The Daily Coach - How Bill Self Contextualized Adversity
How Bill Self Contextualized AdversityWe all have been through tough times that we would rather forget.
When Kansas Coach Bill Self walked off the court at halftime of the National Championship game on Monday night, his team trailed 40-25 to the University of North Carolina. The Jayhawks hadn’t played well in the first half, and no team in tournament history had ever come back from a 15-point deficit. But Self knew this wasn’t the time for a Knute Rockne speech and didn’t need to remind his players what was at stake. So, he instead did what a great leader does in times of despair — he contextualized the adversity. Bill Self gets his second championship after winning his first in 2008. The 13 seasons between his first 2 titles are the second-most ever by a head coach.
He trails only Rick Pitino, who won his first two titles in 1996 and 2013. Of course, the 2013 title was later vacated. “I told them, 'Would you rather be down 15 points at halftime or nine with [two minutes] left?' because that's what happened in '08. They all said 15," Self said. After he had painted the adversity picture for all to see, Kansas rallied to win, 72-69. In a 2010 paper written by Mark D. Seery, E. Alison Holman and Roxane Cohen Silver titled “Whatever does not kill us: cumulative lifetime adversity, vulnerability, and resilience,” the authors conclude through case studies:
A basketball game isn’t a lifetime of adversity or a life-and-death matter. Self knew his team was resilient, and the Jayhawks had been through past adversity in 2008, which left a lasting impression on the program. Despite the fact none of his present players was on that roster, the echoes of the past were part of Kansas’ fabric. Instead of saying “Woe is us” and feeling sorry for themselves, Self used the dark memory to light the fire for the second half. We all have been through tough times that we would rather forget. But according to Seery, Holman and Silver, forgetting the past won’t help us build a better future. Using the haunted memory does, however, allow us to become more motivated, focused and determined. At times, being happy makes people care less about details, which makes them less persuasive and more prone to errors. Selt’s team wasn’t happy at the half, and by contextualizing the problem, he persuaded his players to overcome adversity and eliminate their mistakes. Congratulations to the Jayhawks. Please forward and share this email with your friends, family & colleagues. |
Key phrases
Older messages
Dawn Staley's Team is like Her
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
Staley has accomplished the greatest challenge of all: Getting the team to adopt her personality.
Point to the Passer
Monday, April 4, 2022
At the root of our successes and triumphs is almost always someone who has operated in silence.
Sunday Thinking
Sunday, April 3, 2022
Today I say yes to my health and wholeness. With grace, faith and gratitude I let it be!
Truth Telling + Recommended Reading
Saturday, April 2, 2022
Each day aspire to get a glimpse of the truth.
"Notes" of An Elder
Friday, April 1, 2022
Many of us look for others' flaws as a way to disguise our own.
You Might Also Like
🚿 A story as satisfying as those power washing videos…
Thursday, April 25, 2024
He's building THE biggest power washing business (from Hollywood to washing wood) Can he build the world's biggest power washing business? Hey Contrarians, Whatever preconceived notions you may
One-Day Facebook Groups Promo • Posts Book to 250K+ FB group readers
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Group Posts to 250K Facebook Readers Facebook Reader Group Promos for Authors & Publishers Promote Your Book & Yourself to HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF READERS! If you're looking to have your
[Now I Know Offers] Learn a New Language with Babbel!
Thursday, April 25, 2024
It's a great day to start something new!
3-2-1: How to connect with others, what causes old age, and the recipe for success
Thursday, April 25, 2024
3 ideas, 2 quotes, and 1 question to consider this week.
Ahrefs’ Digest #180: Content marketing conferences, how to be an SEO lead, and more
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Our meme of the week: 📰 News & updates Google confirms links are not that important: No one believes them. Google delays third-party cookie demise yet again: This is the third time Google has
🧙♂️ NEW Partnerships: Phillips 66, La Mexicana, Blue Ribbon, Clicked, and many more [Apr 25]
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Plus secret research on Farm Boy, Upside, and Mack Weldon
Everyone wants growth
Thursday, April 25, 2024
But it needs to be sustainable We have 4 updates for you this week: 1. Unlock Sustainable Growth Everyone wants growth. But to scale your business, you need more – you need sustainable growth.
Meet the “Squishy Love Ball”
Thursday, April 25, 2024
What happens when you show your true colors
The Prison Manual That Was Key To An Escape
Thursday, April 25, 2024
... and why did the let an inmate have jewelry-making equipment?
Fear is Your Companion, Not Your Enemy
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Instead of trying to avoid fear, embrace it as an indicator of the importance of what you are about to share. Writing honestly and authentically means sharing despite fear. View in browser Write of