Mentorship and Mindset: Soccer Champion Michael Parkhurst on Balancing Mind and Body
Michael Parkhurst, former captain of Atlanta United, MLS Champion, and US Men's National Team player, has had an illustrious 15-year professional soccer career. With 10 years in MLS and 5 in Europe, his accolades include being named MLS Rookie of the Year, MLS Defender of the Year, and earning a spot on the MLS Best XI. Parkhurst is a six-time MLS All-Star, led Atlanta United to an MLS Cup Championship in 2018, and received the MLS Humanitarian of the Year and MLS Fair Play Award. He also represented the United States with 25 caps for the USMNT and competed in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. In this interview, Parkhurst delves into the critical aspects of mentorship, mental toughness, and the balance between mental and physical preparation. Join us as Parkhurst shares his journey, highlighting the key factors that contributed to his success in professional soccer. He is also the cofounder of Beyond Goals, an organization that mentors young soccer players and athletes to maximize potential on and off the field.
The Winning Impact Mentorship
Q: How important is mentorship in a soccer player's development? Can you share an experience where a mentor played a key role in shaping your career, and what qualities make a good mentor for young athletes?
A: Mentorship is crucial in any field for someone striving to reach new heights. Executives seek experienced candidates because they have been battle-tested—they have failed, learned, and overcome challenges. Mentors can prepare you for tough times and guide you through them.
Developing a Winning Mindset
Q: What strategies did you use to cultivate a strong and resilient mindset throughout your career? What advice would you give young players to help them build mental toughness and handle pressure on and off the field?
A: Athletes often lose more than they win, which propels the successful ones forward. Many are so focused on winning that they fail to realize the benefits of losing—learning and building upon those experiences. I always tried to stay even-keeled regarding wins and losses, not getting too emotionally high or low after performances. A few good games don't make you great, and a few bad games don't make you terrible.
Balancing Mental and Physical Preparation
Q: How did you balance mental and physical training during your career? What practices would you recommend for young athletes to ensure they're developing both aspects effectively?
A: Young athletes usually get sufficient physical training from their teams, individual sessions, or home workouts. However, mental training is often neglected. Although it doesn't require as much training, it does need some learning and fine-tuning. I worked with a sports psychologist in high school, which was extremely beneficial. Learning about confidence, its importance, how to grow and nurture it, and the overall power and influence of our brains was enlightening. Training the mental side helps tap into our body's and brain's unlocked potential.
Parents and Mental Development
Q: How can parents best support the mental and emotional development of their young athletes? What should parents avoid doing to ensure they don't inadvertently harm their child's mental growth in sports?
A: Parenting is tough, especially finding a balance between supporting, motivating, and pushing your athlete. From my experience, I've learned:
1. If you're not the coach, only cheer from the sidelines. If your athlete asks you to be quiet, your input isn't helping.
2. We can't expect our kids to have a growth mindset if we care more about their wins/losses than they do.
3. Internal motivation is key, largely depending on whether they enjoy and have fun playing. Ensure they're still having fun and looking forward to practice and games. If not, consider taking a break or discussing why.
Overcoming Setbacks and Challenges
Q: Every athlete faces setbacks and challenges. How did you stay motivated during difficult times, and what lessons can young athletes learn from your experience to help them overcome their own challenges?
A: A significant focus for Greg and me with mentees is dealing with setbacks and challenges. When you're in the midst of something difficult, it's hard to focus on the long term. Most of our attention is on overcoming the current issue or injury. A growth mindset is crucial—some athletes use their experiences to grow as players and people, becoming better equipped for future challenges. We all face setbacks. Staying positive, not rushing the journey, and setting small, achievable goals can help during these times.
Chiropractic Care in Soccer
Q: Since I’m a chiropractor, I have to ask this question. How important was chiropractic care in your career as a professional soccer player? Could you describe how chiropractic treatments contributed to your performance, recovery, or overall well-being?
A: I started using chiropractic care in early high school, and it played a big role in my ability to stay healthy. Our bodies take a beating and need care in return. Chiropractic care became more proactive and less reactive as my career progressed. I understood the benefits of keeping things aligned before encountering big problems. I learned a lot about my body, preventative care, and recovery from many chiropractors. For example, a chiropractor suggested I get orthotics in high school, which I wore for the rest of my career, helping with hip problems I had early on.
If you have an questions for Michael Parkhurst, he can be reached at:
mparkhurst@beyondgoalsmentoring.com
https://beyondgoalsmentoring.com