E34 - Tyrone Mings: How our struggles lead to our successes

Please note that the summary is generated based on the transcript and may not capture all the nuances or details discussed in the podcast episode.

Summary

# High Performance Podcast with Tyrone Mings

## Episode Summary

In this episode of the High Performance Podcast, host Jake Humphrey speaks with Tyrone Mings, an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Aston Villa and the England national team. Mings shares his inspiring story of overcoming adversity and achieving success in football.

Mings began his career at Southampton but was released at the age of 14 due to his small size. He dropped down to Non-League football, playing for Yate Town and Chippenham Town while working as a mortgage advisor. He seriously considered quitting football but got his break when Ipswich Town signed him for a fee of £10,000. After impressing at Ipswich, Mings moved to Bournemouth for £8 million, realizing his dream of becoming a Premier League player.

However, Mings' early appearances at Bournemouth were limited due to a serious knee injury. He was loaned to Aston Villa in 2019 and helped the club gain promotion from the Championship. Mings' performances at Villa earned him a permanent move to the club for £26.5 million and a call-up to the England squad in 2019.

Mings emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and high performance in football. He discusses the challenges he faced in overcoming self-doubt and inferiority complex as he transitioned from lower leagues to the Premier League and the England national team. Mings also highlights the value of having a strong support system and the importance of seeking professional help when needed.

Mings reflects on a difficult period in his life when he struggled with depression and alcohol abuse due to his knee injury. He credits therapy and self-reflection for helping him overcome these challenges and develop a more positive mindset. Mings also emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals and finding joy in the journey rather than solely focusing on the destination.

To avoid becoming defined solely by his football career, Mings has pursued various interests and businesses outside of the sport. He believes that having a balanced life and exploring different passions can help athletes maintain a healthy perspective and cope with the pressures of professional sports.

Mings' story is an inspiring example of resilience, self-belief, and the power of overcoming adversity. His insights on mental preparation, goal-setting, and finding balance in life offer valuable lessons for athletes and individuals in all walks of life.

# Summary: Tyrone Mings' Journey from Rags to Riches and His Insights on Racism, Diversity, and Mental Health

**Introduction**

Tyrone Mings is a Premier League defender for Aston Villa and the English national team. His life story is a classic example of rags to riches, as he overcame significant obstacles to achieve his dreams of becoming a professional footballer.

**Early Life and Struggles**

Mings' journey began in Southampton, where he joined the club as a kid. However, he was released by the Saints at the age of 17 due to his small stature. Undeterred, he dropped down to Non-League football, playing for Yate Town and Chippenham Town while working as a mortgage advisor.

**Breakthrough and Premier League Success**

Mings' perseverance paid off when Ipswich Town signed him for a fee of £10,000. He impressed at Ipswich, earning an £8 million move to Bournemouth. However, a serious knee injury restricted his early appearances at Bournemouth. A loan switch to Aston Villa in 2019 proved to be a turning point in his career, as he helped the Midlands club secure promotion from the Championship.

**International Recognition and Activism**

Mings' strong performances for Aston Villa earned him a call-up to Gareth Southgate's England squad in 2019. He has since become a regular member of the national team and has spoken out against racism and discrimination in football. Mings is also an advocate for mental health awareness, having experienced his own struggles with anxiety and depression.

**Key Insights and Perspectives**

- **External Criticism:** Mings acknowledges that external criticism is part of being a professional footballer, but he takes it with a pinch of salt. He believes in focusing on constructive criticism and seeking advice from trusted sources.

- **Importance of Interests Outside of Football:** Mings emphasizes the importance of having interests and hobbies outside of football. He believes that this helps players maintain a balanced and well-rounded lifestyle, which can positively impact their mental health and overall well-being.

- **Racism and Unconscious Bias:** Mings discusses the issue of racism in football and society. He believes that while overt racism is less prevalent, unconscious bias remains a significant challenge. He advocates for education and empathy as key tools to combat unconscious bias and promote diversity and inclusion.

- **Mental Health and Seeking Help:** Mings openly shares his experiences with mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. He encourages others to seek help if they are struggling, emphasizing that it is a sign of strength, not weakness.

