SPECIAL EFFECTS

These techniques, strategies, and EFFECTS will create an explosion of good in your life.

So I downloaded an audiobook by Martin Meadows called Confidence: How to Overcome Your Limiting Beliefs and Achieve Your Goals. Martin's books are short, to the point, and give a fantastic foundational overview of several themes dealing with mastering your mindset.  I pulled three new concepts and theories that I have never heard before and liked:

• Locus of Control
• Kohler Effect
• Galatea Effect & Pygmalion Effect

LOCUS OF CONTROL

Locus of control is the degree to which people believe that they have control over the outcome of events in their lives, as opposed to external forces beyond their control.  This concept was developed by psychologist Julian Rotter in the 1950's.  I'll explain the two types:

Internal Locus of Control - these individuals believe through their thoughts and actions, they have the power to control what happens to them in life...good or bad.  Like my boy He-Man used to say, "I have the POWER!"

External Locus of Control - these people believe they cannot control their life, but their outcomes are decided by environmental and external factors, which they cannot influence.  I think of Winnie the Pooh's Eeyore, "I'd look on the bright side if I could find it."

I love this concept because it encourages people to reflect on how they see the world and what kind of influence they believe they have.  I'm sure you have individuals that you work with or have friends that constantly use words like, "luck," "it's not fair," "it's not my fault," or "when am I going to get a break?"  These thoughts definitely fall under and External Locus of Control.  If you are one of these people, it's time to actively switch your mindset to one that believes through daily choices, discipline, and hard work, you can MAKE THINGS HAPPEN!

Your life will not change for the better until you take ownership of your feelings, successes, and failures.  Are you playing the complain and blame game?  Snap out of it!  Take ownership of your results, be grateful for every opportunity good or bad, and use it as a means to learn and grow.  Try to have more of an Internal Locus of Control.

I really enjoy this quote

KOHLER EFFECT

The Kohler effect is a phenomenon that occurs when a person works harder as a member of a group than when working alone.  This concept was founded by German psychologist Otto Kohler in the 1920's.  His work was rekindled by another German psychologist Erich Witte in the late 1980's.  What they found was that in groups, people commonly exert more effort, perform better, and raise their standards when pushed or when they compare themselves to others in a group...hmmm can you say CrossFit?

This is why I love team sports and the fact that the best teams get the most out of each individual's talent.  The Kohler Effect forces people within a group to evaluate and push their expectations of themselves and go harder in order to not let their teammates down.  

Life is meant to be spent together.  Anytime you are faced with a challenge, new task, or obstacle, remember this and invite a buddy to take along the journey with you (i.e. going to the gym, learning a new skill, personal development, etc.).  This accountability, encouragement, and support might be all the difference to taking your outcomes to the next level.

GALATEA EFFECT & PYGMALION EFFECT

The Galatea Effect and Pygmalion Effect are both self fulfilling prophecies and describe the power of expectations...but from two different sources.  This concept came from Greek mythology, which when I researched it a little more was confusing and weird.  Basically, this dude Pygmalion fell in love with a statue he created named Galatea.  Needless to say, the Galatea effect can be described as one's own opinion about their ability and self-worth has a direct influence on their performance.  This is also called one's self-efficacy or "one's belief in their abilities."  Basically, if you think you can or you can't, you're right...but in this case, people who trust their abilities and skill sets, create positive outcomes because of this inner confidence.

High expectations can come from many different sources.  I am really drawn to the Pygmalion effect from a leadership perspective because this is a phenomenon in which the higher the expectation (let's hope a healthy stretch goal) placed on people - often employees, students, and children - these people perform better.  This approach can be characterized by leaders who encourage, support, and challenge their people to raise their standards. These leaders are able to help their constituents to achieve success at a higher level.  I'm sure you can think of leaders, teachers, managers, or coaches that did this for you.  They made you feel special, talented, and gave you confidence...thus you performed better.  These are my favorite leaders (I love you Coach Mike Price!).

The only time I fumbled a punt, Coach Price hugged me and said, "You're our guy...don't worry about it." Powerful.

So whatever controls or effects you utilize, just remember these 4 things:

1. LOCUS OF CONTROL: You and only you have control over your outcomes.  Take ownership of this, stop blaming outside circumstances, and take life by the horns.  This mindset changes everything.  It's not up to anybody, but YOU!
2. KOHLER EFFECT: You want to improve your fitness, learn a new skill, or take your life to the next level?...do things with other people.  Get into an accountability group.  Take on new challenges not alone, but with people you love and trust...you'll bring out the best in each other and the togetherness and teamwork, will help raise your level of output and resilience.
3. GALATEA EFFECT: Your self belief, image, and expectations of yourself are so important.  See yourself as a winner and you will be a winner.  It all starts in the mind.  Believe and expect amazing things for you and they will happen! 
4. PYGMALION EFFECT: The power of encouragement, support, and love are so strong - especially from people in leadership positions.  Use this concept at home with your children, in social settings, and in team environments.  Positive praise and enthusiasm can do wonders.  Use this technique to get more out of others you work with and care about.  Remember the movie the Water Boy..."YOU CAN DO IT!"  Let's remember to utilize phrases like these...I can speak from personal experience...these uplifting words were more effective then being belittled and put down.

Let's go...Lights. Camera. Action!  Live a life with these Special Effects, and you will write a script for yourself that only Hollywood could create...and I believe it will be a masterpiece.