08 Feb RATIONAL THINKING IS A WINNING RECIPE
On a recent team trip to California, I got on the fiercest roller coaster I’ve ever seen. It was tall, fast, upside down, and unpredictable; it was a formidable opponent. There was a moment when I wondered if I was going to die. We’ve all had irrational moments when we think the worst is going to happen. This is often irrational thinking. It isn’t helpful. Rational thinking brings us back to that place where we think clearly. Rational thinking is a skill, and skills can be learned.
Sports can train us to think rationally. For example, in tennis, rational thinking shows up when decisions are based on evidence, patterns, and probability. This includes recognizing which shots are effective, adjusting tactics based on an opponent’s weaknesses, and managing shot selection at key moments. A rational player plays a game that demonstrates an understanding of score, momentum, and percentages. This type of thinking is calm, deliberate, and rooted in problem-solving rather than emotion.
Irrational thinking, on the other hand, often creeps in under pressure. After a missed shot or a bad call, players might create false narratives such as “I can’t win today” or “nothing is working.” These thoughts are not based on facts but on emotion, frustration, or fear. Irrational thinking leads to rushed decisions, forcing shots, abandoning successful patterns, or playing too safely.
It is worth investing a few minutes to consider how irrational thoughts could be holding you back from the joys of today. Let’s not let irrational thinking steal the best of today. This can be accomplished through discipline, strategy, and awareness.
I can’t wait to get on the next roller coaster. Hard Comes First teaches people to embrace challenge as the pathway to excellence.