Process and Outcome

Legendary Coach John Wooden didn't discuss winning and losing, but success, reflected by "doing your best." This focus on process (and preparation) has the effect of diminishing negative 'self-talk' about failure and its concomitants - anger, negativity, tension, anxiety, sadness, and yearning.

F - frustration
A - anger
N - negativity
T - tension
A - anxiety
S - sadness
Y - yearning

Having a great process works through a process called "deliberate practice", about which Malcolm Gladwell has written in "10,000 hours" in "Outliers." It is no accident that concert pianist, chess grandmasters, and most professional disciplines have a 10,000 hour (or more) training program.

As coaches, we underrepresent the vital importance of the mental aspect of the game. In basketball Bobby Knight says "basketball is four to one mental to physical." Roger Kahn wrote "The Head Game" about the war between pitcher and batter. And great coaches leverage the four immutable qualities of personnel, relationships, vision, and leadership to develop a great process virtually guaranteeing success.

Anyone can improve their mental approach to athletics (or business) through effective self-talk and developing a knowledge of the psychology behind success. A few of the books I've found instructive include:

"10 Minute Toughness" - Jason Selk
"Mind Gym" - Gary Mack
"The Way of the Champion" -  Jerry Lynch
"Talent is Overrated"  - Geoff Colvin

All have value, but my favorite is Selk's "Toughness" because he lays out a simple program that student-athletes and anyone else can follow. Have a great process and get better outcomes.