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Experts commonly break sport and
business achievement into four
pillars of performance: physical,
technical, tactical, and mental.
Usually, the first three pillars
receive the most attention. While
everyone accepts that the mental
aspect of performance is important,
very few bother, or even know how,
to mentally train in the same manner
they train physically, technically,
and tactically.
Over the past few years the phrases
"mental toughness" and
"sport psychology" have
become popular in sports and
business. As the pressure to succeed
and perform consistently over time
increases, only those who are
mentally tough will be victorious.
Although there is no commonly
accepted definition of mental
toughness, it can be defined as
performing at your optimal level
regardless of the circumstances.
Even if an individual is physically
ready to perform in various
situations, athletes and business
people who lack mental training
often miss opportunities to succeed
and reach their optimal potential.
Mental toughness is a skill that can
be LEARNED in two ways. Trial and
error is the typical manner in which
people develop mental toughness;
however, it usually takes longer and
is less efficient. A sound mental
training program, on the other hand,
can be more efficient because it
teaches the comprehensive skills
necessary for mental toughness. For
example, a coach or manager may tell
a person to "concentrate"
more, but this is difficult until
that person truly learns how to
concentrate.
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About Dr. Sam Maniar
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Dr. Sam Maniar gained diversified experience as a sport psychology consultant while at the University of Montana,
West Virginia University, Washington State University, and The Ohio State University. He has also worked with high school, Olympic,
and professional athletes. Over the years, he has worked with athletes from virtually all sports, including baseball, basketball,
billiards, cross country, fencing, field hockey, football, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, rifle, rowing, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track
& field, & volleyball. In addition, Dr. Maniar has served as a consultant to groups such as the
United States Billiards Association, State Farm Insurance, the Ohio Department of Taxation, and the Ohio Premier Girls' Soccer Club
and continues to work with various corporations as a Performance Consultant for
PRADCO. Throughout these experiences, Dr. Maniar has developed a
scientifically-demonstrated approach to performance enhancement.
His work has been featured in publications such as ESPN.com, Shape Magazine, New York Times, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Columbus Dispatch,
Akron Beacon Journal, San Jose Mercury News, Billings Gazette, The East Carolinian, The Physician
and Sports Medicine, and United Press International NBC-4 (Columbus) TV news, and on WTVN-610 Columbus, WOSU Columbus, WCBE (NPR) Columbus, and KCSN Los Angeles radio stations.
He has also published in numerous scholarly journals, such as The Sport Psychologist, Journal of
Applied Sport Psychology, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Journal of School Health, and Journal
of School Nursing.
Dr. Maniar holds a doctorate in Counseling Psychology, with a specialization in Sport Psychology. He is a licensed psychologist in the
state of Ohio (License #6034). He formerly
competed in cross country, rowing, soccer, track, and wrestling; in addition, he has coached cross country, soccer,
and track & field at the club and collegiate levels.
Dr. Maniar is available to work with athletes, sports teams, performing artists, poker players, and corporations. Consultation is
available to individuals, teams, or organizations. He is also available for workshops and invited talks through his work at PRADCO.
Dr. Maniar has worked with many teams and individuals from all levels. Although many of them have gone on to become All Americans, National
Champions, and/or Olympians, the majority have not. However, many of those who have worked with Dr. Maniar have reached their individual level of
optimal performance.
Optimal Performance Consulting
"Helping you achieve optimal performance in sport, business, and life."
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"Sam was an important part of our team: our athletic team, our coaching staff,
and our team of supporters and parents. We would eagerly work with Sam Maniar
again and strongly recommend him to work with other athletes, coaches and
parents."
- Kimberly Nixon-Bell, Past President, Thomas Worthington Field Hockey Parent Group
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