{"id":22161,"date":"2025-07-17T19:20:17","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T23:20:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/?p=22161"},"modified":"2025-07-24T19:34:17","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T23:34:17","slug":"5-ways-athletes-can-deal-with-critics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/5-ways-athletes-can-deal-with-critics\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways Athletes Can Deal with Critics"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/deal-with-critics.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22162\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/deal-with-critics.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/deal-with-critics-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">How to Deal with Critics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_Mentally_Tough_Athletes_Handle_Naysayers\"><\/span>How Do Mentally Tough Athletes Handle Naysayers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Article Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0769bf;color:#0769bf\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0769bf;color:#0769bf\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/5-ways-athletes-can-deal-with-critics\/#How_Do_Mentally_Tough_Athletes_Handle_Naysayers\" >How Do Mentally Tough Athletes Handle Naysayers?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/5-ways-athletes-can-deal-with-critics\/#5_Strategies_for_Athletes_to_Deal_with_the_Naysayers\" >5&nbsp;Strategies for Athletes to Deal with the Naysayers&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/5-ways-athletes-can-deal-with-critics\/#1_Dont_Buy_In\" >1. Don\u2019t Buy In<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/5-ways-athletes-can-deal-with-critics\/#2_Filter_the_Feedback\" >2. Filter the Feedback<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/5-ways-athletes-can-deal-with-critics\/#3_Create_a_Confidence_Habit\" >3. Create a Confidence Habit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/5-ways-athletes-can-deal-with-critics\/#4_Use_Negativity_to_Fuel_Your_Performance\" >4. Use Negativity to Fuel Your Performance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/5-ways-athletes-can-deal-with-critics\/#5_Build_a_Positive_Inner_Circle\" >5. Build a Positive Inner Circle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/5-ways-athletes-can-deal-with-critics\/#Mastering_How_Athletes_Deal_with_Critics\" >Mastering How Athletes Deal with Critics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/5-ways-athletes-can-deal-with-critics\/#FAQ_%E2%80%93_How_Athletes_Handle_Criticism_and_Naysayers\" >FAQ \u2013 How Athletes Handle Criticism and Naysayers\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/5-ways-athletes-can-deal-with-critics\/#Related_Sports_Psychology_Article\" >Related Sports Psychology Article<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/5-ways-athletes-can-deal-with-critics\/#Virtual_Sports_Psychology_for_Athletes\" >Virtual Sports Psychology for Athletes<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p><em>Mentally tough athletes know how to handle criticism. Instead of letting negativity affect their game, they stay focused on preparation, confidence, and growth. They learn to filter feedback, use doubt as motivation, and surround themselves with positive influences. Whether it\u2019s media noise, trash talk, or pressure from others, elite athletes block it out and keep chasing their goals. Confidence on the inside always beats doubt from the outside.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you ever faced&nbsp;critics&nbsp;during your athletic journey?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How did you respond&nbsp;when people said you weren\u2019t good enough or had no chance of winning?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Naysayers are inevitable.&nbsp;In sports,&nbsp;critics, doubters,&nbsp;and negative&nbsp;individuals are everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you give too much weight to&nbsp;the words of&nbsp;naysayers,&nbsp;stress&nbsp;increases,&nbsp;and performance blocks&nbsp;can set in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learning <strong>how\u00a0to\u00a0deal with naysayers<\/strong> is crucial\u00a0for maintaining high confidence and performingat your peak.\u00a0When you develop the mental skills to block out the noise, you\u00a0become mentally stronger\u00a0and a more focused athlete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most successful athletes don\u2019t&nbsp;allow the critics&nbsp;to define them;&nbsp;instead,&nbsp;they&nbsp;stay focused on their purpose&nbsp;and accomplishing their goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the 2025&nbsp;Club World&nbsp;Cup, Chelsea&nbsp;FC&nbsp;stunned&nbsp;Paris Saint-Germain&nbsp;FC, 3-0&nbsp;in the championship final.&nbsp;Not many people gave&nbsp;the young&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;team a chance&nbsp;against&nbsp;Paris Saint-Germain FC,&nbsp;the&nbsp;2025&nbsp;Champions League winners.