What is true toughness?

This past week one of the players in our program told me that their club coach wants them to be tougher. 

 He thought their coach was talking about becoming more muscular—a player being able to withstand physical challenges and dish out physical tackles.

 I told him I think he was talking about something different. 

 I think that is a common misconception. 

 Toughness is not defined by hardness or physical strength.

 It is a mental attribute that can be improved and honed over time. 

 In his book Toughness, Jay Bilas relates toughness as an "intangible, an attitude, a philosophy."

 I've been fortunate enough to play with some players who are not traditionally tough... but no matter what would happen on the field, whether good or bad, they move on to the next play. 

 Roy Williams, coach of UNC men's basketball, defines toughness as "I'm not going to lose sight of what I want to do by what you do, or by outside influences." 

 That's why the truly tough players are often on the winning side because they focus on remaining on their goals no matter what is happening.

 So my question to you is: 

 How are you improving true toughness? Are you remaining focused on your goals? 

 Let me help your player reach their goals. Click the button at the bottom of this post to learn more about our Mental training and Technical Training classes. Learn more here.