The NCAA men's college basketball tournament is in full swing. From the original 64 invitees that began on Thursday, the field has been reduced by half. After today's and tomorrow's second round games, another half of the field will go home.
The question is how many of the heavily seeded teams have survived and how many were "upset" by smaller schools, lesser known schools, or ones with a less impressive record?
I'm not looking for an answer, and the definitive answer to my question is not the point. The real point is that in any athletic contest (not to mention many sales encounters), one of the teams or participants is likely more mentally prepared to play than the other.
Sure physical ability counts for a lot. Sometimes, that's all that's required.
However, determination, the will to win, mental preparation, desire, self-confidence, and belief in a positive outcome can often mean the difference and explain why teams that aren't supposed to win "on paper" can and do come away with the win.
Let's hear it for the little guy - the underdog. The favorites are supposed to win, but it doesn't always happen that way.
───
For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. You can also listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings. © Steve Hoffacker, 2009. All Rights Reserved.
Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% attitude. It's how anyone deals....
Mindset is everything. I have an agent that has no clue how to do a CMA yet he will likely do over $4mm his first year. Why...? Attitude and the belief that relationship are everything. I was with a listing appointment with him and was shocked with the seller's statement "we want to give him a shot because we believe in him".
I prefer the underdog role...in sports and life. The winning is so much sweeter and the doubter's reaction quite amusing!
Bryan,
Our quality of life definitely depends and is impacted by how we respond to challenges. :)
Steve
I'll typically root for the underdog in sports if "my team" isn't involved. I also usually feel that way in business too. This could have been a good Motivational Monday post.
Tim,
Great story. Attitude and self-confidence often can make up for weak skills. :)
Steve
Gary,
So true about the reaction. Momentum is a big factor in sports, and often the underdog will use this to their advantage. :)
Steve
Karl,
Thanks. I agree. I considered it for Monday, but I like to use photos and I didn't have one for this post - so here it is. :)
Steve
Hi Steve
The right attitude with the will to win will make the differences.
Good luck and success
Lou Ludwig
A friend of ours that everyone in town calls "Coach" shared with us that it isn't always the athlete that has the most talent that becomes one of the top players, it's the one that has the most "heart", drive, determination and mindset to do what ever it takes.
Great example of underdogs in the 1982 USA Olympic Hockey Team - no one expected them to medal much less beat Russia... Go Siena...
Hi Steve - Great points made. So much can be said about the mental approach to competing (whether in athletics or business). I have coached teams at the scholastic level that played "up and/or down" to the competition. I worked hard on their mental approach to the game and was successful with most groups. I have also had teams that played hard regardless who the opponent was but especially got up for games against superior opponents. I certainly loved those groups of athletes and enjoyed winning games we were supposed to lose. We always stressed playing intelligently and especially coordinating our efforts; we were always stronger as a team.
Steve,
Besides the beginning of spring and possibilities, the tournament is another reason to enjoy this wonderfule time of year. It is an homage to the underdog, the little guy.
Nice post
Bo
Lou,
Agreed. That will make the difference and explains why the favored team doesn't always win. :)
Steve
Lee and Carol,
So true. Desire and determination often make up for a difference in physical ability. :)
Steve
Ryan,
The USA Hockey Team is a classic example. There are others. Thanks. :)
Steve
Jon,
Great response. Thanks. Ever notice that when a selling situation seems to be tough, that we can rise to it? :)
Steve
Bo,
There have been so many close contests already where the lesser seeded team almost prevailed. :)
Steve
There are always great upset games in the tournament. The only thing is that since NC State many years ago it seems like one of the top teams always ends up winning. I'm ready to see an underdog make it all the way!
So much for the underdogs winning it all this year. Both the men's and women's tournaments saw the best teams win.
Karl,
There are reasons why lesser perceived teams are rated as the underdogs. Still mental preparation and proper execution can mean the difference against the stronger team. :)
Steve