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How the rights words, or specifically analogy, can immediately boost performance - significantly.
Words can change performance instantly? That sounds too good to be true!
It does, doesn’t it.
And in what way?
This research, just out by Jason Moran et al. of the University of Essex, looked at sprinting performance of elite young footballers. As you, and readers, are probably aware, I am a competitive (masters) athlete and take a keen interest in research around sports performance. Many of the results have parallels to everyday life and the world of business.
Ok, and is it specific words?
No, just finding the right analogy. But first let me explain something that may sound counterintuitive and this applies to all areas. We are probably used to coaches telling us and others precisely what to do and in sports this is often focused on bodily movements.
We may assume that this is good advice, however, plenty of other research has shown that focusing on external cues (environment — outside of the body) is more effective than internal (thinking of how to move the body) cues. Focusing on internal cues seems to disrupt fluidity of movement.
