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Developing Empathy

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Rethinking Cancel Culture 

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Determining M.O. vs. Signature: The BTK Strangler

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Phil’s Journey

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Spotting Tells: Hand Reviews

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Managing and Exploiting Tilt

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Deliberate practice is a strategy for continuous improvement that uses individualized training programs and repetition to address a specific skill and enhance performance. Instead of supporting the notion of innate talent, proponents of deliberate practice believe anyone can achieve their goals with hard work and hours of practice. This form of purposeful, task-centered instructions requires full concentration over an extended period of time to reach a goal. To implement deliberate practice, focus your mind on the action to prevent yourself from merely going through the motions.
Deliberate practice is an effective tool for boosting your current level of performance. Consider the below advantages of applying deliberate practice to your personal and professional life: 

1. __It’s versatile__. You can apply deliberate practice to improve any type of skill—mental or physical. While coaches use deliberate practice to train athletes for upcoming games and competitions, companies and organizations implement deliberate practice to improve employee performance. Deliberate practice also applies to everyday challenges and personal objectives. Consider adopting the methodologies of deliberate practice to achieve your goals and instill productive habits. 
2. __Promotes dedication and motivation__. Deliberate practice also encourages learners to adopt a growth mindset for skill development. It’s common for beginners to associate elite performance with natural ability; however, deliberate practice supports the notion that anyone can master a skill with the right amount of practice and commitment.
3. __Supports productive practice__. Not all forms of practice are beneficial to development and improvement. The role of deliberate practice is to teach individuals across industries how to initiate a high quality of practice. Passive forms of practice, in which your mind does not engage with the activity, does not generate the type of results associated with purposeful practice. If you plateau at a certain skill level, engaging your mind and incorporating deliberate practice stimulates growth and improvement.
Deliberate practice is a way to step out of your comfort zone and channel your focus toward a goal. Consider the below examples of deliberate practice in different settings: 

- __Developing a skill at work__. Challenging yourself to develop a new skill and repeatedly practicing it at work is a common example of deliberate practice. For example, computer programmers can foster skills by studying different software programs. Using different functions to create multiple solutions is a way to achieve expert performance over time. 
- __Learning a new language__. Practice activities such as one-on-one conversations with native speakers, listening comprehension exercises, and grammar worksheets are examples of deliberate practice strategies for learning a new language. Performing these activities on a consistent basis helps learners reach fluent or expert-level status.
- __Playing a musical instrument__. Professional musicians use deliberate practice methods to reach a level of automaticity when performing. By rehearsing the same piece over for hours each day, top performers play their instruments without relying on music sheets.
To promote skill attribution, consider the following tips for sustaining deliberate practice: 

1. __Outline time for regular practice__. The amount of time you dedicate to your practice sessions contributes to your level of skill. To achieve an elite level, dedicate a set amount of deliberate practice time each day. Incorporating the structured activity into your daily routine promotes consistency and continued learning. 
2. __Set specific goals__. Having a clear objective inspires motivation and focused-thinking. Goal-setting is an integral aspect of deliberate practice because it informs your practice activities. Outline your main goal using clear, concise language, so your mind has a strong mental representation of what you’re trying to achieve. 
3. __Seek immediate feedback__. The process of skill acquisition requires honest feedback. Consider reaching out to a coach or mentor, and see if they can monitor your performance. Having an expert review your training activities is an effective way to determine areas for improvement.
All you need is a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and our exclusive video lessons from the likes of Elaine Welteroth (the former <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief","linkCopy":"editor in chief","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>editor in chief</a> of *Teen Vogue* and host of CBS’ *The Talk*), Issa Rae (the powerhouse multihyphenate behind HBO’s *Insecure*), Robin Arzón (the lawyer-turned-head instructor of Peloton), and other luminaries who have have embraced the twists and turns on the path to professional success. With their guidance, you’ll learn how to lean into your strengths, follow your heart, and build the career of your dreams. 
Developed by psychologists K. Anders Ericsson and Jerad H. Moxley, the concept of deliberate practice stems from the science of expertise. Olympic athletes, world chess players, and business leaders use this type of practice method to master new skills and achieve a high level of performance.

