Be Positive and Embrace the 80/20 Rule

Any day on snow is a good day!

Overview: Adopting a positive outlook significantly boosts both learning and performance, as it primes the brain for absorbing new skills. By prioritizing reflections on successes (80%) over errors (20%), one can accelerate their progress.

Positive Attitude Improves Performance

· The brain excels and performs at its peak when it’s focused on positive thoughts.

· When we feel positive about our actions and ourselves, our brains absorb and integrate new skills and information more quickly. On the contrary, self-criticism and negative thoughts can hinder and harm our progress.

Watch Canadian Alpine Skiers explain why ‘Positive Self-Talk’ is vital for successful racing.

Video by Fast and Female TV

· In activities like ski racing, maintaining a positive attitude and engaging in positive self-talk is vital. This mindset makes our body more flexible, supple and responsive, maximizing our strength and quick reactions.

· What you’ve learned through training becomes easily accessible when you’re positive. Conversely, feeling down creates tension that hampers performance. So, have fun and learn faster.

Learn Fast with the 80/20 Rule

· When you reflect on a run skiing or training in gates, devote 80% of your time thinking about the turns you executed well. Reflecting on the right actions will reinforce in your brain the skills you are learning and mastering.

· Allocate the remaining 20% of your time analyzing the turns that offer room for improvement. Make a quick adjustment to your technique or develop a solution using the method Coach Yourself to Improve method. Click below.

Coach Yourself to Improve

· Once you understand the issue and devise a solution, release it from your thoughts. Your mind will often be wired for improvement and doesn’t require negative reminders.

Key Takeaways

1. A positive mindset not only improves learning and performance by making the brain more open to new information but also boosts one’s ability to master skills quickly.
2. Focusing on what you do well (80%) rather than dwelling on mistakes (20%) encourages faster and more effective improvement. This approach, especially in high-pressure activities like ski racing, enhances flexibility, strength, and responsiveness, while negativity can reduce performance.

Suggested Learning Modules

Return to Train with Purpose or Ski with Purpose

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