Dr. Chris Carr Of The Green Bay Packers: Inside One Of The Mind Of One Of The Founders Of Sports Psychology

Michael Gale's Futures In Focus

Thirty years ago, the concept of sports psychology was rarely discussed. Today, our guest is among the pioneers of this applied science, widely utilized by victorious Olympians and sports teams globally. Although there are only seven full-time sports psychologists across the thirty-two teams, this field remains a developing profession in an industry where peak performance is crucial for success. While discussing sports in the context of 2033 might seem unconventional, insights from interviews conducted for Forbes' "Futures in Focus" series with notable figures from Liverpool Football Club, the NFL, the San Jose Sharks, and the Atlanta Falcons indicate that future experiences might be evolving in high-performance teams today.

Consider the application of analytics and AI algorithms in sports like tennis, cricket, and soccer, as well as the utilization of engineering in F1 and Formula E. These skills and scientific advancements applied in sports could potentially be adopted in various areas of life by 2033. Our guest is a pioneer in the field of sports psychology and one of only seven full-time sports psychologists in the NFL, previously associated with the renowned US alpine ski team from the 1990s.

To conclude the podcast, a controlled breathing exercise is shared—an activity the guest practices with teams and coaches. This exercise aims to help differentiate between tension and relaxation, clear the mind, and create an association with warmth and relaxation, using a self-created cue or image as an anchor to these feelings of relaxation.