Train your body, train your head

Ljubljana, The insurance company Generali has launched a new initiative titled Train Your Body, Train Your Mind, aimed at highlighting the often-overlooked psychological aspects of athletic success. As a long-time supporter of Slovenian sports, Generali recognizes that achieving peak performance requires more than just physical preparation, it demands mental resilience, focus, self-confidence, and the ability to cope with pressure. The project features interviews with top Slovenian athletes and coaches, led by former alpine skier and Generali ambassador Štefan Hadalin. Slovenia is known for its sporting culture, with many citizens accustomed to rigorous training regimens, discipline, and a focus on results. However, less attention is typically given to the mental challenges athletes face under pressure, such as maintaining composure during high-stakes moments, recovering from mistakes, or staying motivated when inspiration wanes. Generali aims to address this gap through Train Your Body, Train Your Mind, offering insights into the mindset and real-life experiences of elite athletes. The initiative underscores the importance of mental preparedness in sports, which Generali believes is equally crucial as physical conditioning. Štefan Hadalin, who has firsthand experience with the pressures of elite sport and the role of decision-making under stress, emphasized the need to normalize discussions around the psychological side of athletics. “Mental preparation is still spoken about too little, even though it's just as important as physical training,” he stated. He shared his personal journey of learning to build mental strength over time with the help of a sports psychologist and through practical experiences. Hadalin’s initial video interview featured members of Slovenia’s men’s and women’s volleyball teams, while recent episodes included conversations with former NBA player Goran Dragić and basketball coach Aleš Živanović about the significance of mental resilience. Goran Dragić discussed the immense pressures he faced as an NBA player and how he dealt with criticism. “I always responded well to criticism. If someone criticized me, I took it personally and wanted to prove them wrong. That pushed me to work harder on the court,” he explained. Aleš Živanović highlighted the historical neglect of mental preparation in sports, calling it a major oversight. “It was important to be talented, strong, and train hard. But then injuries happen, or there are days when you don’t perform as well. And if you’re not mentally tough, if your mind isn’t in the right place, you quickly find yourself stuck in a loop.” Future episodes of Train Your Body, Train Your Mind will feature additional athletes such as Žan Kranjec, Miha Hrobat, Andreja Slokar, Neja Dvornik, and some younger Slovenian alpine skiers. The series will also include other individuals supported by Generali through sponsorship programs. Tea Rojec, head of marketing communication at Generali, noted the company’s commitment to supporting athletes throughout their journeys, both in times of triumph and difficulty. “We provide support and stand by athletes throughout their entire path, not just during victories, but especially in challenging times, offering them a sense of security upon which they can build their successes,” she said. Generali plans to continue supporting projects that promote youth talent development, healthy lifestyles, and the importance of mental preparedness. The company believes that the ability to confront challenges is one of the most essential life skills and wants to bring the conversation about mental strength to a broader audience through this initiative. More information about the Train Your Body, Train Your Mind project can be found at https://www.generali.si/trajnos.