On this episode, Matt and Ash explore motivation and the concept of self-determination theory, which suggests that addressing three psychological needs - competence, relatedness, and autonomy - leads to self-determination and sustained motivation. Ashley shares her experiences with these needs in her soccer career, highlighting the importance of autonomy, relatedness, and competence in finding and sustaining motivation. They also discuss the negative impact of missing components of motivation, such as a lack of relatedness or autonomy. Overall, their conversation emphasizes the role of motivation in sports and life and the factors that contribute to its presence or absence. They emphasize the role of parents in motivating children and the need for fun in maintaining motivation. The discussion also highlights how motivation can be a tool for personal growth and the cultural differences in motivation. It delves into finding joy and motivation in sports and the importance of rediscovering the fun in sports. The conversation concludes with a discussion on task orientation versus ego orientation and the significance of motivation and opportunity over raw talent. Give the Ditto Podcast a follow, and if you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review!

Ashley and Matt welcome Coach Jen Rockwood, the renowned coach of the Brigham Young University women's soccer team, to the Ditto Podcast! They discuss various topics, including coaching at BYU, recruiting student athletes, the unique environment of BYU, recruiting non-members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the impact of return missionaries on the team, the importance of mental training, and creating a culture of accountability and care. Jen discusses her experiences as a female coach in a predominantly male profession. She shares the challenges she has faced and how she has navigated them. Jen also talks about the importance of finding balance in life and staying true to oneself as a coach. She emphasizes the value of building relationships with players and creating a positive team culture. She reflects on the lessons she has learned from failures and the motivation that keeps her coaching. She concludes by offering advice to new coaches starting their careers.

Dr. Matt Moore and Ashley Hatch discuss the importance of mental health and the different types of professionals who can provide support. They explain the distinctions between mental health providers, psychiatrists, and mental performance consultants. They also discuss the stigma surrounding mental health and the progress that has been made in normalizing conversations about it. Ashley shares her experiences with mental health resources in professional sports and emphasizes the need for athletes to prioritize their mental well-being. They also explore why many athletes neglect the mental side of their game and the importance of deliberate and consistent mental training.

Are you enjoying The Ditto Podcast? Leave us a rating and a review. See you next week!