Watch as Coach defines mental toughness as the ability to perform at or near full potential regardless of circumstances. A symptom of lack of mental toughness is an athlete choking in competition as many young athletes associate their status and self-worth on the outcome of a competitive event. When athletes feel that they are loved and appreciated by coaches and teammates they no longer associate their status based on the outcome of competition. With this weight lifted from their shoulders athletes now have the freedom to compete fearlessly.