031: Integrating Mental Skills into Sports Performance with Miguel Motolongo

“Periodizing psychological skills, like visualization, can significantly help sports performance”

Miguel Motolongo

In the latest episode of the Finding Small Wins podcast, we’re joined by Miguel Motolongo, a seasoned performance coach and sports medicine expert who has worked with some of the top teams in Major League Soccer (MLS). Miguel shares his journey from being a frustrated athlete battling injuries to becoming a trusted professional in the sports world, helping athletes achieve peak performance and navigate the challenges of recovery.

During our conversation, Miguel delves into his experiences working with various MLS teams, including his role in the inaugural season of LAFC, where he was part of the team that won the 2019 Supporters’ Shield. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a winning culture from scratch, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, communication, and setting standards that align with the goals of both players and staff.

Miguel also reflects on the unique challenges of working in professional sports during the COVID-19 pandemic, including his time in the MLS bubble. He provides insights into the intense environment, the rigorous testing protocols, and the mental and physical toll it took on everyone involved. His ability to adapt and maintain high standards during such unprecedented times is a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft.

A significant portion of our discussion focuses on the mental aspects of sports performance, particularly during the return-to-play (RTP) phase after an injury. Miguel shares valuable strategies for managing athlete anxiety and fear during this critical time, offering practical advice on how to build confidence and motivation. He highlights the importance of listening to athletes, understanding their unique needs, and helping them reconnect with their team to maintain a strong sense of identity and belonging.

Miguel also touches on his current pursuits outside of professional sports, including his work in bringing high-performance care to the public through a concierge-style sports medicine practice. He discusses the integration of multidisciplinary teams to address not just physical injuries, but also the psychological and nutritional aspects of recovery and performance.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone involved in sports, whether you’re an athlete, coach, or sports medicine professional. Miguel’s deep understanding of the intersection between physical and mental health in high-performance environments makes this a must-listen for those looking to enhance their approach to sports and wellness.

Miguel Motolongo on Instagram

Miguel’s performance services at Totus Human Performance

Key Takeaways

• Managing anxiety and performance anxiety is crucial for athletes’ mental well-being and performance.
• Breathing exercises and visualization can help athletes reduce anxiety and improve focus.
• Athletes often struggle with their identity when they are removed from their sport, and it is important to support them during this transition.
• Periodizing psychological skills, such as breathing and visualization, can help athletes manage pressure and enhance performance.
• Creating protocols and plans can help reduce pressure and ensure consistent and effective care for athletes. Integrating visualization and skills training can enhance performance in sports.
• Quantifying the impact of psychological skills in a game-like situation is challenging, but research shows the benefits.
• Motivation in athletes can be fostered by addressing their intrinsic desires and needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness.
• Listening to athletes and understanding their individual experiences is crucial for their development and building trust.
• Small wins in sports include winning championships and creating a culture of vulnerability and support.

“Performance anxiety really is a thing and it splits up into trait anxiety and state anxiety.”

episode timeline

00:00 Miguel’s Journey in Sports Medicine
02:09 Experiences with LAFC and the Bubble
06:24 The Pressure of Working in Pro Sports
10:20 Miguel’s Business and Academic Pursuits
12:12 The Impact of Athletic Identity
13:07 Managing Anxiety and Performance Anxiety
20:01 Outcome vs Goal Oriented Behavior
22:04 Challenges and Solutions for Staff
23:48 The Pressure of Working in Pro Sports
27:05 Periodizing Psychological Skills
33:45 The Power of Visualization and Skills Training
35:12 Challenges in Quantifying Psychological Skills
37:23 Relationship Between Visualization and HRV
42:07 Fostering Motivation and Relatedness in Athletes
55:20 The Importance of Listening and Understanding Athletes
01:00:00 Small Wins in Sports: Championships and Team Culture