Vilma Viitanen — “Working on mental performance is very important”

“Performing well as an athlete is mentally challenging. In the ring, you’re all alone. That’s why I believe working on mental performance regularly is very important.

Over the years, I’ve seen how much coaching helps. Not only for my sport - it all usually relates to other aspects of life as well.

Through coaching I’ve learned to regulate emotions, prepare for matches, deal with defeats and prioritize in a way that makes my life as a professional athlete as smooth as possible and keeps my focus on the right things.

Learning to process past performances has helped me cope with the demanding day to day life and busy travel schedules.

When there’s less emphasis on results, my performance gets better.

Although there’s less pressure, the desire to win has remained the same.

I’ve also learnt to really listen to myself, which has helped in injury prevention and maintaining enjoyment in training.

I’ve learnt that showing vulnerability and sensitivity doesn’t make you weak - on the contrary - speaking up helps every time and asking for help is a part of being a professional athlete. Keeping things to yourself only leads to overthinking and makes things worse.

Tough times can come as a suprise, and when I’ve most needed support it has helped to have a professional by my side I can really talk to. Having done a lot of work together in advance has paid off when dealing with challenges.

When you understand that being an athlete doesn’t define your value, it’s easier to recover mentally. It brings peace and joy to my sport to prioritize health and life outside boxing as well.

Mirjam creates light at the end of the tunnel

Mirjam knows how to ask the right questions, to help me understand and discover something new within myself. She knows how to dig deeper to find the answers.  I can talk to her about anything. Sometimes you just need someone to give you a nudge into the right direction.

I trust Mirjam and feel that she understands. She also explains things in a way that makes it easy for me to learn. After sessions I always feel better and wiser, and often find myself thinking in different situations; ‘What would Mirjam say?’.

As a whole, our 5 year coaching process has been great and made an impact on the really important things.

Without coaching, I would not have grown as much.

Mirjam has been a great help.

I think everyone should use mental coaching to help with both sport and everyday life.

-Vilma Viitanen, Professional Boxer

Follow Vilma on Instagram: @vvilmaviitanen