Developed by psychologists K. Anders Ericsson and Jerad H. Moxley, the concept of deliberate practice stems from the science of expertise. Olympic athletes, world chess players, and business leaders use this type of practice method to master new skills and achieve a high level of performance.

Deliberate Practice: 3 Benefits of Deliberate Practice

Deliberate practice is a strategy for continuous improvement that uses individualized training programs and repetition to address a specific skill and enhance performance. Instead of supporting the notion of innate talent, proponents of deliberate practice believe anyone can achieve their goals with hard work and hours of practice. This form of purposeful, task-centered instructions requires full concentration over an extended period of time to reach a goal. To implement deliberate practice, focus your mind on the action to prevent yourself from merely going through the motions.

What Is Deliberate Practice?

Deliberate practice is an effective tool for boosting your current level of performance. Consider the below advantages of applying deliberate practice to your personal and professional life: <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. It’s versatile. You can apply deliberate practice to improve any type of skill—mental or physical. While coaches use deliberate practice to train athletes for upcoming games and competitions, companies and organizations implement deliberate practice to improve employee performance. Deliberate practice also applies to everyday challenges and personal objectives. Consider adopting the methodologies of deliberate practice to achieve your goals and instill productive habits. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Promotes dedication and motivation. Deliberate practice also encourages learners to adopt a growth mindset for skill development. It’s common for beginners to associate elite performance with natural ability; however, deliberate practice supports the notion that anyone can master a skill with the right amount of practice and commitment. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Supports productive practice. Not all forms of practice are beneficial to development and improvement. The role of deliberate practice is to teach individuals across industries how to initiate a high quality of practice. Passive forms of practice, in which your mind does not engage with the activity, does not generate the type of results associated with purposeful practice. If you plateau at a certain skill level, engaging your mind and incorporating deliberate practice stimulates growth and improvement. </li></ol>

3 Benefits of Deliberate Practice

Deliberate practice is a way to step out of your comfort zone and channel your focus toward a goal. Consider the below examples of deliberate practice in different settings: <ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Developing a skill at work. Challenging yourself to develop a new skill and repeatedly practicing it at work is a common example of deliberate practice. For example, computer programmers can foster skills by studying different software programs. Using different functions to create multiple solutions is a way to achieve expert performance over time. </li><li class="">Learning a new language. Practice activities such as one-on-one conversations with native speakers, listening comprehension exercises, and grammar worksheets are examples of deliberate practice strategies for learning a new language. Performing these activities on a consistent basis helps learners reach fluent or expert-level status. </li><li class="">Playing a musical instrument. Professional musicians use deliberate practice methods to reach a level of automaticity when performing. By rehearsing the same piece over for hours each day, top performers play their instruments without relying on music sheets. </li></ul>

Examples of Deliberate Practice

To promote skill attribution, consider the following tips for sustaining deliberate practice: <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Outline time for regular practice. The amount of time you dedicate to your practice sessions contributes to your level of skill. To achieve an elite level, dedicate a set amount of deliberate practice time each day. Incorporating the structured activity into your daily routine promotes consistency and continued learning. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Set specific goals. Having a clear objective inspires motivation and focused-thinking. Goal-setting is an integral aspect of deliberate practice because it informs your practice activities. Outline your main goal using clear, concise language, so your mind has a strong mental representation of what you’re trying to achieve. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Seek immediate feedback. The process of skill acquisition requires honest feedback. Consider reaching out to a coach or mentor, and see if they can monitor your performance. Having an expert review your training activities is an effective way to determine areas for improvement. </li></ol>

Tips for Deliberate Practice

All you need is a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and our exclusive video lessons from the likes of Elaine Welteroth (the former <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief","linkCopy":"editor in chief","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>editor in chief</a> of Teen Vogue and host of CBS’ The Talk), Issa Rae (the powerhouse multihyphenate behind HBO’s Insecure), Robin Arzón (the lawyer-turned-head instructor of Peloton), and other luminaries who have have embraced the twists and turns on the path to professional success. With their guidance, you’ll learn how to lean into your strengths, follow your heart, and build the career of your dreams.

Ready to Start Designing Your Dream Career?

Developed by psychologists K. Anders Ericsson and Jerad H. Moxley, the concept of deliberate practice stems from the science of expertise. Olympic athletes, world chess players, and business leaders use this type of practice method to master new skills and achieve a high level of performance.

