Lessons from a Sports Psychologist
I recently listened in on a clinic given by a sports psychologist to a group of
young gymnasts. Among her many tricks was a relay race. After splitting the
group into two teams, she timed them as they crawled like crabs, bears, and
other creatures across the floor and back. It was an exciting contest. But, I
soon realized, the contest wasn't the point. It's what she did next that
mattered.
After she told each team their elapsed time, she asked a question: how do you
think you'll do the second time? It was interesting to hear them work things
out with their respective teams; they're so much smarter than we given them
credit for. In this instance, however, their brains failed them.
Both teams set unrealistic goals, which is to be expected. After the second
race finished, neither team was anywhere near its target. But our crafty
psychologist wasn't through. To complete the lesson, she asked them to set one
last goal. This time, with the benefit of experience, each group chose a
reasonable target, while still challenging. They learned their lesson and
achieved the goals.
Unrealistic expectations plague the would-be achiever. By setting a target that
isn't possible, they set themselves up for failure. You can do something today
to help your kids avoid this mistake.
Set up a challenge at home. Time the first run, ask for a goal, and then time
the second run. Afterwards, explain the idea of reasonable expectations, using
the challenge to help clarify your point. Then ask for a third goal and watch
the wheels begin to turn and the lesson sink in.
In just a few minutes you can pass on a lesson of improvement they'll use for
years to come.
|
