How Champions Think Ch 10

Evaluating Yourself

• John Calipari, Kentucky basketball coach, evaluates players differently than most, often in contrast to typical expectations.

• Calipari's approach emphasizes intense practice and sustained effort throughout the entire game, prioritizing process over immediate wins.

• After winning a game, Cal angrily criticizes players for celebrating prematurely, focusing on the need to maintain effort for the entire game, not just 32 minutes, as it is essential for sustained success.

• Calipari's criticism, delivered directly to players, doesn't come from a place of anger about the win, but from a desire for optimal performance and development.

Self-Evaluation

• Champions are often adept at self-evaluation; most people are not.

• People tend to overestimate their effort and performance (perceived exertion).

• Calipari uses heart monitors during practice to demonstrate the difference in effort between amateur and professional athletes, often showing amateur athletes are working well below their potential.

• External evaluations (grades, reviews) can often be misleading; they don't always reflect effort and commitment towards rigorous standards.

• Self-evaluation is crucial for progress, focusing on adherence to a well-defined process rather than outcomes.

• Success is ultimately determined by dedicated adherence to an established process, not just immediate results. Exceptional individuals set their own standards for improvement.

Effective Self-Evaluation Practices

• Use a percentage-based scoring system in pursuits like golf to focus on following the preshot process rather than outcome.

• Evaluate performance methodically after the event, rather than during, focusing on the process. This helps one understand areas for improvement.

• Focus on practice and performance goals, separate from results. Examples include daily exercise routines, practice time with scoring clubs, etc.

• Monitor adherence to these goals, making adjustments when necessary. Exceptional people catch small deviations from their process much earlier than average people.

• Continuous self-monitoring and evaluation are essential for improvement.

• Evaluating oneself is best done after the task or event, not during it. Thinking about the process after-the-fact helps identify areas needing attention for improvements in the future.

• The process of improvement is often a long journey, perhaps lasting for years.

• Decisions about quitting a pursuit are best made after thorough self-evaluation, and should come after a period of persistent effort.