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The Mental Game

Table Image and Tells

Introduction

How to Analyze

Creating Space From Your Defender

Film Session: Creating Space and Beating Your Defender

Game Mechanics

Game Demo: Flooded Market

The Future of Game Design

Three-Betting: Hand Review

Spotting Tells, Part 2

Table Talk

Player Profiling

Life as a Poker Player

Making Reads: Adapt to the Situation

Improve Individual Performance

Using Timing to Become a Better Persuader

Become the Most Trusted Person at Work

Strengthen Your Workplace Influence

Getting to the Agreement

Decode Your Rivals Using Psychology

Garry's Chess Fundamentals

Openings - Part 1

Openings - Part 2

Openings - Part 3

Molly's Game

Dennis' Game

Case Study: Opening

Garry's Journey

Closing

Learn Chess Openings

Postflop, Part 1

Deepstack Play

Understanding Position

Three-Betting

Bet Sizing

Multi-way Dynamics

Mixed Strategy

Tournament Strategy: Early and Middle Stages

Tournament Strategy: On the Bubble

Tournament Strategy: Late Stages and Final Table

Universal Tournament Strategy

Bankroll Management

Bonus Material: Online Play

Navigate Poker Betting Dynamics

Phil’s Journey

Postflop, Part 2

Strategies for Success

Bonus Chapter: Seven-Card Stud

Detecting and Executing the Bluff

Mixed Strategy: Hand Review

Masking Tells

Table Image and Metagame

Refine Adaptive Poker Strategies

Betting Tactics

Ranges: Hand Review

C-Betting

Check-Raising

Overbetting

Pre- and Postflop Mistakes

Refine Betting & Bluffing Skills

Double Attacks - Part 2

Skewers

Discovered Attacks

Pins

Deflection/Attraction

Overload

Winning Trades

Endgames - Part 1

Endgames - Part 2

Endgames - Part 3

Case Study: Endgame

Bonus! Secret Novelty

Transforming Problems

Win More Chess Endgames

Games & Digital Media

Teaches Poker Strategy

Phil Ivey

With Noted Experts

Crypto and the Blockchain

Teaches Chess

Garry Kasparov

Teaches Building a Fashion Brand

Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg Teaches Building a Fashion Brand

With Noted Pros

Bet Smart: Top Sports Betting Strategies

Teach Advertising and Creativity

Jeff Goodby & Rich Silverstein

Jeff Goodby & Rich Silverstein Teach Advertising and Creativity

Teaches Game Design and Theory

Will Wright

Teaches Creating Outside the Lines

Issa Rae

Issa Rae Teaches Creating Outside the Lines

Teaches Spray-Painting & Abstract Art

Futura

Futura Teaches Spray-Painting & Abstract Art

Teaches Designing Your Career

Elaine Welteroth

Elaine Welteroth Teaches Designing Your Career

Teaches Poker

Daniel Negreanu

Teaches How to Think Like an FBI Profiler

John Douglas

John Douglas Teaches How to Think Like an FBI Profiler

Teaches Dance Music

Armin van Buuren

Armin van Buuren Teaches Dance Music

Teaches Building Your Startup

Alexis Ohanian

Alexis Ohanian Teaches Building Your Startup

Teaches Mathematical Thinking

Terence Tao

Teach Campaign Strategy and Messaging

David Axelrod and Karl Rove

David Axelrod and Karl Rove Teach Campaign Strategy and Messaging

 On The Power of Personal Branding

Kris Jenner

On the Power of Personal Branding

Kris Jenner On The Power of Personal Branding

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

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?

Wayne Gretzky shares how to develop a sterling athlete mindset. Consider Wayne’s tips:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 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.” </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 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.” </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 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&#39;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.” </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 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.” </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 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. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 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.” </li></ol>

Wayne Gretzky’s 6 Tips for Developing an Athlete Mindset

Want to become a better athlete? The <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> provides exclusive video lessons from the world’s best athletes, including Wayne Gretzky, Serena Williams, Stephen Curry, Tony Hawk, Misty Copeland, and more.

Learn 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

Reflective thinking is a form of [critical thinking](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-critical-thinking) that reflects on experiences and learnings. This thinking process, popularized by U.S. philosopher John Dewey’s *How We Think* book, requires intense introspection and can improve [decision-making](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/decision-making-styles) and problem-solving processes. The slow, methodical process of reflective thinking can also help thinkers discover personal [biases](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-identify-bias) and develop self-awareness.

