The 90%: It's coming; World Cup PK psychology; Year-end reflection tool

<<First Name>>, Welcome back to The 90%!

"90% of what you are stressing over today won't even be relevant in a year. Breathe easy." - Wesley Snipes. This is great thought for this time of year. Whether it's finals, the holidays, or family get-togethers, ask yourself, "Will this matter in 5 minutes? 5 days? 5 weeks? 5 months? 5 years?"

Perspiration

It's coming.

I know . . . you're thinking Christmas.

But how about this? The PGA Tour kicks off the 2023 season in three weeks. The LPGA tour starts in five weeks. Major League Baseball's spring training and all Nevada high school spring sports start in 10 weeks.

That makes THIS the right time to lay the mental foundation for the upcoming seasons. When it comes to the mental game, I prefer to be a mason who builds a strong foundation, rather than a plumber who comes in mid-season to plug the leaks. I do both types of work, but the former is more effective. So let's get to work.

Inspiration

Despite what the NFL might think, football played with a round ball is far more popular around the world than the version played with a prolate spheroid. FIFA estimates that five billion people will tune in to watch the World Cup in Qatar. No moment of the World Cup attracts more attention (and angst) than penalty kicks (PKs) to decide a match that is still tied after extra time.

Norwegian sport psychologist Geir Jordet has studied every penalty shootout from the men’s World Cups, European Championships, Champions League, and Copa America matches since 1976. Not surprisingly, psychology, not skill, is the primary determinant of success. His findings include the fact that:

Superstars are more successful (89%) prior to achieving superstar status than afterwards (65%).
Kicks to win a match are more successful than kicks to prevent elimination.
Players who rush to get it over with are less successful than players who take their time.
Team emotion and success are contagious.

Whether you want to increase your chances of success in a PK or any other moment of consequence, look to build a sense of control (or agency). Doing so includes taking your time, following a routine, and practicing your individual and team strategy ahead of time. Finally, deriving support, encouragement, and enthusiasm from your teammates and colleagues can be crucial to success.

Preparation

Before moving into the new year, it is important to reflect on who you are now and how your experience in the last 365 days has shaped you. Reflection is a critical practice for leaders and is important to complete before we move on to the future.

Reflection requires slowing down to recognize and acknowledge your learning; celebrating what you've accomplished and created; and recognizing what you can let go of. Being intentional about the reflection process stimulates growth, fosters learning, and can renew focus and energy.

Over the next couple of weeks, find a quiet place with just a journal, a pen, and a favorite beverage to reflect on any or all of the questions below. It might also be helpful to have access to your calendar, so that you can review the major events of the year.

What was your biggest triumph this year?
- What were the big projects you completed during the year?
What were your favorite moments this year in work/training and outside of it?
- What are your fondest memories of last year?
- What were the defining moments of last year?
What are you most satisfied about completing this year?
What was your biggest disappointment this year?
- Where did you neglect to live up to the standards you set for yourself?
What was the best decision you made this year?
What are your greatest and most helpful lessons (from books, coaching, classes, experiences, etc.) during this year?
- What books and mentors had the greatest impact on you? Why?
What was the most challenging thing you did this past year?
What are you done with learning and ready to let go of?
What is your biggest piece of "unfinished business" this year?
- What else do you need to say or do to be complete with this year?
- What did you procrastinate on and fail to get done?
What was the biggest risk you took this year?
How did you intentionally push outside of your comfort zone?
What did you do for the first time this year?
Where have you held back this last year?
For what are you most grateful?
Who in your life made this last year more memorable?
In what ways did you contribute and give back to help others this year?
Did your activities lead you closer to your friends and family?
What will be your biggest goals as you move into next year?

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