Developed by psychologists K. Anders Ericsson and Jerad H. Moxley, the concept of deliberate practice stems from the science of expertise. Olympic athletes, world chess players, and business leaders use this type of practice method to master new skills and achieve a high level of performance.


Books and open notebook with Spanish words highlighted and a coffee cup placed on top of right page

deliberate-practice

Manipulation is any type of behavior Person A engages in with the intent of coercing Person B to do what they want them to do against their own will. This might take the form of breaking down Person B’s [self-esteem](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-esteem), outright lying to them, or insinuating they must not really care for Person A’s well-being unless they do whatever they ask. Some manipulators might have a legitimate mental health issue (e.g., borderline personality disorder), while others might act out of pure self-interest or malevolence.
There are many different forms of manipulation, and you can better defend yourself if you’re cognizant of them. Here are several types to consider:

- __Gaslighting__: This mind game is a particular hallmark of abusive relationships. It takes its name from an old film in which a man attempts to poison his wife by leaving the gas on in their house, all while stressing her legitimate suspicion of him doing so is baseless. When someone makes you doubt your own sanity or moral compass to justify their own behavior, they’re engaging in gaslighting.
- __Hyperbole__: A manipulative person might speak in very bold terms about their emotions and how you’re responsible for their state of well-being. For instance, they might insist your attempt to set appropriate boundaries with them proves you must not love them. This sort of [hyperbolic](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-hyperbole-definition-of-hyperbole-with-examples) behavior can sometimes indicate an underlying [narcissistic](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-negotiate-with-a-narcissist) personality disorder as well.
- __Lying__: Deception of one sort or another lies at the root of many examples of manipulation. A person can lie by commission (i.e., make an active attempt to deceive you) or omission (i.e., leave certain aspects of the truth out of what they tell you). Lying helps a manipulator build a case for themselves and against you and your own values and interests. 
- __Minimization__: There’s often a double standard for manipulators—they maximize their own feelings and minimize yours. They might also engage in rationalization about why their own problematic behaviors are justifiable, while your own weaknesses are unforgivable. These forms of emotional abuse are intolerable and unjust in any type of relationship.
- __Passive aggression__: Rather than lash out in visceral anger, many conniving people use passive aggression as a manipulation tactic. For instance, they might talk in a disparaging way about another person’s relationship while hinting it has similarities to your own, rather than address their concerns about your relationship in a direct way. Sometimes, they might do so to instigate a fight—other times, they might just want some form of validation.
Emotional manipulation manifests in a wide array of ways. These are just a few signs to look out for in your own life:

1. __Attempting to isolate__: Manipulators will do their best to isolate you from trusted friends and loved ones. They know they’ll have an easier time pushing you around if you have no surrounding support system. 
2. __Exploiting your insecurities__: In manipulative relationships, one or both partners might attempt to make cruel use of a person’s vulnerabilities. By exploiting these insecurities, they aim to gain a firmer sense of power and control over the other person.
3. __Making you feel guilty__: Manipulative people rely on shaming everyone around them to get others to do what they want. They hope these guilt trips will make their targets feel bad for them and give into their demands as a result.
4. __Seeking to punish__: Utilizing emotional blackmail is common among manipulators. This might exhibit itself through extreme acts of anger or as something more passive aggressive like the silent treatment. In any case, the goal is to make the other person feel worthless, guilty, and horrible about themselves.
There are many different tactics of manipulation, but there are just as many tools with which you can fight them. Learn how famed criminal profiler [John Douglas](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/john-douglas-teaches-how-to-think-like-an-fbi-profiler)—who has studied the behavior of some of the most notorious criminals in the United States—suggests you deal with manipulators:

