If you have been watching TV lately, you have likely come across the many sport events from the Olympics/Paralympics, Wimbledon, to the Euros being shown. It certainly feels like a year of sport. Even though I am no athlete, I do get drawn into these large events.
One thing that stands out to me is how some athletes on the brink of losing, manage to turn the game around against all the odds. I often wonder if I were in their position, would I give in to defeat and just try to play the game out, without embarrassing myself? This is probably why I'm not an athlete—successful athletes have something special. What is it that sets them apart?
A very good explanation of this can be found in the series Ted Lasso.
If you haven't seen it, Ted Lasso follows an American coach who comes to England to manage a struggling football team, AFC Richmond. Ted Lasso, the main character, has a unique way of motivating his team. His "Believe" poster in the dressing room is a recurring theme. Ted Lasso is famous for saying, "I believe in hope, I believe in belief." He applies this mantra both in football and in life. Spoiler alert: the team achieves incredible success, both collectively and individually. So what is it about belief that he is continually referring to?
I have been thinking about this and have considered why some people, despite their immense talent, do not reach the success they dream of? The key differences I 'believe' is belief and resilience. Successful individuals have a strong belief in themselves and possess the resilience to keep going, even when things look hopeless.. They can turn situations around at critical moments. It is the belief of themselves that stand out.
If this is true for sports, can it be true for other areas of our lives? Many of us remain fixed in our thinking, perhaps due to a lack of strong desire or dwindling motivation for success. For those who do strive for success, how do we transform our self-belief into something positive? Do we all need a Ted Lasso to provide that belief?
So, if we want to believe in ourselves we need to identify our current limiting belief. These often stem from childhood and usually remain unchallenged. What we keep telling ourselves become our belief and in turn our truth.
If we understand their origins, we can search for evidence that both support and contradict these beliefs. Since beliefs aren't facts, we can identify where we use confirmation bias to support or contradict them.
After identifying and challenging these beliefs, we need to consciously focus on the evidence that support a healthier belief. This new belief will gradually replace the old one, shifting our mindset.
Whenever the negative belief resurfaces, we intentionally replace it with the new healthier one until it becomes automatic. This rewiring process can be used to manage disappointment and enhance our resilience, by using the same method to recall the appropriate evidence.
Most athletes rely on a 'Ted Lasso' coach to help them reframe their thinking about their abilities and outcomes. Without this support, even the most talented players can underperform.
After a big win, athletes often run to their coach, expressing their gratitude. It's said that the game is won in the mind, not just the ability.
Phrases I often hear and consider are:
"I don't know what to think."
"Change the narrative."
"I am mentally tired."
We often use phrases without thinking. Can the words we choose, reshape our thoughts and actions?
I have personally spent time identifying words and beliefs through this process of rewiring my mind.. This has given me so much more freedom and success in my life. It has also equipped me with additional skills and abilities, to support my clients in turning their dreams into a reality.
Do you have something niggling within you that you want to achieve, yet you can’t seem to break through that glass ceiling? Do you struggle with self belief and question why less talented people around you obtain the success you would like? What belief do they possess?
Today is the day to start believing in yourself. Please contact JennyB who can coach you through this process and support you every step of the way to achieve the success you long for.
Believe in belief.
Thanks for reading as always
JennyB
Ted Lasso, the Paralympics and success
Excellent bit of reading and gets your mind thinking. I have struggled with self belief previously and changing your mind set can really help you better understand who you are and what you want in life.
Its always scaring stepping outside of our comfort zone but this is where JennyB can help you see your true beliefs and start growing into the person you really want to be.