Two Words That Drive Success
Data scientist, Sean Farrel analyzed speech patterns from over 26,000 transcripts and 1,500 collegiate athletes.
Farrel looked at interviews with NBA draft prospects and found two words that drive success and were used more often by players who successfully made it to the NBA.
The two words that drive success. These players used words like “realize” and “believe” more often than those who didn’t.
“Realize” showed players had self-awareness. They talked about what they needed to work on or understood what it really takes to succeed at the next level.
“Believe” showed confidence and vision. These players weren’t just hoping to make it — they believed they belonged.
It turns out, the way players talk about their journey says a lot about how they think — and that mindset can be just as important as physical skills. These are the two words that drive success in NBA players.
Interestingly, the converse was also true, athletes that spoke in complex sentence structure, correlated with lower success.
Just goes to show, that SIMPLE IS POWERFUL…
That mindset might just be your secret weapon. However, it does also take patience & persistence…
In conclusion, Sean Farrel’s insightful analysis of speech patterns reveals that the journey to NBA success often hinges on two simple yet powerful words: realize and believe. The frequency with which successful draft prospects use these terms underscores the importance of self-awareness and confidence in achieving their dreams.
By embracing self-realization and cultivating a strong belief in their abilities, these players set themselves apart from the rest. As professionals, we can learn from this valuable lesson—self-awareness and confidence are critical components of success in any field. To stay updated on more insights like this, subscribe to our newsletter today!
Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. DRB & associates coach executives and professional athletes. Some clients have included three different winners on the PGA Tour, Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens.
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