LOSE TO WIN (*)

Kids playing chess with girl winning and boy losing

We’re fans of the San Francisco 49ers, having lived there in the salad days of Joe Montana, Steve Young, Ronnie Lott, Jerry Rice, Dwight Clark and others. Finally, after rebuilding their team, they recently went up against the Atlanta Falcons. The 49ers had a 6 wins-no losses record, while the Falcons had won only 2 and lost 4 so it was supposed to be a cakewalk. But on October 25^th, the Niners lost.

We were disappointed but not surprised. In our non-scientific survey, when sports teams or individuals enter important competitions and have a perfect record, they are likely to lose.

The same goes for pitch teams in corporations. Generally, the pattern is: the opening doesn’t go as well as it always has, and you’re surprised. You push on, but with apprehension wondering why. That creates a distraction which takes you out of the moment, creating the next stumble. Then you tighten up, doubt yourself, and it snowballs.

The remedy? Rehearse with glitches and distractions to defuse the shock if/when they actually happen. Recognize the moment and pause, mentally and/or physically. Breathe deeply. Clear your head. Recommit to your Intention and reset. With practice, you can manage this in seconds. Then say to yourself “Clean slate” and celebrate each moment. Come back strong and like 49er tight end George Kittle, repeat his mantra “Inhale confidence, exhale fear.”

(*) Fooled you. This tip is not about the recent midterm election results.