🏆 The Red Car Theory

Focusing on What Matters in Coaching and Competition In sports, what you focus on can shape your reality.

Author

Greg Berge
July 18, 2024

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Alright, let's get to this week's content...

Here's what's coming:

  • The Red Car Theory 🏆

  • Steph Curry Gold 🥇

  • Roger Federer's Graduation Speech 🆇

  • Read Time ~ 4 minutes.

Let's dive in, but first…check out these HATS 🧢👇

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💭ONE THOUGHT
The Red Car Theory

Focusing on What Matters in Coaching and Competition

In sports, what you focus on can shape your reality.

This concept, often called the "Red Car Theory," is simple: when you buy a red car, you suddenly see red cars everywhere. It's not that there are more red cars; you're just more aware of them.

This theory applies powerfully to coaching, athletes, and competition.

We get what we emphasize.

We get what we look for.

The Red Car Theory in Coaching:

As a coach, your focus sets the tone for the team.

If you emphasize hard work, teamwork, and positive attitudes, that's what your players will start to see and embody.

Conversely, these negatives will dominate the team's mindset if you focus on mistakes and shortcomings.

How can coaches apply the “Red Car Theory?”

  1. Positive Reinforcement: Highlight what your team does well. Praise effort, celebrate small victories, and reinforce positive behaviors. This shifts focus to strengths, encouraging more of the same.

  2. Constructive Feedback: When addressing mistakes, frame them as learning opportunities. Instead of dwelling on errors, focus on what can be improved and how to do it. This approach keeps the team moving forward.

The Red Car Theory for Athletes:

For athletes, focus is everything. Your concentration during practice and games can make or break your performance.

How can athletes apply the “Red Car Theory?”

  1. Visualization: Visualize success. Picture yourself executing plays perfectly, achieving your goals, and overcoming challenges. This mental focus can translate into real performance improvements.

  2. Mindset Shift: Shift from a fixed mindset ("I can't do this") to a growth mindset ("I can't do this yet"). Focus on your potential to grow and improve rather than on limitations.

The Red Car Theory in Competition:

Focusing on the right things in competition can give you a competitive edge.

How do you use the “Red Car Theory” in competition?

  1. Focus on Process, Not Outcomes: Concentrate on the process—your effort, strategy, and execution—rather than the final score. This helps you maintain control and composure under pressure.

  2. Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Tell yourself you are prepared, capable, and ready to perform. This mental shift can boost confidence and resilience.

Summary:

The Red Car Theory teaches us that what we focus on becomes our reality.

As coaches and athletes, directing our attention to positive actions, growth, and constructive feedback can transform our performance and mindset.

Embrace this theory to see a change in your perspective and your results on and off the field.

Good Luck!

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📜TWO QUOTES

“Hard work and dedication pays off, but the mind has to control both.”

Steph Curry

“You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.”

Michael Phelps

🔗LINKS OF THE WEEK

🎥Video: Tom Brady and Peyton Manning relive their best games.

🎙️ Podcast: Coach Collins and I discuss the concept of Defining Roles in this Basketball Leadership Podcast episode.

🆇 ICYMI: Coach K Leadership Insights

𝐗 THREE POSTS FROM OTHERS

📚 BOOKS, COURSES, BUNDLES, & FREE RESOURCES

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Find all FREE books and resources at gberge.gumroad.com.

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