This is the reason I have mixed feelings about making predictions of events that I can influence. I’m curious whether there is any research about this ‘jinxing’ - does predicting low chances of success at a task make people less likely to succeed? Or (maybe) the opposite?
I have some experience and knowledge in this subject from a sports science perspective.
It’s commonly accepted within sport psychology that first, negativity, is associated with predicting low chances of success, and secondly that those who do display negativity and predict low chance of success decrease their own performance.
For example, a well coached basketball player at the free throw line would be aware that saying “I’m going to miss this free throw” increases their chances of missing the free throw. Note now that “well coached” implies including psychological training as a component of a wider training program.
One source for you compartmentalization, to dig a little deeper is...
“Krane and Williams concluded that a certain psychological profile appears to be correlated with peak performance for most athletes. More specifically, this ideal mind/body state consists of the following: (a) feelings of high self-confidence and expectations of success, (b) being energized yet relaxed, (c) feeling in control,(d) being totally concentrated, (e) having a keen focus on the present task, (f) having positive attitudes and thoughts about performance, and (g) being strongly determined and committed. Conversely, the mental state typically associated with poorer performances in sport seems to be marked by feelings of self-doubt, lacking concentration, being distracted, being overly focused on the competition outcome or score, and feeling overly or under aroused. While acknowledging that this ideal mind/body state is highly idiosyncratic, Krane and Williams concluded that for most athletes, the presence of the right mental and emotional state just described is associated with them performing to their potential.”
Harmison, R. J. (2006). Peak performance in sport: Identifying ideal performance states and developing athletes’ psychological skills. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 37(3), 233-243. doi: 10.1037/0735-7028.37.3.233
This is the reason I have mixed feelings about making predictions of events that I can influence. I’m curious whether there is any research about this ‘jinxing’ - does predicting low chances of success at a task make people less likely to succeed? Or (maybe) the opposite?
re compartmentalization question about ‘jinxing’.
I have some experience and knowledge in this subject from a sports science perspective.
It’s commonly accepted within sport psychology that first, negativity, is associated with predicting low chances of success, and secondly that those who do display negativity and predict low chance of success decrease their own performance.
For example, a well coached basketball player at the free throw line would be aware that saying “I’m going to miss this free throw” increases their chances of missing the free throw. Note now that “well coached” implies including psychological training as a component of a wider training program.
One source for you compartmentalization, to dig a little deeper is...
“Krane and Williams concluded that a certain psychological profile appears to be correlated with peak performance for most athletes. More specifically, this ideal mind/body state consists of the following: (a) feelings of high self-confidence and expectations of success, (b) being energized yet relaxed, (c) feeling in control,(d) being totally concentrated, (e) having a keen focus on the present task, (f) having positive attitudes and thoughts about performance, and (g) being strongly determined and committed. Conversely, the mental state typically associated with poorer performances in sport seems to be marked by feelings of self-doubt, lacking concentration, being distracted, being overly focused on the competition outcome or score, and feeling overly or under aroused. While acknowledging that this ideal mind/body state is highly idiosyncratic, Krane and Williams concluded that for most athletes, the presence of the right mental and emotional state just described is associated with them performing to their potential.” Harmison, R. J. (2006). Peak performance in sport: Identifying ideal performance states and developing athletes’ psychological skills. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 37(3), 233-243. doi: 10.1037/0735-7028.37.3.233