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

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

Available now:

Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here.

Episode Chapters:

04:32 Podcast Transition and Casual Conversation
08:32 Client Experiences and Training Anecdotes
09:03 Debunking Bodybuilding Myths
16:42 The Role of Intensity Techniques in Training
18:53 Diving into Grit and Stress Adaptation
33:07 The Risks of Misapplying Grit
34:01 Fundamental Principles of Grit
35:44 Teaching Grit Through Cognitive Progressive Overload
36:42 The Role of Mental Toughness and Growth Mindset
41:40 The Goat Drill: A Case Study in Cognitive Overload
48:34 Strategic Struggling and Habit Stacking
57:04 Balancing Eustress and Distress in Training
01:03:49 Long-Term Adaptation and Psychological Resilience
01:10:48 The Importance of Developing Mental Resilience
01:14:09 The Role of Psychological Development in Performance
01:17:38 The Concept of Threat Inoculation
01:22:48 Cold Water Immersion and Mental Toughness
01:28:11 Cross-Adaptation and Psychological Resilience
01:34:23 Practical Applications for Building Mental Resilience
01:38:10 Conclusion and Resources

Flex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy:

Episode 294: Mental Fitness & Performance: A Talk with Contemplate CEO Tarun Gulati
Episode 134: The Coach/Client Relationship and the Mental Side of Fitness: an Interview with Dr Lisa Lewis

Connect with Ben:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_mayfieldsmith_/
Website: https://www.matterathletica.com/

Get In Touch with Dr Mike:

Get the Daily Fitness Insider newsletter (free): https://www.miketnelson.com/newsletter