in order to help yourself deal with each scenario mentally

If you haven't already make sure you pick up our book

Master your confidence: The elite footballer's guide to high performance

Click here

In this opening episode, JJ gives a bit background to Football Mindset's work to date and explains what he hopes you can take from listening to the podcast and how he believes it can help your career. He also provides more clarity on what to expect from the show as tries to develop and grow it.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

• JJ's journey from plumbing to working with elite athletes in professional football

• Lessons in bouncing back from setbacks, based on client Lawrence Shankland who was last week awarded PFA Scotland Player of the Year 

• Three steps to mastering confidence

• Lessons from John Souttar in being multi-dimensional

Only to end up in Milan on Monday morning after planning to be home on Sunday night!

According to Boris Johnson the Omicron variant of Covid is due to hit Great Britain like a tidal wave

Already an increase in Covid cases has started to have an impact on football clubs and their respective fixtures

Are you prepared for the impact that changes due to Covid could have on you and your game?

“As a centre back how do I improve my composure when playing out from the back?”

Daniel asked that question during the week and this week’s podcast answers his question!

We also talk about what you need to work on if you are involved in play offs/relegation battles/title charges etc, and its nothing physical!

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/footballmindset/

Email:

john@footballmindset.co.uk

Frustration, anger and self doubt

These are all things that understandably you might experience after a setback

Overthinking things and always replaying the worst-case scenario over in you head

Surely not much good can come from a setback?

JJ disagrees and explains why in today's podcast

This is something that JJ said to a client before he returned to a former club at the weekend

"I hope you get booed"

But why would he say that? What is the benefit to the client hearing that?

Last week JJ signed up with a coach to help him kick Football Mindset on from a business perspective

In today's episode he speaks about why he has made this move and why as a professional footballer you should consider working with an expert to help you maximise your career potential 

If you are interested in hearing more about JJ's Confident Footballer coaching program

Email: john@footballmindset.co.uk

What is your claim to fame in life?

JJ reveals his in today's episode

Not everyone can say that Zizou nearly knocked them down outside the Santiago Bernabeu can they?

Chelsea keeper refusing to be subbed?

Were Motherwell unsportsmanlike in their behaviour after scoring against Celtic?

and why if you are currently struggling with confidence, a contract running out or not getting selected then something needs to change.

JJ covers it all in episode 5 of the podcast.

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/footballmindset/

Website:

http://footballmindset.co.uk/

Email:

mailto:john@footballmindset.co.uk

How has trying to ignore the doubters helped you up to this point?

In this episode, JJ talks about a narrative that Football Mindset is going to run with and trial in the early part of 2021

He also talks about how he came up with the narrative

What do you make of it? Can that same narrative help you and your career?

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JJ talks about one of his favourite quotes and how it explains why he struggled so much with his confidence levels when he played

When you hear it, maybe it will explain so much of about what you are going through currently as a professional footballer?

Please subscribe and leave a review for the podcast