- __Analyze motivations__. Figure out what forms the foundation of a person’s manipulation. “Ask questions,” John suggests. “Analyze what the person is saying. Analyze their motivations. Ask why. Remember: why plus how equals who.” Still, refrain from making excuses for the person. This exercise is more about figuring out the sort of person you’re dealing with to defend yourself.
- __Avoid manipulation whenever possible__. John remembers a time where he attempted to help a woman caller on his radio show realize she stood to gain nothing from a manipulative relationship. “He will convince you it's your fault, and anything that goes wrong is your fault, your fault, your fault,” he says. “And then guess what happens? Once he has everything he needs, he's gonna drop you like a hot potato. He's gone.” In John’s view, the best way to deal with deception like this is to cut ties with manipulators as soon as you can.
- __Develop personal confidence__. In his time interviewing convicted killer Charles Manson, John realized Manson had a talent for exploiting vulnerabilities and insecurities. “He took advantage of these kids who were homeless or running away,” he relates, “and what he decided to do was to become the father, become the leader, you know, of these people.” As you become more sure of yourself as an individual, you also become more immune to manipulative behavior.
- __Set boundaries__. John heard firsthand about how expert manipulators like Manson isolated their targets.  “He didn't want them to connect with anyone else outside the family,” John says. “No books. No outside information. No news. Manson used his influence to control their behavior, even changing their names to dissolve their identities.” As long as you maintain your personal [boundaries](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/setting-boundaries) and independence, you’ll have a better shot at withstanding manipulation.
Getting to the core of human behavior takes knowledge and skills—just ask former FBI criminal profiler John Douglas. Learn how to spot a liar and uncover John’s tips for identifying other deceptive behaviors when you sign up for the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/homepage).
Psychological manipulation is a common element in the toolkit of abusers, narcissists, and bad actors of all types. Let expert criminal profiler and MasterClass instructor John Douglas help you expand your definition of manipulation, as well as teach you how to defend yourself against it.

Psychological manipulation is a common element in the toolkit of abusers, narcissists, and bad actors of all types. Let expert criminal profiler and MasterClass instructor John Douglas help you expand your definition of manipulation, as well as teach you how to defend yourself against it.

Manipulation: John Douglas on How to Deal With Manipulators

Manipulation is any type of behavior Person A engages in with the intent of coercing Person B to do what they want them to do against their own will. This might take the form of breaking down Person B’s <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-esteem' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-esteem","linkCopy":"self-esteem","category":null}'>self-esteem</a>, outright lying to them, or insinuating they must not really care for Person A’s well-being unless they do whatever they ask. Some manipulators might have a legitimate mental health issue (e.g., borderline personality disorder), while others might act out of pure self-interest or malevolence.

What Is Manipulation?

There are many different forms of manipulation, and you can better defend yourself if you’re cognizant of them. Here are several types to consider:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Gaslighting: This mind game is a particular hallmark of abusive relationships. It takes its name from an old film in which a man attempts to poison his wife by leaving the gas on in their house, all while stressing her legitimate suspicion of him doing so is baseless. When someone makes you doubt your own sanity or moral compass to justify their own behavior, they’re engaging in gaslighting. </li><li class="">Hyperbole: A manipulative person might speak in very bold terms about their emotions and how you’re responsible for their state of well-being. For instance, they might insist your attempt to set appropriate boundaries with them proves you must not love them. This sort of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-hyperbole-definition-of-hyperbole-with-examples' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-hyperbole-definition-of-hyperbole-with-examples","linkCopy":"hyperbolic","category":null}'>hyperbolic</a> behavior can sometimes indicate an underlying <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-negotiate-with-a-narcissist' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-negotiate-with-a-narcissist","linkCopy":"narcissistic","category":null}'>narcissistic</a> personality disorder as well. </li><li class="">Lying: Deception of one sort or another lies at the root of many examples of manipulation. A person can lie by commission (i.e., make an active attempt to deceive you) or omission (i.e., leave certain aspects of the truth out of what they tell you). Lying helps a manipulator build a case for themselves and against you and your own values and interests. </li><li class="">Minimization: There’s often a double standard for manipulators—they maximize their own feelings and minimize yours. They might also engage in rationalization about why their own problematic behaviors are justifiable, while your own weaknesses are unforgivable. These forms of emotional abuse are intolerable and unjust in any type of relationship. </li><li class="">Passive aggression: Rather than lash out in visceral anger, many conniving people use passive aggression as a manipulation tactic. For instance, they might talk in a disparaging way about another person’s relationship while hinting it has similarities to your own, rather than address their concerns about your relationship in a direct way. Sometimes, they might do so to instigate a fight—other times, they might just want some form of validation. </li></ul>

