Nudge
How Messi Used Psychology to Become Great
Sep 9, 2024
Adam Alter, a marketing and psychology professor at NYU and bestselling author, joins to reveal the intriguing pre-game ritual of Lionel Messi. This ritual not only enhances Messi's performance but can also help job candidates and creatives thrive. Alter discusses the goal gradient effect, illustrating how motivation can shift over time. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and strategic pauses in boosting creativity, debunking myths about the creative process while highlighting that true breakthroughs often come after challenges.
26:51
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Quick takeaways
- Lionel Messi's deliberate initial strategy of pausing during matches allows him to analyze the game and manage anxiety effectively.
- The persistence paradox highlights that enduring effort and strategic pauses are essential for overcoming creative blocks and achieving success.
Deep dives
The Power of Inaction: Messi's Strategy
Lionel Messi employs a unique strategy by doing little in the initial minutes of a match, which seems counterintuitive. This approach allows him to observe the game, assess player dynamics, and identify strategies for the match, giving him a competitive edge. By walking around rather than rushing into play, Messi manages his anxiety while simultaneously gathering crucial insights that inform his actions as the game progresses. This deliberate pausing facilitates a clearer understanding of the unfolding game, setting the stage for his later impactful contributions.
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