#13 Steve Johnson - Moving Toward Potential

I’m joined by Sydney based Performance Psychologist Steve Johnson in this episode. Steve was a Sport Psychology and Sport Coaching lecturer at Sydney University, Western Sydney University and University of Wollongong for 7 years. He’s worked with elite players and teams including from tennis, rugby league, super rugby, swimming, football, and cricket. Several years ago he started The Wellbeing Science Institute born out of a desire to help create more flourishing cities, communities, organisations and individuals. He takes a holistic, positive and developmental wellbeing perspective supported by evidence-based science. He has designed the world’s first nationally recognised training programme for elite athlete wellbeing management, and he’s authored the first undergraduate sport psychology degree in the Southern Hemisphere. Our conversation starts with a critique of the history of psychology…it’s entrenchment in solving problems, rather than promoting strategies for flourishing; we then go on to talking about the benefits of positive psychology; developing a wellbeing programme in the National Rugby League of Australia; The importance of wellbeing to the injured player and to the career transition of elite athletes; the importance of understanding personal values and character strengths; ways to implement wellbeing strategies into your club.