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even during the Premier League season,&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;was&nbsp;written off by many,&nbsp;and a mid-season slump led to even more criticism.&nbsp;However, Chelsea&nbsp;finished&nbsp;the Premier League season strong and&nbsp;sealed&nbsp;a Champions League spot with a&nbsp;top-four&nbsp;finish. Chelsea&nbsp;eventually went on to&nbsp;winthe Europa Conference League.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After their Club World Cup victory,&nbsp;Chelsea forward and&nbsp;Club World Cup&nbsp;Player of the&nbsp;Tournament, Cole Palmer,&nbsp;responded to the&nbsp;critics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>PALMER:&nbsp;<em>&#8220;Everyone has talked a lot of&nbsp;<\/em><em>sh<\/em><em>-t about us all season.<\/em><em>&nbsp;<\/em><em>It is a great feeling to win this. Before the game<\/em><em>,<\/em><em>&nbsp;everyone doubted us<\/em><em>,<\/em><em>&nbsp;and that makes this win even better.<\/em><em>\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Palmer commented&nbsp;that the&nbsp;team&#8217;s&nbsp;confidence&nbsp;had&nbsp;more power than&nbsp;the&nbsp;negative comments of the naysayers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>PALMER:&nbsp;<em>&#8220;We are building something special here, something important here. We have a young team with plenty of potential.<\/em><em>&nbsp;<\/em><em>I feel we are going in the right direction and can go on and win a lot more in the future if we keep going this way.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All athletes encounter critics, but the important thing is to remain focused on your goals,&nbsp;preparation,&nbsp;skills,&nbsp;and strengths.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Always keep in mind that confidence on the inside beats&nbsp;doubt from the outside.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Strategies_for_Athletes_to_Deal_with_the_Naysayers\"><\/span><strong>5&nbsp;<\/strong><strong>Strategies for Athletes to Deal with the Naysayers&nbsp;<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every athlete faces critics. Whether it\u2019s coaches, teammates, fans, or even strangers, negative voices are part of the game. How you handle those voices can make or break your mental edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to learn how athletes deal with critics, here are five effective strategies to protect your mindset and keep your focus strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Dont_Buy_In\"><\/span><strong>1. Don\u2019t Buy In<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Critics often project their own fears and limitations onto you. Their words say more about them than about your ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you hear negativity, don\u2019t absorb it. Let those critics stew in their own doubts. Instead, focus on your mindset. Prepare well. Take positive action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember, mindset, preparation, and consistent effort always win over harsh words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Filter_the_Feedback\"><\/span><strong>2. Filter the Feedback<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all criticism is bad. Some of it can help you improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When someone criticizes you, ask yourself, \u201cIs there anything useful here?\u201d Maybe it\u2019s something to fix in your technique or your attitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the feedback doesn\u2019t help your game, ignore it and move on. Don\u2019t waste energy on noise that doesn\u2019t add value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Create_a_Confidence_Habit\"><\/span><strong>3. Create a Confidence Habit<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Confidence is your mental armor. When you build it daily, critics lose power over you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Commit to growing your confidence every day. Use positive self-talk, visualization, and reminders of past successes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With strong confidence, the opinions of others become background noise \u2014 not distractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Use_Negativity_to_Fuel_Your_Performance\"><\/span><strong>4. Use Negativity to Fuel Your Performance<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can\u2019t stop critics from talking. But you can choose how to respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use negative comments as motivation. Turn their words into fuel to prove them wrong. Use that energy to push harder, train smarter, and perform better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let critics become your personal bulletin board \u2014 a reminder of why you\u2019re grinding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Build_a_Positive_Inner_Circle\"><\/span><strong>5. Build a Positive Inner Circle<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Who you surround yourself with matters. Surround yourself with teammates, coaches, friends, and family who believe in