How Champions Think Ch 5

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Questions and Answers

What typically happens to individual performance within a company throughout the year?

Performance declines in the middle quarters, then improves at the end. (correct)

Performance consistently improves each quarter.

Performance is highest in the middle quarters.

Performance fluctuates unpredictably without any pattern.

What are commitments often compared to in the context of effort and perseverance?

Goals that can easily be achieved.

Promises that are easily forgotten. (correct)

Obligations that are always fulfilled.

Challenges that require minimal effort.

What aspect of Paul Runyan's character contributed to his success in golf?

His extensive knowledge of golf history.

His talent and commitment to improvement. (correct)

His ability to network with other professionals.

His physical strength and size.

Which of the following statements about commitment and perseverance is highlighted in the content?

Only exceptional individuals manage to maintain their commitments. Signup and view all the answers

What was Paul Runyan's experience post World War II?

He focused on teaching and improving his skills. Signup and view all the answers

What major life decision did Pete Sampras make after losing in the 1992 U.S. Open final?

He committed to improving his game. Signup and view all the answers

How does Gary Burkhead approach his goal of becoming a scratch golfer?

He attends lessons and constantly practices. Signup and view all the answers

What consequence did Chad Knaus face due to his extreme commitment to racing?

He struggled to maintain personal relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about Gary Burkhead's success in golf?

He is naturally gifted with golf skills. Signup and view all the answers

What lesson does the story of exceptional individuals like Paul Runyan and Pete Sampras illustrate?

Commitment to self-improvement is crucial for success. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Pete Sampras's training was emphasized during his professional career?

An intense and monastic training regimen. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor that helps athletes maintain their commitment to their sport?

Love for their sport Signup and view all the answers

According to the discussion, why do some people claim to love golf but struggle in tournaments?

They dislike competitive pressure Signup and view all the answers

What did Tom Kite emphasize about playing on the PGA Tour?

You have to consistently love golf to succeed. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when individuals stop recognizing the positive aspects of their work?

They may start to dislike their job. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested as a way for someone to rekindle their love for their job?

Deliberately noticing aspects they enjoy Signup and view all the answers

Why is loving your profession beneficial during tough times?

It sustains commitment and motivation. Signup and view all the answers

What can be a negative sign regarding someone's perception of golf during a tournament?

Feeling anxious about performance Signup and view all the answers

What is the main comparison drawn in discussing the love for an activity?

It’s akin to a romantic relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a cue in the context of habits?

To trigger a habitual response Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best explains why bad habits are difficult to break?

They produce immediate rewards without critical evaluation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested strategy for someone trying to establish a new, constructive habit?

To use their conscious mind to override the subconscious. Signup and view all the answers

When someone feels a pleasant buzz after their first beer, what role does this sensation play in habit formation?

It functions as a reward that reinforces the habitual behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What initial step should a person take to combat their bad habits, according to the content?

Identify the cues that lead to those habits. Signup and view all the answers

What can committed public school teachers often struggle with?

Staff meetings and paperwork Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to the author's improvement in math?

Consistent practice and commitment Signup and view all the answers

How does the author view breaks in a practice routine?

They are essential for recovery and injury prevention Signup and view all the answers

What is likely to require more perseverance, according to the author?

Going from playing a few songs to concert-level performance on the piano Signup and view all the answers

What strategy do exceptional people use to develop perseverance?

Breaking a big goal into smaller, manageable steps Signup and view all the answers

What was Bill Bradley's perspective on practice and competition?

Persistent effort in practice leads to an insurmountable advantage Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the author's perspective on significant life changes?

They often involve hard work and potential setbacks Signup and view all the answers

What role does support play in maintaining commitment, according to the author?

It is crucial for sticking to commitments Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author mention the example of a couch potato training for an Ironman triathlon?

To illustrate the importance of gradual training Signup and view all the answers

What misconception about perseverance does the author address?

Everyone can achieve their goals without setbacks Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested as the most effective use of free will in achieving goals?

