We all come from one of two places – we either ‘play to win’ or ‘play not to lose’.
It’s quite amazing what impact this simple difference in mindset can have.
If you ever wanted an example, have a look at the replay of the AFL grand final.
The favourites (Swans) turned in their worst game of the year – those poor players will be haunted by that experience forever…
The Hawks on the other hand turned in their best performance of the year.
So what drives teams to show up so differently on the big stage?
The Swans were so frightened of losing, that’s exactly what happened.
The Hawks on the other hand didn’t play with a fear of losing, they just played to win – a very different motivation.
If we fear losing enough, that’s exactly what happens because that’s where all our focus goes. We lose because the brain doesn’t do NOTs very well.
Allow me to illustrate….whatever you do, DON’T think about pink elephants.
Did you think of a pink elephant?
We’re much better at consciously DOING something, as opposed to NOT DOING something.
Smokers can attest. Quitting smoking to quit (NOT doing) is a much less effective strategy than quitting smoking to run a half-marathon (DOING).
When making decisions in your Business, check in on yourself. Is this decision being made out of a fear of losing or a will to win.
See attached for more on the impact mindset can have on your Leadership effectiveness.