Emotion control
Fixed vs. Growth Mindset
Have you heard of the terms fixed and growth mindset? Mindset is very important in sports.
July 17, 2025
Dora Dragičević, MSc in Psychology
Get to know me
Hi there! I’m Dora, and my whole life revolves around sports.
I chose to study psychology because I was fascinated by how and why physically weaker athletes can defeat stronger opponents faster and more effectively. It quickly became clear to me that this is due to mental strength that can be built and trained.
Among all branches of psychology, sports psychology intrigued me the most. Even my master’s thesis was on a topic from the psychology of sports: “The Immediate Impact of Aerobic and Anaerobic Training on the Emotional Effect of Rowers.”
Rowing
Given my love for challenges, I chose a sport for which I don’t have optimal physical characteristics – rowing.
Despite the challenges, I persevered and am still actively rowing for our national team.
As the greatest success in my sports career, I would highlight the bronze medal at the World Cup in 2023.
By the way, I also completed the rowing coaching certification, so on weekends, I coach beginners at the rowing school in my home club, which means I am familiar with the sport on several different levels.
Coming to Mental Training
Adding psychological dimension to the team levels, Mental Training was the next logical step for me.
I came into Mental Training as a student, partly out of the desire to improve myself, and partly out of the need to assist other athletes in their pursuit of success, overcoming obstacles, and surpassing limits.
And here I am now, thrilled to be helping out and to have successfully integrated sports into the (world’s best) job.
I love learning about new sports and their specifics. Every new athlete who comes to our office eager to progress brings me joy. I am thrilled to be able to follow that, to witness athletes achieve their dreams, and to see them broaden their horizons.
Sports Life
Throughout my sports career, I’ve experienced stress, euphoria, and disappointment at major competitions, serious injuries, changing sports, changing coaches, quitting sports, returning to sports, (not) making weight before competitions, doubt, and insecurity, as well as balancing sports commitments with school, college, and now work responsibilities.
Having experienced all of this firsthand, during my studies and additional education, I equipped myself with tools to successfully overcome obstacles both on and off the field. Now, I strive to ease and support athletes on their sports and life journey.
Education
- First level of education in behavioral-cognitive therapies, HUBIKOT (2024)
- MT Practicum for psychologists, Mental Training (2023)
- Rowing coach education, Olympic Academy (2023)
- Education on Goal Setting and Athlete Motivation, Concentration and Motor Learning, and Stage Fright and Self-confidence, FiMat j.d.o.o. – for psychological preparation of athletes (2020)
- Basics of Speech Therapy, Logos Association (2018)
Work Experience and Volunteering
- Zagreb Rowing Association, rowing coach (2023-2024)
- Mental Training, volunteering (2023-2024)
- Mental Training, internship (2021)
- Modus Association, internship (2020)
- Trešnjevka Rowing Club, rowing coach (2018-2023)
- CCUSA, area representative (2017-2018)
- Utah Olympic Park, park guide (2017)
- EFPSA - "Mind the Mind - to Combat the Stigma of Mental Disorders", volunteering (2017)
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, demonstrator (2016-2017)
- "Living Healthy" Project, volunteering (2016)
- Buđenje Association, volunteering (2015-2016)
Featured posts
Emotion control
The Importance of Mental Training During the Off-Season
In some sports, summer is the peak of the season, while for many athletes, summer means the off-season. Summer breaks, holidays, and recovery from a demanding season are underway. Quality rest and recovery are essential prerequisites for a successful season. However, what does that rest actually involve?
July 1, 2025
Emotion control
What to do when the coach is always yelling
Parents often become concerned when a coach yells during practices or competitions.
Also, when asked why they want to quit a sport, many children say, “The coach is always yelling.”
Indeed, a large number of coaches do tend to raise their voices. While some children are not bothered by this at all, others are very sensitive.
So, how can you protect your child and help them in such situations?
May 15, 2025
Emotion control
My child is sitting on the bench – how should I react?
If you have ever been in a situation where your child is sitting on the bench or getting little playing time, you know how frustrating
February 24, 2025
For parents
4 Tips on How to Prepare Your Child for Mental Training
It seems to you that mental training would be ideal for your child, but when you suggested it, your child reacted negatively.The child is reluctant,
September 20, 2024
Emotion control
What to do when my child wants to quit sports
Research shows that sports are important for the successful development of children.Especially at a young age, a child’s cognitive development is closely linked to their
March 21, 2024
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