Look around your changing room this weekend or at your opponents and you will likely find three distinct types of player.

One has more self belief than talent, the second will have talent in abundance but lacks the mindset to achieve their full potential.

The third and often the most successful in sport have what I call ‘an accurate perception of reality'. Finding a balance between the first two types of players and becoming the successful sports star isn't easy and often requires asking some serious questions of where your performances really are.

An accurate perception of reality is where you (and your parents and coaches) see your performances and skill level for what they are - nothing more and nothing less. A failure to adopt this from an early age is, in my opinion, one of the reasons that so few people in sport go on to achieve the truly great success they crave.

I spend a lot of my time encouraging the young sports stars that visit my physiotherapy practice or attend my learning workshops to be more positive and think bigger - but crucially, adopt a level of accurate thinking when it comes to where their performances are.

One of the best players I have ever worked with for achieving an accurate perception of reality is former Middlesbrough striker and now Premier League player Danny Graham. I met Danny in the early part of his career when he had just turned professional. He entered the pro game from Chester-le-Street boys a couple of years later than players generally do and far from revelling in the glory of his first pro contract he knew that he would have to work much harder than others to first catch up and then get ahead of players at Middlesbrough, who were already excelling, such as Cattermole, Downing and Bates.

Anyone who has watched Danny play for Boro or Darlington can confirm that his work ethic and commitment on the pitch is outstanding and I can tell you that his effort and dedication in training was more than enough to warrant the great success he is now having as an established Premier League striker.

The personal fulfilment you can achieve from success in sport is truly worth asking one or two hard questions of yourself. As well as this, keep looking for ways to maximise your performance.

This weekend after your games or competition try this brilliant recipe for a recovery smoothie. Blend milk, yoghurt, banana and honey together to create the perfect post match recovery drink. The ingredients in this have all of the vital elements that your body needs to replenish its energy stores and encourage muscle repair.

If you would like to bring the Feel Great for Sport learning workshop to your college or sports club then please get in touch with me directly paul@paulgoughphysio.com