Think like a champ: Ben Crowe’s tips for success
Hey, it’s Men’s Health Week and it’s more than just about physical fitness—it’s about mental health and emotional wellbeing too. This week, we’re shining a light on the health challenges faced by men in Australia and around the globe.
Ben Crowe, the mindset coach behind some of Australia’s top sports stars, knows a thing or two about mental toughness. He’s worked with tennis legend Ash Barty, wheelchair tennis champion Dylan Alcott, surfing icon Stephanie Gilmore, and Richmond Football Club stars like Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin.
So, how did a bloke from Nunawading, Melbourne, end up coaching the minds of Australia’s elite athletes? Ben’s journey started with a curiosity for wisdom and human behaviour, leading him to study philosophy and anthropology at uni.
From there, Ben joined Nike in the 90s, where he mentored high-profile athletes, executives, and coaches, helping them balance achievement with fulfilment. His clients have included everyone from special operations forces to teenagers, world leaders, and even the World Health Organization.
Ben’s philosophy is simple and universal—anyone can apply it to their lives, not just elite athletes. “Every human, no matter what age or profile, is on their own hero’s journey and gets distracted by the same things, be it the negative stories we tell ourselves or by uncontrollable or external interferences,” Ben explains.
This mindset is crucial, not just for champions, but for anyone looking to improve their mental and emotional health. Let’s dive into some of Ben’s top tips for thinking like a champion.
Ben Crowe’s top tips for a winning mindset
Deep belly breathing
“Before you focus on acceptance, self-compassion, and gratitude, start with belly (or box) breathing,” Ben explains. “It’s the quickest mind hack to tell the brain that everything’s going to be OK.”
He points out that as babies, we naturally breathe through our bellies, but when we’re anxious, we breathe shallowly in our lungs, which have less oxygen capacity. So, when you’re feeling stressed, try some deep belly breathing to calm your mind.
Begin your day with a ‘to-be’ list
“I’m a big believer in the power of a ‘to-be’ list. Before you can write a to-do list, you need to ask yourself what you want to be. Do you want to be kind, courageous, or confident?” says Ben. Imagine starting your day with intentions like these. It sets a positive tone and helps you focus on being your best self.
Change your ‘got to’ into ‘get to’
“Instead of thinking you’ve got to work or you’ve got to take the kids to school, try changing that ‘o’ to an ‘e’. You get to work and you get to take the kids to school,” Ben suggests. This small shift in perspective turns obligations into privileges and helps you appreciate the things you might take for granted. Picture the difference it makes when you feel grateful for these daily activities.
Embrace what you can’t change
Ben emphasises the importance of accepting what’s out of your control and focusing on what you can change. “Finding the best version of yourself requires constant practice, and it helps to recognise what distracts you and then learn how to let those things go,” he says. Since the pandemic, much of his work with executives, CEOs, and small business owners has focused on managing distractions and maintaining control over their mindset.
Practise self-kindness
One of Ben’s key tips is practising self-compassion. “Screw it, I’m a good person and I’m doing the best that I can,” is a mantra he recommends. Give yourself a break and recognise that you’re doing your best. This approach helps you build resilience and stay positive even when things don’t go as planned.
Whether you’re deep breathing your way through a stressful meeting or flipping your ‘got to’ into a ‘get to’ on the school run, these little mindset tweaks can help make a massive difference.
Remember, no one’s got it all figured out. So cut yourself some slack, embrace the chaos, and keep rocking your hero’s journey.
