Lecturer of Psychology | Passionate about performance | Lover of doing hard things.
Joined August 2017
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Elliott Massingham retweeted
Ninety-nine percent of people in the world are convinced they are incapable of achieving great things, so they aim for the mediocre.
The level of competition is thus fiercest for “realistic” goals, paradoxically making them the most time- and energy-consuming.
If you are insecure, guess what? The rest of the world is, too.
Do not overestimate the competition and underestimate yourself. You are better than you think.
Unreasonable and unrealistic goals are easier to achieve for yet another reason.
Having an unusually large goal is an adrenaline infusion that provides the endurance to overcome the inevitable trials and tribulations that go along with any goal. Realistic goals, goals restricted to the average ambition level, are uninspiring and will only fuel you through the first or second problem, at which point you throw in the towel.
If the potential payoff is mediocre or average, so is your effort.
The fishing is best where the fewest go, and the collective insecurity of the world makes it easy for people to hit home runs while everyone else is aiming for base hits.
There is just less competition for bigger goals.
I love football and in equal parts hate football for the fact Mukiele has apparently just committed a foul.
#safc
The game today is so far removed from the game I fell in love with as a child.
I can’t remember the last time I got really excited as a neutral (used to happen loads).
It’s seeking perfection, it’s too slow, too rehearsed, and over-sanitised. It’s boring.
75% of fans oppose VAR in Premier League, says FSA bbc.in/416aTW2
It isn’t the people operation VAR that’s the issue.
They’ve exacerbated things, sure.
But it’s absolutely the technology that’s the issue.
I’ll die on this hill.
Response from the Premier League… "As part of ongoing dialogue with supporters, Premier League research indicates fans are largely in favour of keeping VAR, but improving the way it is used." 🤦🏼♂️
Get it in the bin. 🗑️
75% of fans oppose VAR in Premier League, says FSA bbc.in/416aTW2
2026brightonmarathonweekend.…
I’m running Brighton Marathin and trying to raise money for @MindCharity.
If anyone can spare some change I’d be forever grateful.
Granit Xhaka is SO likeable it’s untrue.
Didn’t think I could love him anymore, and he goes and does that interview.
Elliott Massingham retweeted
To any young kid reading this…
I’ve doubted myself in every league I’ve ever played in.
Ryman Prem.
Conference South.
League Two.
League One.
Championship…
And even right before my first Premier League start last night.
That’s not weakness.
That’s being human.
That’s being alive.
When I was growing up, I thought Premier League players were superhuman.
Like they never felt doubt.
Like they never felt nerves.
The truth is…. it’s often the opposite.
Social media won’t tell you that sometimes you step out there with no confidence. That’s normal. That’s ok!
You now have to then step out there with courage.
Confidence feels good.
Courage doesn’t.
But you do it anyway. Show courage enough times…. You build confidence.
Here’s the mindset that’s carried me for 31 years.
When it goes well:
I worked for it.
I earned it.
Well done.
Watch it back.
Get better.
When it doesn’t:
I know I prepared the best I could.
It didn’t go exactly to plan. That’s football.
But Well done.
Watch it back.
Get better.
That simple recipe gave me a special moment last night.
Leading the team out.
Playing alongside a group that fights for every ball.
Celebrates tackles.
Gives everything for the city of Sunderland.
And sharing it with supporters who never gave up, even after four tough seasons in League One.
So if you’re a young player feeling doubt…
Low confidence…
Or like you don’t believe in yourself…
You’re not alone.
Every player feels it.
Confidence isn’t something you’re given.
It’s something you build.
Bit by bit.
Day by day.
With courage.
With work.
With learning.
Anything worth building takes time.
But that’s what makes it so worthwhile!
Thank you @SunderlandAFC ❤️🤍
Favourite podcast at the moment… The good, the bad, and the football.
Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Paddy McGuiness.
It’s just so real and humble.
Elliott Massingham retweeted
I’m running the Brighton Marathon next year to raise money for @MindCharity.
I’m looking to raise £500.
My training programme is 809km long.
My race is 42km long.
That means all I’m asking for is 58p per kilometre of running.
That’s basically a Freddo nowadays.
2026brightonmarathonweekend.…
I’m running the Brighton Marathon next year to raise money for @MindCharity.
I’m looking to raise £500.
My training programme is 809km long.
My race is 42km long.
That means all I’m asking for is 58p per kilometre of running.
That’s basically a Freddo nowadays.
2026brightonmarathonweekend.…
Marc Lochbaum and @AndyLane27 just released this wonderful article mapping out 50 years of sport psychology research: mdpi.com/3615528
Here's a small passage copied word for word:
"The volume of research in sport psychology could be better leveraged to demonstrate societal value and impact. Much of the evidence generated by meta-analyses—on performance, motivation, well-being, or behavior change—has relevance well beyond elite sport".
This is music to my ears and reassures me that the message of my newsletter is the correct one. Sport/ performance psychology isn't just for elite athletes.
It's my mission to help the general population recognise this, and fulfil their own potential.
Elliott Massingham retweeted
Performance psychology isn’t just for elite athletes.
Its research and principles can be used by everyone to thrive.
It’s my mission to try and make performance psychology as understandable, and as easy to apply as possible.
Elliott Massingham retweeted
This has been a tough few months to say the least, but things are finally starting to turn a corner!
As of January, 2026 I’ll be a lecturer of psychology. And I can’t wait.