Reflective thought applies to various fields, allowing business, government, and academic leaders to ponder actions, consider the well-being of others, and more deeply understand personal decisions that inform their actions. 
Develop reflective thinking skills by completing the learning as outlined by John Dewey in these five steps:

1. __Define the problem__. Reflective thinking encourages strategic questions that address specific needs. If you clearly define the problem, it will be easier to consider possible solutions to fulfill needs.
2. __Analyze the problem__. Reflective thinking skills prioritize deliberation over rushed answers. Think of previous steps taken to address the problem at hand. Identify the learnings from prior attempts and consider which actions were successful or not.
3. __Name the needs for the solution__. After thinking about the intricacies of the problem, write down what core needs will be instrumental in finding a solution. You can accomplish this through journaling, meditation, or other contemplative exercises that focus on deliberate steps for success. 
4. __Tease out possible solutions__. With your solution requirements written or thought out, generate possible solutions. Walk yourself through the possible outcomes of your proposed solutions to see where they lead you and what further questions they may generate.
5. __Choose the best solution available__. Finally, reflective thinking concludes with the choosing and enacting of a solution that is most logical and advantageous. Pursue this solution; the outcome will become the basis for a fresh learning cycle for future problems.
Consider the following applications of reflective thinking in personal and professional life:

1. __Communication__: Partners in a relationship might use reflective thinking to navigate a challenging period. For example, one of the partners might use reflective thinking to evaluate shared experiences and consider their partner’s point of view. The thinker questions their self-awareness in these situations, their [needs](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/needs-in-a-relationship), and long-term hopes. This person then uses their reflection to better inform a future conversation with their partner.
2. __Management__: Reflective thinking can come in handy in the workplace. For example, a manager overseeing an employee who is not excelling might use reflective thinking to reflect on the previous work ethic of the employee and their successes and shortcomings. The thinker questions their own managerial skills and how they can better serve this employee and the company. The manager also views their work ethic from the employee’s perspective.
3. __Education__: A teacher might use reflective thinking to help students understand a challenging concept. The teacher can provide time for students to reflect on the lesson and the opportunity to write down their thoughts, feelings, and questions. This reflective process can help students understand and remember the concept.
[MasterClass at Work](https://www.masterclass.com/for-business) is the learning platform to help unlock the full potential of your employees and inspire a learning lifestyle in everyone. From negotiation to mindfulness to baking—these are just a few things your teams can explore.
Engaging in reflective thinking can help you understand your own experiences to embrace new challenges and improve competencies. You can use reflective thinking to inform personal decisions and professional development.

Engaging in reflective thinking can help you understand your own experiences to embrace new challenges and improve competencies. You can use reflective thinking to inform personal decisions and professional development.

Reflective Thinking: How to Practice Reflective Thinking

Reflective thinking is a form of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-critical-thinking' 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/guide-to-critical-thinking","linkCopy":"critical thinking","category":null}'>critical thinking</a> that reflects on experiences and learnings. This thinking process, popularized by U.S. philosopher John Dewey’s How We Think book, requires intense introspection and can improve <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/decision-making-styles' 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/decision-making-styles","linkCopy":"decision-making","category":null}'>decision-making</a> and problem-solving processes. The slow, methodical process of reflective thinking can also help thinkers discover personal <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-identify-bias' 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-identify-bias","linkCopy":"biases","category":null}'>biases</a> and develop self-awareness.Reflective thought applies to various fields, allowing business, government, and academic leaders to ponder actions, consider the well-being of others, and more deeply understand personal decisions that inform their actions.

What Is Reflective Thinking? 

Develop reflective thinking skills by completing the learning as outlined by John Dewey in these five steps:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Define the problem. Reflective thinking encourages strategic questions that address specific needs. If you clearly define the problem, it will be easier to consider possible solutions to fulfill needs. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Analyze the problem. Reflective thinking skills prioritize deliberation over rushed answers. Think of previous steps taken to address the problem at hand. Identify the learnings from prior attempts and consider which actions were successful or not. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Name the needs for the solution. After thinking about the intricacies of the problem, write down what core needs will be instrumental in finding a solution. You can accomplish this through journaling, meditation, or other contemplative exercises that focus on deliberate steps for success. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Tease out possible solutions. With your solution requirements written or thought out, generate possible solutions. Walk yourself through the possible outcomes of your proposed solutions to see where they lead you and what further questions they may generate. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Choose the best solution available. Finally, reflective thinking concludes with the choosing and enacting of a solution that is most logical and advantageous. Pursue this solution; the outcome will become the basis for a fresh learning cycle for future problems. </li></ol>

How to Practice Reflective Thinking

Consider the following applications of reflective thinking in personal and professional life:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Communication: Partners in a relationship might use reflective thinking to navigate a challenging period. For example, one of the partners might use reflective thinking to evaluate shared experiences and consider their partner’s point of view. The thinker questions their self-awareness in these situations, their <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/needs-in-a-relationship' 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/needs-in-a-relationship","linkCopy":"needs","category":null}'>needs</a>, and long-term hopes. This person then uses their reflection to better inform a future conversation with their partner. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Management: Reflective thinking can come in handy in the workplace. For example, a manager overseeing an employee who is not excelling might use reflective thinking to reflect on the previous work ethic of the employee and their successes and shortcomings. The thinker questions their own managerial skills and how they can better serve this employee and the company. The manager also views their work ethic from the employee’s perspective. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Education: A teacher might use reflective thinking to help students understand a challenging concept. The teacher can provide time for students to reflect on the lesson and the opportunity to write down their thoughts, feelings, and questions. This reflective process can help students understand and remember the concept. </li></ol>

