Episode 328: Grit Gains: Building Mental Toughness and Resilience in Training with Ben Mayfield Smith

Welcome back to the Flex Diet Podcast! I'm Dr. Mike T Nelson, and in this episode, I’m joined by Ben Mayfield Smith, a coach, researcher, and all-around grit expert from Australia, for a deep dive into what it really means to build resilience in both training and life. We unpack the science and psychology behind grit, perseverance, and stress adaptation and how you can strategically apply these principles to become more robust as an athlete, coach, or everyday human. Ben and I get into the weeds on why mental toughness isn’t about grinding yourself into the ground, and how balancing physiological stress with psychological readiness is key to long-term progress. You’ll also hear some practical takeaways you can implement today, whether it’s developing a growth mindset in your coaching or using tools like cold water immersion to toughen both body and mind. Plus, I give a quick update on the next Flex Diet Certification cohort, perfect for anyone looking to level up their coaching toolbox. Sponsors: Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20% LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com