Hall of Fame basketball coach Bob Knight has written extensively that “Winning favors the team making the fewest mistakes” (see The Power of Negative Thinking). That concept was front and center in Monday night’s college football championship game, won by Alabama. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney mentioned at halftime the “one mistake” that really hurt his team early in the game (quarterback Deshaun Watson’s interception). Clemson safety Jayron Kearse said after the loss, “We made mistakes and they capitalized on our mistakes. That was it.”
Everyone thinks “wanting it more” is the key to success. But everyone wants to be successful, particularly at the highest levels. Some might say that “hard work” makes the difference. But everyone is working hard, to some degree or another. Many say that preparation—as in “failing to prepare is preparing to fail”—determines winners and losers. But everyone is preparing, as exemplified by endless practice sessions. I think Knight is right. And his advice isn’t just for athletics.
Mistakes in the classroom often separate top students from struggling ones. Grammar errors. Missed due dates. Incomplete work. Inaccurate citations. Flawed organization. These are all mistakes that can spell doom in an English class. Yes, “wanting” a good grade, “hard work,” and good “preparation” are important and do often lead to classroom success. But we can do those three things all we want, and if we can’t spell or use punctuation or follow directions or turn in work on time, they don’t matter one bit. Reduce mistakes and your grades will skyrocket.
This concept of reducing mistakes can even make the difference in life. Don’t commit crimes. Don’t do drugs. Don’t drink and drive. Don't drop out of school. Don't buy things you can't afford. Don’t date/marry stupid people. These are pretty basic mistakes to avoid, yet so many people’s lives are made more difficult because of them. We will all face challenges—illness, loss of loved ones, unemployment, even bad luck—but reducing simple problems are things we can control. Living a successful life is actually quite easy if you don’t make mistakes.
As you begin a new semester, remember this simple tip: success in life favors the athletes, students, and citizens that make the fewest mistakes.
Everyone thinks “wanting it more” is the key to success. But everyone wants to be successful, particularly at the highest levels. Some might say that “hard work” makes the difference. But everyone is working hard, to some degree or another. Many say that preparation—as in “failing to prepare is preparing to fail”—determines winners and losers. But everyone is preparing, as exemplified by endless practice sessions. I think Knight is right. And his advice isn’t just for athletics.
Mistakes in the classroom often separate top students from struggling ones. Grammar errors. Missed due dates. Incomplete work. Inaccurate citations. Flawed organization. These are all mistakes that can spell doom in an English class. Yes, “wanting” a good grade, “hard work,” and good “preparation” are important and do often lead to classroom success. But we can do those three things all we want, and if we can’t spell or use punctuation or follow directions or turn in work on time, they don’t matter one bit. Reduce mistakes and your grades will skyrocket.
This concept of reducing mistakes can even make the difference in life. Don’t commit crimes. Don’t do drugs. Don’t drink and drive. Don't drop out of school. Don't buy things you can't afford. Don’t date/marry stupid people. These are pretty basic mistakes to avoid, yet so many people’s lives are made more difficult because of them. We will all face challenges—illness, loss of loved ones, unemployment, even bad luck—but reducing simple problems are things we can control. Living a successful life is actually quite easy if you don’t make mistakes.
As you begin a new semester, remember this simple tip: success in life favors the athletes, students, and citizens that make the fewest mistakes.