If you ain't scared...you're not doing it right

Coyle on Fear

It's the big game, the big race. The pressure is on and it seems the whole world is watching your every step, or every misstep that is. Walking up to sign in or warming up on the court, sweaty palms and nervous tummies. Those back-of-the-mind gremlins that you've kept bottled up all season are thumping at the door, waiting for the right high-tension moment.  The coach calls a pre-game rally, spelling out in spitted-English just how critical it is that if "you aren't scared you're going to throw the whole season, then you're not doing it right! And winners do the right things, so get out there and get nervous!".



Well that is ridiculous, who in there right mind would say just a thing? But what happens when the coach doesn't say that? Instead they fire you up, reassuring you in a calm yet strong voice that tarmac will be smashed, aces will be hit and trophies won. However those small casts of doubt in the back of the your mind are seeing light at the end of the tunnel, and confidently bide their time for the game's climactic moment.

Well how would you leave that final huddle differently if instead the coach said..."the final score doesn't matter to us, if you have a chance, take it. Make it yours, whether it works out or not. You won't benched. You'll stay in the game, to take another chance soon after". The results are impressive.