Back in Action: What Magnus Carlsen, The Mozart of Chess, Taught Me
By Stephan Mardyks
Have you ever found yourself trapped in a cycle of Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs)?
These aren't the insects that live in large social groups but rather the intrusive thoughts that can derail your day (and sometimes night).
If, like me, you often struggle with ANTs, this is for you.
You know the joke:
"Welcome to the Assumption Club;
I think we all know why we're here."
When I misunderstand a question, misread someone, misinterpret behavior, or misjudge a situation, no one has to tell me how to make a mountain out of a molehill.
In any sport, we've all seen elite athletes struggle to manage their emotions, refocus, and perform at their best after a significant misstep.
They get stuck inside their heads and find it difficult to regain momentum.
In business, we face similar challenges.
Mistakes and setbacks can be demoralizing, especially under the pressure to deliver results.
Have you recently missed the mark on a presentation, overreacted during a meeting, or lost an important proposal?
How did you truly handle your setbacks?
Of course, we already know we should see every mistake as a learning opportunity.
But when you need to bounce back quickly after a misstep, Magnus Carlsen's insight may be the most useful of all.
In the 2016 documentary "Magnus," Carlsen, one of the best chess players of our time, shared his mindset of being confident and committed to his decisions during chess tournaments.
After one disappointing game in a world chess championship, responding to a question from a journalist, Magnus said:
"Really, I did not spend much time regretting my moves. I think that's completely the wrong focus."
It's no surprise that with this mindset, he eventually won the championship.
Magnus Carlsen's approach teaches that effective decision-making requires focusing on the future rather than dwelling on the past and draining your energy.
There is a formula here for rapid recovery and success:
1. Minimal Regret: Carlsen consciously chooses not to spend much time regretting his moves and decisions. Regret is a misplaced focus that detracts from his ability to perform at his top level in subsequent moves or games.
2. Confidence and Emotional Resilience: Carlsen maintains confidence in his decisions and fully commits to his next action, reducing the mental energy spent doubting past choices.
3. Future-Oriented Focus: By concentrating on what lies ahead rather than what has already occurred, Carlsen ensures that his mental energy is directed towards making the greatest possible moves in the current and future contexts and situations.
So, how do we do this in life and at work?
1. Make the most of the hand we've been dealt and move forward without dwelling on mistakes.
2. Develop a habit of refraining from second-guessing ourselves after the fact.
3. Practice. Practice. Practice. Our greatest competitive advantage is our speed of recovery after a misstep.
Now, it's your turn.
How can you apply Carlsen's approach to handling setbacks in your own life and work?
This is perhaps worth a discussion with your team.
PS. If you'd like to know your Decision-Maker Profile (DMP), I have a gift for you: Click here to take the free assessment.
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