I loved this conversation with Danny Donachie. Danny for a long time was head of medical services at Everton Football Club, but now works one-to-one coaching with players and managers. 

We talk about Danny’s approach in helping players’ mental approach to the game - including visualisation, meditation and switching off social media. Connected to this we talked about how lonely being a player and manager can be - and how, inadvertently, sports science (by ending drinking/socialising culture etc) had reduced connection. 

We discuss Danny’s reflections on former Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti and current boss David Moyes and also his experience of Newcastle star Anthony Gordon’s mental strength. 

We talk about Danny’s father, Willie, a professional footballer and how he opened Danny’s eyes to ‘alternative’ methods of self development. 

A lot of ground covered here and a lot of insight into professional football. But also I believe some important notes on how we can all make improve our mental experience of life, find the joy in what we do, and perform better (if that’s our goal). 

What do you think about this one? How do you manage the opinions of others? 

Follow Danny here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannydonachie/