Focused Reflection is Key
Using reflective questions to fight confidence issues
QUOTE
“We do not learn from experience… we learn from reflecting on experience.”
— John Dewey
OBSERVATION
Slow down and ensure learning is happening
I was recently talking with coaches on feedback practices and the notion of reflection was brought up. It was met with immediate resistance (our kids wouldn’t do that sort of thing). However, we discussed how they are already giving feedback to the team and watching film with them. Isn’t that a form of reflection?
The tone changed immediately. It’s not that we are trying to get coaches and athletes to adopt a new practice. We are simply trying to get coaches and athletes to reflect on their performance in the most meaningful way possible to foster growth.
ACTIONABLE IDEA
Adopt an “both and” mentality, not a “yeah, but”
This may sound simple (it is), but incredibly powerful. Begin to build the habit of perspective with your athletes but changing the tone from “I did this well, but I need to focus on x,y,z” to “I did this well and this is why AND this is what I need to work on and why”. We need to learn from success (no matter how small the win) the same way we value learning from mistakes.
What went well and why? (Name the skills and strategies utilized in those key moments)
What needs improving and why? (Name the skills and strategies utilized in those key moments)
This foundational habit for athletes can help drive long-term confidence and strong problem-solving skills because they are keeping perspective on the controllable skills and strategies that drive their performances.