Читать книгу The Performance Mindset - Anthony J. Klarica - Страница 18

One interesting insight that arises from Sam's experience is how difficult it is to identify talent or how perceived talent, even at 18, may or may not be realised. Considering the resources, including the experience and expertise of recruiting teams in many sports, identifying future performers remains a challenge. Recruiters and talent scouts need to consider how a future athlete will approach their career once they are drafted as much as or even more than what they have already delivered. Attitude and mindset will determine whether any talent is fully realised and whether they are able to continue to develop.

If we investigate one angle reflecting the challenges, let's look more closely at the Brownlow Medal. Taking into account 19 Brownlows between 1996 and 2021, the average draft selection for the winner was pick 26. (To determine this average, I excluded father/son and zone draft selections as these factors influence where they were selected. Prior to 1996 the draft was not as relevant as today, and players were recruited through zones and other avenues.)

I know some will regard pick 26 as a reasonably high selection. Many diverse factors can also contribute to a prospective winner's chances, such as injury or availability to play, or the team they were selected to and teammates who might draw votes away. It is evident, however, that some of the highest awarded players in the history of the AFL were not recognised at that level at the time of being drafted. Athletes such as Sam Mitchell made themselves into the players they became — through mindset.

That mindset contributed to Sam's left foot–right foot regime, which was one reflection of his determination to achieve his goal of becoming an AFL player. It is even arguable that considering the players who have won the Brownlow as a top 10 draft selection, the feat was achieved on the back of mindset, which enabled them to capitalise on their talent after they were drafted, rather than depending on talent alone. The average number of years that this group had been playing when they won the award is just over seven. This indicates that the length of time to learn and grow is likely a better predictor of a Brownlow winner than draft selection.

Ash, Storm, Sam and the other athletes featured in this book drew on a wide and varied talent base. Even for talented athletes, the path is not straightforward. A forward trajectory is governed by mindset, which in turn contributes to a capacity to learn and grow, as well as do the work required.

Interesting reading on the topic of talent includes The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle, The Sports Gene by David Epstein and Talent Is Overrated by Geoff Colvin.