Making informed efforts to change habits for better outcomes Signup and view all the answers

How does habit affect a person's intention to become fitter, according to the content?

Habits frequently sabotage the intention to work out Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of trusting the subconscious mind in skill-based activities?

It harnesses ingrained skills without conscious thought Signup and view all the answers

Why is the notion of 'grit-your-teeth' willpower described as ineffective over long periods?

It consumes excessive energy and is hard to maintain Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest is a common behavior that undermines fitness intentions?

Choosing high-calorie desserts regularly Signup and view all the answers

What principle should a golfer adhere to in order to capitalize on their training?

Trusting one's subconscious after thorough training Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is essential for a surgeon to perform effectively according to the content?

Investing time in thorough training and practice Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated to be a characteristic of exceptional individuals?

Having habits that promote their success Signup and view all the answers

What does the author imply about the relationship between habits and subconscious behavior?

Subconscious habits can undermine conscious intentions Signup and view all the answers

What is a key takeaway about changing ineffective habits?

Understanding subconscious influences aids in habit change Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Commitment and Perseverance

Consistent good performance is often seen at the start and end of a year, but middle quarters suffer. This is because people start with good intentions, but their level of effort isn't maintained.
Commitments are easy to make but hard to keep. Perseverance is essential for achieving excellence.
Exceptional people exhibit strong commitment and dedication.

Example of Excellence: Paul Runyan

Paul Runyan, a 1930s-1940s PGA player, despite being shorter and lighter than opponents, achieved significant success.
He demonstrated continued commitment to both competitive play and teaching.
Even in old age, Paul Runyan maintained his commitment to practice and improving his skill, despite minor lapses. This highlights the importance of acknowledging and re-committing to goals.

Commitment in Other Fields

Pete Sampras, a tennis champion, emphasized the importance of commitment in achieving excellence, illustrating a period of intense commitment, followed by a waning, and a final period of re-commitment.
Gary Burkhead, despite retiring from finance, successfully committed to becoming a scratch golfer in his later years, demonstrating dedication and problem-solving.
Chad Knaus displays intense commitment to racing, highlighting the potential sacrifices required for achieving goals.

Traits of Highly Committed Individuals

Love for the activity: A profound love for the entire activity, not just the successes, is key in maintaining long-term commitment. For example, Tom Kite emphasized consistent love for golf, even in the worst moments.
Breaking down goals into smaller steps: Mastering smaller challenges builds perseverance and satisfaction. Learning to read is one example presented.
Importance of habits: Exceptional people develop habits that support their goals. Identifying cues that trigger undesirable behaviors and overruling the subconscious impulse with conscious decision making changes habits.

Building and Maintaining Habits

Identifying and understanding cues: Identifying cues that trigger undesirable behaviors (e.g., hunger, thirst, stress) and developing a plan to replace negative habit loops. For example, a need for water or a healthy snack instead of a larger food or drink.
Enlisting support: Seeking support from family, friends, or professionals (e.g., coaches, trainers) plays a vital role in habit building and maintaining good habits.
Visualization: Vividly imagining the desired actions and behaviors allows the conscious mind to take control during times of temptation. This is crucial when dealing with challenges.
The Importance of charting progress: Monitoring progress is a way to consciously sustain focus and dedication.
Reacting to setbacks: It's important to acknowledge setbacks and not let them diminish one's belief in oneself and/or the value of one's pursuit. Commitment is a process of adjustments.
Maintaining focus on goals: Staying aware of one's goals, particularly during periods of intense focus on other tasks, is crucial.
Perseverance vs. perfection: Persistence is a series of adjustments when going off-course; it's not maintaining a perfect, unwaveringly consistent pursuit.

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Description

Explore the themes of commitment and perseverance through the examples of notable sports figures like Paul Runyan and Pete Sampras. Learn how consistent effort and dedication are crucial for achieving excellence, despite challenges that may arise over time. This quiz will help you understand the importance of re-committing to your goals.