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
Sanja Petrić, MSc, Sports Psychologist
Get to know me
Hello, everyone!
My name is Sanja, and my dream job is being a sports psychologist.
Those who know me always say that I am one of the few people who talk about their job with so much enthusiasm and love.
And how could I not, when every day I have the opportunity to work with excellent people whose goal is to be even better!
Beginnings
During high school in the gymnasium, we had a psychology subject. We had the best possible teacher who passed on to me a love for the profession, and that’s when the decision was made that I would become a psychologist one day.
During college, I discovered that there is such a thing as sports psychology, and that was it! I delved into research, discovered Mental Training, and set a goal to start working there as soon as I graduate.
Working in Mental Training
As I envisioned, after graduation, I started working in Mentalni Trening.
Over the course of these many years, I had the opportunity to:
- Work with younger athletes
- Conduct group workshops
- Give lectures to a large audience
- Conduct education for smaller groups
- Work with elite athletes from over 35 different sports
- Work with para-athletes
- Work in esports
- Participate in conferences
- Travel with my athletes
- Attend their training sessions and competitions
- Gain immense experience that grows with each passing day
Football story
Before I started working in Mentalni Trening, I spent several years officiating on the football fields of Zagreb County.
It wasn’t easy, but that period of football refereeing brought me a lot. Various connections, building a stronger mindset, and valuable insights for my future work with football players.
Another football story is connected to my favorite club, Manchester United, which fueled my passion for sports and eventually led me to sports psychology. (And in recent years, they certainly test my mental strength!)
Future
Additional Education
- "Intervention Techniques For 21st Century Sport And Exercise Psychologists," Faculty of Kinesiology in Zagreb, Prof. Dr. Costas Karagheorghis (2015). "
- Mentalni trening za sportske trenere i psihologe" (Mental Training for Sports Coaches and Psychologists), Mentalni Trening (2016).
- "Integrating the 5C’s Approach Into Your Professional Consulting Services," Faculty of Kinesiology in Zagreb, Dr. Chris Harwood (2017).
- 1st level of education in behavioral-cognitive therapy, HUBIKOT, Zagreb (2017).
- Assertiveness training, HUBIKOT, Zagreb (2017).
- Wartegg Drawing Test, Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Zagreb (2017).
- Basics of working with associative cards, Zagreb (2019).
- Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy – MBCT, KBT option, Zagreb (2021).
- ACT and CFT, Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, online (2021).
Work Experience
- Center for Education and Training Lug, volunteer work (2014-2015)
- Mentalni Trening, intern (2016)
- Work on the project: Falk, A., Bašić, Z., and Quercia, S. "Development of self and social image concerns" (2016)
- Mentalni Trening, psychologist (2016-present)
- ENYSSP, MC Applied Department (2023-present)
Papers
- Master's thesis: "Problem Gambling Among Students – the Role of Motivation, Cognitive Distortions, and Self-Control," 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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