Types of Manipulation

Emotional manipulation manifests in a wide array of ways. These are just a few signs to look out for in your own life:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Attempting to isolate: Manipulators will do their best to isolate you from trusted friends and loved ones. They know they’ll have an easier time pushing you around if you have no surrounding support system. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Exploiting your insecurities: In manipulative relationships, one or both partners might attempt to make cruel use of a person’s vulnerabilities. By exploiting these insecurities, they aim to gain a firmer sense of power and control over the other person. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Making you feel guilty: Manipulative people rely on shaming everyone around them to get others to do what they want. They hope these guilt trips will make their targets feel bad for them and give into their demands as a result. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Seeking to punish: Utilizing emotional blackmail is common among manipulators. This might exhibit itself through extreme acts of anger or as something more passive aggressive like the silent treatment. In any case, the goal is to make the other person feel worthless, guilty, and horrible about themselves. </li></ol>

4 Signs of Manipulation

There are many different tactics of manipulation, but there are just as many tools with which you can fight them. Learn how famed criminal profiler <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/john-douglas-teaches-how-to-think-like-an-fbi-profiler' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/john-douglas-teaches-how-to-think-like-an-fbi-profiler","linkCopy":"John Douglas","category":null}'>John Douglas</a>—who has studied the behavior of some of the most notorious criminals in the United States—suggests you deal with manipulators:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Analyze motivations. Figure out what forms the foundation of a person’s manipulation. “Ask questions,” John suggests. “Analyze what the person is saying. Analyze their motivations. Ask why. Remember: why plus how equals who.” Still, refrain from making excuses for the person. This exercise is more about figuring out the sort of person you’re dealing with to defend yourself. </li><li class="">Avoid manipulation whenever possible. John remembers a time where he attempted to help a woman caller on his radio show realize she stood to gain nothing from a manipulative relationship. “He will convince you it&#39;s your fault, and anything that goes wrong is your fault, your fault, your fault,” he says. “And then guess what happens? Once he has everything he needs, he&#39;s gonna drop you like a hot potato. He&#39;s gone.” In John’s view, the best way to deal with deception like this is to cut ties with manipulators as soon as you can. </li><li class="">Develop personal confidence. In his time interviewing convicted killer Charles Manson, John realized Manson had a talent for exploiting vulnerabilities and insecurities. “He took advantage of these kids who were homeless or running away,” he relates, “and what he decided to do was to become the father, become the leader, you know, of these people.” As you become more sure of yourself as an individual, you also become more immune to manipulative behavior. </li><li class="">Set boundaries. John heard firsthand about how expert manipulators like Manson isolated their targets. “He didn&#39;t want them to connect with anyone else outside the family,” John says. “No books. No outside information. No news. Manson used his influence to control their behavior, even changing their names to dissolve their identities.” As long as you maintain your personal <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/setting-boundaries' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/setting-boundaries","linkCopy":"boundaries","category":null}'>boundaries</a> and independence, you’ll have a better shot at withstanding manipulation. </li></ul>

John Douglas on How to Deal With Manipulative People

Getting to the core of human behavior takes knowledge and skills—just ask former FBI criminal profiler John Douglas. Learn how to spot a liar and uncover John’s tips for identifying other deceptive behaviors when you sign up for the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/homepage' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/homepage","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>.

Discover What Makes People Tick

Psychological manipulation is a common element in the toolkit of abusers, narcissists, and bad actors of all types. Let expert criminal profiler and MasterClass instructor John Douglas help you expand your definition of manipulation, as well as teach you how to defend yourself against it.

Psychological manipulation is a common element in the toolkit of abusers, narcissists, and bad actors of all types. Let expert criminal profiler and MasterClass instructor John Douglas help you expand your definition of manipulation, as well as teach you how to defend yourself against it.


John Douglas sitting in a chair talking about manipulation with hand up.

manipulation

Known as “The Great One,” Wayne Douglas Gretzky made NHL history over his twenty-one-year career and set himself apart as one of the most accomplished professional athletes. Born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, Wayne started playing junior hockey at a young age. At age seventeen, the World Hockey Association drafted Wayne for the Indianapolis Racers; the WHA eventually folded, and Wayne’s next team, the Edmonton Oilers, joined the National Hockey League.

