PREDICTING FUTURE SUCCESS - it's not what you'd expect and why your company should take note
Updated: Aug 16, 2020
Some studies surprise me, this did, but it wasn't a study.
This factor for predicting future athletic success is anecdotal (yes, I said it, 'anecdotal'...hopefully I haven't lost you because this observation is worth diving into).
Norway's nordic program has been setting the pace for decades and it was their coaches that noticed a pattern for predicting success. And, because their observations rung true to me as well, I wanted to share it.
This predictive factor didn't focus on who was fast, or who could endure more pain, or who had the best technique. They believe that one of, if not the most, important indicator of future success is an athlete's ability to adhere to prescribed effort.
However, there is more to that statement and I'll get to that later. First, what does prescribed effort mean?
What does adhering to prescribed effort mean?
It means that when a coach says:
- "give 100% effort" - you do it.
- "give 60% effort" - you do it.
- "give 30% effort" - you do it.
- and if the coach says "take a day off" - you do it.
I wish I could make the 'period' at the end of those sentences more pronounced...but alas...that emoji doesn't yet exist. This sounds like a remarkably easy thing to do, yet it takes discipline.
The number of times I watched athletes, on their 'day-off', climb a mountain or go mountain biking was more often than not. These activities may have helped their mental state, but their bodies were not at rest. They didn't adhere to the prescribed effort - they didn't do it.
Also, many athletes struggle with recovery workouts - largely because they undervalue them.
On the flip side, I remember hearing a teammate of mine (on the National Team) describe why she regularly skipped workouts, "Our trainers plan that in (she justified). They don't expect us to do ALL of them."
She was wrong and she didn't reach the levels of success that she should have.
Bolstering Results - more to the story
Although I believe athletes who diligently follow their prescribed programs are more likely to achieve future success, there is more to that statement.
The simple act of following a program with diligence also demonstrates trust in their coaches & trainers. I believe that this sentiment of trust is also a large reason for why those athletes (who follow prescribed efforts in workouts) are destined for success.
Why This Matters to Your Office
Creating a good plan is the role of strong leadership, but if your employees can't follow a plan with trust and conviction, that plan is rendered worthless.
Seeking out, and rewarding, employees who can adhere to a plan will help ensure the future success of your organization.
To learn more about how to make a good plan &
foster trust & conviction, contact Kelly about her training programs and keynote speaking engagements.
NOTE: How do you define "% effort" - usually one's heart rates are the easiest indicator to help an athlete adhere to a prescribed effort. Otherwise, 'zones 1,2,3,4' are often used to describe a prescribed effort and can be defined through fitness testing.