**Conclusion**

Tyrone Mings' journey from Non-League football to the Premier League and the English national team is an inspiring story of resilience, determination, and overcoming adversity. His insights on racism, diversity, and mental health offer valuable perspectives for athletes, fans, and society as a whole.

# High-Performance Podcast: Tyrone Mings

## Summary

Tyrone Mings, a defender for Aston Villa and England, shares his incredible journey from rags to riches in English football.

Mings was released by Southampton as a youngster due to his small stature. He then dropped down to Non-League football, playing for Yate Town and Chippenham Town while working as a mortgage advisor.

He seriously considered quitting football altogether but got his break when Ipswich signed him for a fee of £10,000 before sealing an £8 million move to Bournemouth, realizing his dream of becoming a Premier League player.

A serious knee injury restricted his early appearances before a loan switch to Aston Villa in 2019 saw him help the Midlands club to promotion from the Championship.

Mings sealed a permanent move to Villa for £26.5 million and was called up to Gareth Southgate's England squad in 2019.

## Key Insights

* **The Importance of Taking Responsibility:** Mings emphasizes the significance of taking responsibility for one's actions and outcomes. He believes that by doing so, individuals gain control over their lives and can positively influence their circumstances.

* **The Power of Empathy:** Mings highlights the value of empathy, particularly for those who have experienced hardships. He believes that understanding the struggles of others can foster compassion and a desire to help those in need.

* **Balancing Football and Personal Life:** Mings discusses the challenge of maintaining a balance between his football career and his personal life. He emphasizes the importance of pursuing interests and relationships outside of football to achieve well-roundedness and happiness.

* **The Role of Legacy:** Mings reflects on the importance of legacy and the impact he wants to leave on the world. He believes that true legacy comes from making a positive difference in the lives of others and contributing to meaningful causes.

* **The Golden Rule for a High-Performance Life:** Mings shares his golden rule for living a high-performance life: "Take responsibility." He believes that by taking ownership of one's actions, thoughts, and outcomes, individuals can achieve greater success and fulfillment.

**Tyrone Mings: A Journey of Resilience and Triumph in English Football**

Tyrone Mings, a defender for Aston Villa and England, embodies a captivating rags-to-riches story in English football. His journey is a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams.

Mings' footballing aspirations began at Southampton, but he faced a disheartening setback when the club released him in 2009 due to his perceived lack of physical stature. Undeterred, he dropped down to Non-League football, playing for Yate Town and Chippenham Town while simultaneously working as a mortgage advisor.

At a crossroads in his career, Mings contemplated abandoning football altogether. However, a lifeline emerged when Ipswich Town signed him for a modest fee of £10,000. This move proved to be a stepping stone, as he eventually secured an £8 million transfer to Bournemouth, fulfilling his dream of becoming a Premier League player.

Mings' early appearances for Bournemouth were limited due to a severe knee injury. In 2019, he joined Aston Villa on loan, playing a pivotal role in the club's promotion from the Championship. His impressive performances earned him a permanent move to Villa for £26.5 million and a call-up to Gareth Southgate's England squad later that year.

Mings' journey is a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and anyone facing challenges in their own lives.

**Key Insights and Perspectives:**

* **Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth:** Mings' rejection by Southampton could have crushed his spirit, but he chose to view it as a chance to prove his worth. He dropped down to Non-League football, where he continued to hone his skills and maintain his unwavering belief in his abilities.

* **Never give up on your dreams:** Despite the challenges he faced, Mings never abandoned his dream of playing in the Premier League. He persevered through difficult times, working tirelessly to improve his game and seize every opportunity that came his way.

* **The importance of mental resilience:** Mings' journey highlights the significance of mental resilience in overcoming obstacles. He faced numerous setbacks, including injuries and rejection, but he remained steadfast in his belief in himself and his ability to succeed.

* **The power of perseverance:** Mings' story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance. He refused to let adversity define him and continued to strive for his goals, ultimately achieving remarkable success.

**Overall Message:**

Tyrone Mings' journey is an inspiring tale of resilience, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams. His story serves as a reminder that setbacks are inevitable, but it is our response to them that truly defines us. By embracing challenges, maintaining a positive mindset, and persevering through adversity, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.