Basketball: Optimism

Learn optimism. 

What is optimism? Optimism is fuel. Fuel doesn't guarantee a smooth trip or pleasant destination. Fuel helps us complete the journey. 

Optimism is part of our controllables - attitude, choices, and effort. Optimism helps us start, keep going, and finish. 

Optimism centers blind faith and crippling doubt. 

Optimism forms part of the shield that helps us withstand pressure. In Performing Under Pressure, Weisinger and Pawliw-Fry construct a metaphorical "COTE of armor," comprised of confidence, optimism, tenacity, and enthusiasm.

Optimism benefits from periodic rewards, like wins at a slot machine. Tough to lose all the time and remain hopeful. 

Coach Sonny Lane assumed a losing basketball program in the summer of 1970. One of his first leadership moves was helping paint an outdoor court including a sign reading, "Tech Tourney, 1973." In 1973, he won his first sectional championship. 

What good is it? Does optimism improve outcomes? 

• Optimism improves longevity. 
• Optimism produces "fewer symptoms of depression, higher levels of wellbeing, lower attrition rates, and stronger perceptions of social support." 
• Research showed "positive correlation was observed between optimism and athletic performance."

How do we build optimism? 

• Organization
• Preparation 
• Focus 
• Practice 
• Psychological training 

Optimism flows from confidence and in Bill Parcells' words, "confidence comes from proven success." 

Training helps us visualize successes (e.g. highlight reel), affirm identity (be a sharer and valued teammate), and performance (get after it every day at home, at work, and add value for others). 

Optimism crosses time. Our past achievements predict our future performance. 

A few quotes about optimism:

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Peter Drucker

"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Extraordinary people are ordinary people making extraordinary decisions." - Sharon Pearson

Summary: 

• Optimism is our choice. 
• Optimism fuels our journey. 
• Optimists have better mental health. 
• Optimism produces better athletic performance.
• Optimism helps performance under pressure. 

Lagniappe. Cut hard and tight. Poor cutting is a big cause for offensive failure. 

"Butt Cut"

Rub the defender off the butt of the down screener on a hard curl to the basket pic.twitter.com/WjVbL5qSpq

— Matt Hackenberg (@CoachHackGO) March 14, 2024

Lagniappe 2. Kobe mindset.