After playing for the Oilers for a decade and breaking NHL records, the league traded Wayne to the Los Angeles Kings, and he played for them from 1988–1996. In 1996, he played for the St. Louis Blues before heading to the New York Rangers as a free agent. He gave three years to that team before ending his superstar NHL career. Heralded as one of the best ice hockey players of all time, the Hockey Hall of Fame admitted Wayne upon retirement in 1999, having led his teams to four Stanley Cup championships.  Wayne was the Phoenix Coyotes' head coach, breaking multiple scoring records. He also worked on numerous Winter Olympics hockey teams.
An athlete mindset is a form of mental preparedness that helps athletes train, face opponents, and perform at their best. The greatest athletes have their own athlete mindset, which may vary from person to person, but the central tenets stay consistent. These may include strict warm-ups and practice regiments to accomplish daily, steps to improve mental performance, and ways to reward hard work. Hence, athletes know when to check out and prioritize their well-being and [mental health](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-mental-health).

This mindset is something elite athletes curate to achieve their peak performance, although everyone from high school athletes to world-class Olympians may create their version of this [growth mindset](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/growth-mindset-explained). In sports, mental skills are just as necessary as physical ones, so this mindset is instrumental in fueling a player’s [self-confidence](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-confidence) and preparing them for future games.
The athlete mindset offers a way to:

- __Create rewards__: Athletes create mile markers to celebrate meeting their goals. This lets them take time off to recharge and recenter, and in future difficulties, these rewards act as a reminder of past successes.
- __Establish milestones__: Athletes cannot achieve significant [career goals](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/personal-development-plan) in one day. Long-term goals require planning, which is why milestones are essential. They are the stepping stones for athletes to work toward to see their success unfold.
- __Maintain wellness__: An athlete’s mindset helps athletes to practice discipline and helps to separate the sport from personal life. A healthy perspective protects one’s overall health.
- __Practice consistently__: The athlete mindset also has athletes set their regimens. Routines allow predictability and consistency, which can be comforting in a fast-paced and demanding workout schedule.
- __Train harder__: Having the mental strength to know limits lets athletes push themselves safely. The athlete mindset invites trainers to set schedules, so goals are doable instead of pressurizing.

> “You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky shares how to develop a sterling athlete mindset. Consider Wayne’s tips:

1. __Celebrate teamwork__. As the old saying goes, there is no “I” in team, but more importantly, internal competition can corrode athletic spirit and victory. Wayne says, “For the success of any championship team, there has to be a commitment as a group that you’re going to be the hardest-working group and the hardest-working team to play against.”
2. __Develop a routine__. Routines can be hyper-specific to each athlete. Beyond superstitions, routines give a sense of sturdiness to one’s practice and structure to one’s day. Wayne says, “I always found that the routine was the best thing. I really didn’t change my routine from the time I was a youngster to the day I retired. You know, for me, it was putting on the skate: the left skate first, and then putting in my left shin pads, and then putting on my right skate, and my right shin pad.”
3. __Hone mental strength__. Mental preparedness is as vital as physical preparedness. It is easy to get distracted, and mental strength is crucial to the athlete's mindset. “You have to have the right frame of mind,” Wayne shares. “You have to be strong-willed, and you have to believe that the practice you’re putting in and the time you put in is going to make you a better player and a better team the next day.” 
4. __Practice, practice, practice__. Every athlete must put in the time to make it to the big leagues. “Whether you’re a professional athlete or an athlete playing for fun, that repetition is everything,” Wayne says. “Practice is part of the makeup that makes great athletes. I don’t think any great athlete in the world will sit here and tell you that they don’t practice hard.” 
5. __Set attainable goals__: “I think the reality is to make our goals attainable one step at a time,” Wayne says. Players can set themselves up for success by working backward from a goal. If someone is training for a marathon in four months, that runner may consider what they need to do each day to maintain stamina and finish 26.2 miles in a way that works for their body. Unattainable goals can dampen spirits because the person who set them may not be able to reach them.
6. __Take the shot__. Wayne’s famous quote, “You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take,” speaks about the importance of taking chances, which is applicable in and outside the hockey rink. “The quote is unique in that Glen Sather and John Muckler, the coaches in Edmonton, my father, Walter, some of my teammates—the one thing that they would continuously tell me [is], you should shoot more. You got to shoot more,” Wayne says. “You should get more selfish. You should shoot more.”
Want to become a better athlete? The [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) provides exclusive video lessons from the world’s best athletes, including Wayne Gretzky, Serena Williams, Stephen Curry, Tony Hawk, Misty Copeland, and more.
In sports psychology, elite athletes develop their athlete mindset, a form of mental toughness to train their minds and bodies to take their skills to the next level. Learn NHL star Wayne Gretzky’s tips for developing an athlete mindset.

