TED Talks Daily

Sunday Pick: How to survive a losing team

Aug 11, 2024
Nikky McCray, a retired WNBA star and current coach at Rutgers, discusses the resilience required to persevere through losing streaks. She shares insights on maintaining high expectations and the emotional challenges athletes face. Joining her is psychologist Ian Robertson, who explores the psychology behind winning and losing, highlighting how setbacks can impact confidence. They delve into the importance of teamwork, support, and viewing losses as growth opportunities, turning emotional struggles into lessons for future success.
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ANECDOTE

Always Expecting Victory

  • Nikki McCray, despite playing on mostly losing WNBA teams, always expected to win.
  • Even on a 3-27 season with the Washington Mystics, the goal remained victory.
ADVICE

Importance of Routine

  • Maintain a consistent routine, regardless of winning or losing, to optimize performance.
  • This includes physical preparation and mental discipline, like having a masseuse ready for back-to-back games.
INSIGHT

Professionalism in Sports

  • True professionalism in sports goes beyond competitiveness; it encompasses consistent effort, discipline, and respect.
  • It's about focusing on individual actions and continuous improvement rather than solely on winning.
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