What should coaches and athletes focus on to maintain a realistic outlook on winning?

Focusing on striving to win as the ultimate aim can help both coaches and athletes maintain a realistic outlook on winning. This perspective emphasizes the importance of setting high standards and working hard to achieve success, but it also encourages athletes to view the process of training, learning, and personal improvement as integral parts of their journey.

When winning is viewed as the ultimate aim, it places emphasis not just on achieving a desired outcome, but also on the efforts, strategies, and skills that contribute to success. This approach fosters resilience and adaptability, as athletes are encouraged to learn from both wins and losses, recognizing that the competition landscape is always changing. It promotes a growth mindset, where the pursuit of excellence is balanced with an appreciation for the experience, progress, and development along the way.

In contrast, focusing solely on minimizing losses, winning as the main goal, or maintaining consistent victory can lead to a narrow perspective that may overshadow the learning and development process. These narrower focuses can create pressure that detracts from enjoyment and growth, which can ultimately undermine performance and motivation.