The podcast discusses how to come back after experiencing a loss in a match, competition, or poor training session. They explore the mindset and emotions that come with losing, reflect on personal growth, and emphasize the importance of focusing on what you can control. They also discuss how managing emotions and expectations can shape an athlete's reputation and the negative impact of dwelling on losses.
Recognize and sit with emotions after a loss, challenge negative self-talk, focus on controllable aspects.
Engage in a feedback loop after each game, limit areas for improvement, strive for marginal gains.
Deep dives
Reflecting on a Loss
After experiencing a close loss in a recent game, the speaker discusses the emotions and thoughts that arise following a defeat. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and sitting with these emotions, while also challenging any irrational or negative self-talk that may arise. The speaker shares their own experience of questioning their reputation as a player, obsessing over stats, and engaging in unconstructive self-criticism. However, they highlight the importance of gaining perspective and realizing that these thoughts are often beyond their control. By acknowledging and accepting the loss, athletes can focus on the aspects within their control, such as effort, preparation, and specific skills that can be improved upon in future games.
The Feedback Loop
The speaker encourages athletes to engage in a feedback loop after each game or training session. They suggest asking three key questions: What was done well, what needs improvement, and how to develop and take action in the future. The speaker emphasizes the importance of limiting the areas for improvement to a maximum of two or three, ensuring that athletes focus on feasible changes within their control. By engaging in this feedback loop and continuously striving for marginal gains, athletes can steadily progress and enhance their performance.
Managing Expectations and Controllable Factors
In the aftermath of a loss, the speaker discusses the significance of examining one's expectations and determining controllable factors. They advise athletes to assess whether their expectations align with their training and skill level, encouraging acceptance of where they are in their development. By shifting the focus to factors that can be controlled, such as effort, preparation, and mindset, athletes can reduce the influence of external factors and avoid being dragged down by the outcome of a single performance. The speaker stresses the importance of recognizing that reputation is built over time, and one loss does not define an athlete's capabilities or worth.
