We know people who pop with optimism. We know "sour pusses." If we're old enough, we remember Al Capp's Joe btfsplk, walking around under a rain cloud. Yet,"we can change." Positivity adds value. Optimism adds fuel.
Genetic and environmental influences spawn optimism. The OXTR gene, coding for oxytocin (social and bonding hormone) helps determine our optimism. "People who had 1 or 2 copies of the OXTR gene with an “A” (adenine) allele at a particular location tended to have more negative measurements than those with 2 copies of the “G” (guanine) allele. People with an A allele were less optimistic, had lower self-esteem and felt less personal mastery than people with 2 G alleles."
From Jon Gordon, The Positive Dog video book club
Everyone in my office reads Jon Gordon's The Positive Dog (PD). Power our beliefs under duress. We become our thoughts (maybe not Stephen King!). Native American lore says that we carry a dog on each shoulder, one positive and one negative. For the positive to defeat the negative, we must feed the positive dog.
The Dalai Lama says, "In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision." It's a common theme. Gandhi preached to "be the change that you want to see in the world."
As coaches, our job is to get the best from our people. In Performing Under Pressure, Weisinger and Pawliw-Fry share their "COTE of arms" including Confidence, Optimism, Tenacity, and Enthusiasm. Optimism promotes sustained effort.
Optimism won't win as a standalone. But combining optimism, preparation, practice, and resilience, it brings sustainable competitive advantage. Use it to our advantage when deploying the four most powerful words, "I believe in you."
Summary:
Positivity adds value.
Use the power of oxytocin.
Feed the positive dog. Develop a COTE of Arms with confidence, optimism, tenacity, and enthusiasm.
Seal our covenants with "I believe in you."
Lagniappe: Tips from Kyle Gilreath @KyleGilreath at CoachesClinic
Coach Gilreath, who worked with Billy Donovan at Florida, establishes a vision starting with identity.
Coach Gilreath shows a commitment not only to player but personal development by asking personal questions.
He maintains a website and promotes the team and player achievement.
He works on covenants (promises) not contracts. His dad is his assistant.
Create a positive experience.
Set high standards.
Note "knockouts" (three consecutive stops).
Emphasis at practice on playing and skill development.
Uses shot charts to assure that best players are getting the right type/volume shots.