you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A strong support system protects your confidence and cancels out the noise from critics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Positive voices reinforce your mindset, keep you accountable, and remind you of your worth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mastering_How_Athletes_Deal_with_Critics\"><\/span><strong>Mastering How Athletes Deal with Critics<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Criticism is inevitable in sports. But how you handle it is your choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t buy into negativity. Filter out unhelpful feedback. Build daily confidence habits. Use negativity as motivation. And surround yourself with positive people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These strategies show you how athletes deal with critics to stay focused, confident, and motivated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you apply them, critics become powerless \u2014 and your performance shines.&nbsp;Now, go out there and let your game speak louder than their words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ_%E2%80%93_How_Athletes_Handle_Criticism_and_Naysayers\"><\/span><strong>FAQ \u2013 How Athletes Handle Criticism and Naysayers\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Q: Why is it important for athletes to learn <strong>how to deal with critics<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Dealing with critics is essential because constant negativity can impact confidence, focus, and performance. Mentally tough athletes know how to block out the noise and stay committed to their goals and preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Q: How can criticism affect an athlete\u2019s mindset?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Criticism can increase stress, create doubt, and lead to mental blocks if not managed well. Athletes who internalize negativity may lose confidence and struggle to perform under pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Q: What strategies help athletes handle negative comments?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Key strategies include filtering feedback, building daily confidence habits, using negative comments as motivation, and surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Q: Can criticism ever be helpful for athletes?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Yes, if the feedback is constructive and focused on improvement, it can help athletes make necessary adjustments. The key is learning to separate useful advice from harmful negativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Q: How do mentally strong athletes stay confident under pressure?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A: They develop consistent confidence habits, such as positive self-talk, visualization, and focusing on strengths. This mental armor helps them stay grounded, regardless of outside opinions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Q: What role does a support system play in handling criticism?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A: A strong inner circle of coaches, teammates, and family reinforces belief and cancels out external negativity. Positive influences help athletes stay focused, motivated, and mentally tough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Q: How did Chelsea FC and Cole Palmer respond to critics?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Despite being doubted all season, Chelsea FC won the Club World Cup. Cole Palmer said the criticism fueled the team\u2019s confidence and made victory even sweeter, proving that belief within the team mattered more than outside noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"block-979ef383-5bc7-43ee-b8f9-249663ca1a6c\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Sports_Psychology_Article\"><\/span>Related Sports Psychology Article<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/cope-with-performance-meltdowns\/\">How to Cope with\u00a0Performance Meltdowns<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/mindset-and-talent-as-predictors-for-athletic-success\/\">Mindset and Talent as Predictors for Athletic Success\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/4-ways-athletes-can-build-a-competitive-mindset\/\">4 Ways Athletes Can Build a Competitive Mindset<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\" id=\"aioseo-virtual-sports-psychology-for-athletes\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Virtual_Sports_Psychology_for_Athletes\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sport-psychology-training-athletes\/\" title=\"\">Virtual Sports Psychology for Athletes<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tired of under performing in competition? Frustrated with not performing up to your potential? Get expert online&nbsp;<strong>mental performance coaching<\/strong>&nbsp;with our certified mental game coaching from anywhere in the world via video conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can improve your mental game with Mental Game Coaching. We have three levels of programs \u2013 bronze, silver, and gold (one to six months). You can opt for one-on-one sessions with a&nbsp;<strong>certified mental performance coach<\/strong>&nbsp;in Orlando, Florida, or you can get coaching from anywhere in the world via Zoom, Facetime, Skype or phone!