Simple Thinking is Smart Thinking

Great athletes and coaches keep it simple. They understand that success lies in doing the simple things incredibly well. Ryder cup golf player, Brad Faxon had this to say this about multiple major winner Jordan Speith: “A lot of guys are looking for information to make things more complicated, but Jordan is always looking to make things simpler”.

Vlado Platenik is a tennis coach I have always admired and found to one of the very best on the Women’s Professional Tennis tour. I have watched Vlado’s work over the past 7 or so years and seen how great he is at developing world class player’s. Reading an interview of a player he currently works with, Daria Kasatkina, Vlado said “As a player, when you are under pressure, always try keep it simple. Don’t over think or plan things, just keep it simple”

Reading an interview from All Blacks World Cup winning Rugby coach, Steve Hansen said “As coaches, our job is to make the complex simple. The simplier you can make it for somebody, the easier it is to do”.

When you keep it simple, you keep things clearer, you don’t over think things and you lessen the chances of doubting yourself. By keeping things simple you are able to find the answers and solutions to the questions and problems quicker and easier.
That’s why it’s also essential to have set routines in place that help you keep it simple and understood, especially when feeling pressure in competition.

Keep plans simple, keep strategy simple and keep communication simple. Simple thinking is smart thinking.