Thursday, December 25, 2025

Know Thyself

Dr. Bob Rotella's "Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect" shares an abundance of lessons about the psychology of sport.

In one chapter he shares a conversation with the Spaniard, Seve Ballesteros. Ballesteros grew up poor, using hand-me-down or found clubs on courses where he caddied. He learned "shotmaking" and improvisation, finding joy in making shots, "putting the ball in the hole."

Later, after success on the Tour, he got bombarded with recommendations on perfecting his swing and lost joy for the game. The search for perfect shots and "playing safe" ruined the game for him.

Take joy in "playing the game," doing "what makes you you." Maybe your attack footwork is four steps not three. Don't question yourself during a match, just "do what the beast does." 

Your 'formative years' involve growing your skill, your strategy (including volleyball IQ and 'reading the game'), physicality, and psychology. When you've reached a certain level of play and experience, it's more about "playing" than overthinking. 

A big part of coaching is avoiding "over-coaching," making great the enemy of good.

If you already experienced a "big role" on the team, continue to do what made you successful. Sometimes there's part of your game that needs work. Work on that to transition from excellent to elite. 

Few parts of sport challenge players more than "keeping it simple." 

"Do more of what works and less of what doesn't."

"Do well what you do a lot." 

"Believe in yourself. 

Lagniappe. You are growing up in an AI world. AI shouldn't replace your creative and critical imagination. It should supplement it. Learning how to blend the human and tech world is critical. Always follow the rules of your institutions. 

Lagniappe 2. Become your best version every day.  

Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)