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sport-psychology-training-athletes\/\" style=\"border-radius:10px\">GET DETAILS<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How Do Mentally Tough Athletes Handle Naysayers? Mentally tough athletes know how to handle criticism. Instead of letting negativity affect their game, they stay focused on preparation, confidence, and growth. They learn to filter feedback, use doubt as motivation, and surround themselves with positive influences. Whether it\u2019s media noise, trash talk, or pressure from others, elite athletes block &#8230; <a title=\"5 Ways Athletes Can Deal with Critics\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/5-ways-athletes-can-deal-with-critics\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about 5 Ways Athletes Can Deal with Critics\">Sport Psychology Article&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22164,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[142],"tags":[324,246,247],"class_list":["post-22161","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports-psychology-tips","tag-focus-in-sports","tag-mental-toughness","tag-mental-toughness-in-sports"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO Pro 4.9.6.2 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How Do Mentally Tough Athletes Handle Naysayers? 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Whether it\u2019s media noise, trash talk, or pressure from others,","twitter:creator":"@PeaksportsCoach","twitter:image":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/blue-logo-512.png"},"aioseo_meta_data":{"post_id":"22161","title":"5 Strategies for Athletes to Deal with Critics and Naysayers","description":null,"keywords":null,"keyphrases":{"focus":{"keyphrase":"","score":0,"analysis":{"keyphraseInTitle":{"score":0,"maxScore":9,"error":1}}},"additional":[]},"primary_term":null,"canonical_url":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"og_object_type":"default","og_image_type":"default","og_image_url":null,"og_image_width":null,"og_image_height":null,"og_image_custom_url":null,"og_image_custom_fields":null,"og_video":"","og_custom_url":null,"og_article_section":null,"og_article_tags":null,"twitter_use_og":false,"twitter_card":"default","twitter_image_type":"default","twitter_image_url":null,"twitter_image_custom_url":null,"twitter_image_custom_fields":null,"twitter_title":null,"twitter_description":null,"schema":{"blockGraphs":[],"customGraphs":[],"default":{"data":{"Article":[],"Course":[],"Dataset":[],"FAQPage":[],"Movie":[],"Person":[],"Product":[],"ProductReview":[],"Car":[],"Recipe":[],"Service":[],"SoftwareApplication":[],"WebPage":[]},"graphName":"BlogPosting","isEnabled":true},"graphs":[]},"schema_type":"default","schema_type_options":null,"pillar_content":false,"robots_default":true,"robots_noindex":false,"robots_noarchive":false,"robots_nosnippet":false,"robots_nofollow":false,"robots_noimageindex":false,"robots_noodp":false,"robots_notranslate":false,"robots_max_snippet":"-1","robots_max_videopreview":"-1","robots_max_imagepreview":"large","priority":null,"frequency":"default","local_seo":null,"seo_analyzer_scan_date":"2025-08-16 10:55:03","breadcrumb_settings":null,"limit_modified_date":false,"reviewed_by":"0","open_ai":null,"ai":{"faqs":[],"keyPoints":[],"titles":[],"descriptions":[],"socialPosts":{"email":[],"linkedin":[],"twitter":[],"facebook":[],"instagram":[]}},"created":"2025-07-24 23:34:17","updated":"2025-08-16 10:55:03"},"aioseo_breadcrumb":"<div class=\"aioseo-breadcrumbs\"><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\" title=\"Home\">Home<\/a>\n<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb-separator\">\u00bb<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/category\/sports-psychology-tips\/\" title=\"Mental Performance Articles\">Mental Performance Articles<\/a>\n<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb-separator\">\u00bb<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\t5 Ways Athletes Can Deal with Critics\n<\/span><\/div>","aioseo_breadcrumb_json":[{"label":"Home","link":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog"},{"label":"Mental Performance Articles","link":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/category\/sports-psychology-tips\/"},{"label":"5 Ways Athletes Can Deal with Critics","link":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/5-ways-athletes-can-deal-with-critics\/"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22161","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22161"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22161\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22164"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22161"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22161"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22161"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}