In sports psychology, elite athletes develop their athlete mindset, a form of mental toughness to train their minds and bodies to take their skills to the next level. Learn NHL star Wayne Gretzky’s tips for developing an athlete mindset.

Athlete Mindset: Wayne Gretzky’s on the Athlete Mindset

Known as “The Great One,” Wayne Douglas Gretzky made NHL history over his twenty-one-year career and set himself apart as one of the most accomplished professional athletes. Born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, Wayne started playing junior hockey at a young age. At age seventeen, the World Hockey Association drafted Wayne for the Indianapolis Racers; the WHA eventually folded, and Wayne’s next team, the Edmonton Oilers, joined the National Hockey League.After playing for the Oilers for a decade and breaking NHL records, the league traded Wayne to the Los Angeles Kings, and he played for them from 1988–1996. In 1996, he played for the St. Louis Blues before heading to the New York Rangers as a free agent. He gave three years to that team before ending his superstar NHL career. Heralded as one of the best ice hockey players of all time, the Hockey Hall of Fame admitted Wayne upon retirement in 1999, having led his teams to four Stanley Cup championships. Wayne was the Phoenix Coyotes&#39; head coach, breaking multiple scoring records. He also worked on numerous Winter Olympics hockey teams.

A Brief Introduction to Wayne Gretzky

An athlete mindset is a form of mental preparedness that helps athletes train, face opponents, and perform at their best. The greatest athletes have their own athlete mindset, which may vary from person to person, but the central tenets stay consistent. These may include strict warm-ups and practice regiments to accomplish daily, steps to improve mental performance, and ways to reward hard work. Hence, athletes know when to check out and prioritize their well-being and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-mental-health' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-mental-health","linkCopy":"mental health","category":null}'>mental health</a>.This mindset is something elite athletes curate to achieve their peak performance, although everyone from high school athletes to world-class Olympians may create their version of this <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/growth-mindset-explained' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/growth-mindset-explained","linkCopy":"growth mindset","category":null}'>growth mindset</a>. In sports, mental skills are just as necessary as physical ones, so this mindset is instrumental in fueling a player’s <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-confidence' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-confidence","linkCopy":"self-confidence","category":null}'>self-confidence</a> and preparing them for future games.

What Is an Athlete Mindset?

The athlete mindset offers a way to:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Create rewards: Athletes create mile markers to celebrate meeting their goals. This lets them take time off to recharge and recenter, and in future difficulties, these rewards act as a reminder of past successes. </li><li class="">Establish milestones: Athletes cannot achieve significant <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/personal-development-plan' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/personal-development-plan","linkCopy":"career goals","category":null}'>career goals</a> in one day. Long-term goals require planning, which is why milestones are essential. They are the stepping stones for athletes to work toward to see their success unfold. </li><li class="">Maintain wellness: An athlete’s mindset helps athletes to practice discipline and helps to separate the sport from personal life. A healthy perspective protects one’s overall health. </li><li class="">Practice consistently: The athlete mindset also has athletes set their regimens. Routines allow predictability and consistency, which can be comforting in a fast-paced and demanding workout schedule. </li><li class="">Train harder: Having the mental strength to know limits lets athletes push themselves safely. The athlete mindset invites trainers to set schedules, so goals are doable instead of pressurizing. </li></ul><blockquote class="mc-text--italic mc-opacity--hinted mc-my-8 mc-mr-0 mc-ml-6 mc-pl-6">“You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky</blockquote>

Why Is an Athlete Mindset Important?

In sports psychology, elite athletes develop their athlete mindset, a form of mental toughness to train their minds and bodies to take their skills to the next level. Learn NHL star Wayne Gretzky’s tips for developing an athlete mindset.

In sports psychology, elite athletes develop their athlete mindset, a form of mental toughness to train their minds and bodies to take their skills to the next level. Learn NHL star Wayne Gretzky’s tips for developing an athlete mindset.


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