3 Examples of Reflective Thinking

<a href='https://www.masterclass.com/for-business' 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/for-business","linkCopy":"MasterClass at Work","category":null}'>MasterClass at Work</a> is the learning platform to help unlock the full potential of your employees and inspire a learning lifestyle in everyone. From negotiation to mindfulness to baking—these are just a few things your teams can explore.

MasterClass at Work

Engaging in reflective thinking can help you understand your own experiences to embrace new challenges and improve competencies. You can use reflective thinking to inform personal decisions and professional development.

Engaging in reflective thinking can help you understand your own experiences to embrace new challenges and improve competencies. You can use reflective thinking to inform personal decisions and professional development.


reflective-thinking

Holistic thinking is a cognitive style that focuses on the context of a situation, and the relationships between the disparate elements of that situation. Holistic thinking is often compared to linear thinking or analytical thinking.
Here are three elements that define holistic thinking:

1. __Exploration__: Holistic thinkers spend time following their thoughts in an exploratory way, rather than simply trying to find an answer and moving on.
2. __Perspective__: Thinking holistically entails looking at things from different angles, and considering your options carefully before making a decision.
3. __Scale__: Holistic thinkers tend to consider the “big picture,” and resist getting caught up in the smaller details.
There are two main categories of thinking: holistic and linear. While both are useful, each works best in different circumstances.

- __Holistic thinking__: Holistic thinking takes its name from holism—used in philosophy to describe a way of thinking about the world that considers the parts as being inseparable from the whole, and not existing independently. Holistic thinking lends itself to flexibility, with a tolerance for contradiction and <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-paradox-in-writing-learn-about-the-differences-between-literary-paradox-and-logical-paradox-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://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-paradox-in-writing-learn-about-the-differences-between-literary-paradox-and-logical-paradox-with-examples","linkCopy":"paradox","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>paradox</a>. Thinking holistically enables you to find hidden correlations that linear thinkers might overlook. 
- __Linear thinking__: Also known as analytical thinking, linear thinking is more results-oriented than holistic thinking. Linear or analytical thinkers tend to be logical and rational, and they can consider the parts separately from the whole, as independent objects. Linear thinking is often faster than holistic thinking. As with <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-critical-thinking' 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/guide-to-critical-thinking","linkCopy":"critical thinking","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>critical thinking</a>, it emphasizes logical analysis. Linear thinkers often find it easier to choose from a wide range of possibilities, especially when there are clear values for correct or incorrect, true or false.
Holistic thinking doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but it is a skill that you can learn. Here are a few tips to think more holistically: 

1. __Consider alternatives__. Holistic thinking helps you consider other points of view. When you broaden your perspective, you can become more sensitive to subtleties of differentiation: how you can utilize different aspects of a situation constructively, how elements that seem irrelevant or extraneous can interconnect with other, and more important-seeming elements.
2. __Keep your objective in mind__. Stay focused on the big picture, especially when problem-solving. One of the principles of holistic thinking is that many things that seem like opposites actually share a connection. This relationship, known as a dialectic, can help you see how a site of conflict might serve as an opportunity for growth.
3. __Relax__. Slow down and relax. This holistic approach may run counter to the instincts of analytical thinkers, but it allows you to steady your pace and receive more stimuli from the world around you. Rather than seek the fastest way to complete a task, assess the situation broadly before you take any action. 
4. __Resist the temptation to reduce__. The holistic perspective is not reductionist. Instead of breaking something down into its constituent parts, look at the interconnectedness of all the individual objects working together. While some categorical distinctions are okay, temper your reductionism by always keeping in mind how the pieces interconnect.
[MasterClass at Work](https://www.masterclass.com/for-business) is the learning platform to help unlock the full potential of your employees and inspire a learning lifestyle in everyone. From negotiation to mindfulness to baking—these are just a few things your teams can explore.
When you learn to think holistically, you will gain a valuable skill that can benefit everything from your social life to your professional career. Read on for more about holistic thinking.

When you learn to think holistically, you will gain a valuable skill that can benefit everything from your social life to your professional career. Read on for more about holistic thinking.

Holistic Thinking: Definition and Tips

Holistic thinking is a cognitive style that focuses on the context of a situation, and the relationships between the disparate elements of that situation. Holistic thinking is often compared to linear thinking or analytical thinking.

What Is Holistic Thinking?

Here are three elements that define holistic thinking:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Exploration: Holistic thinkers spend time following their thoughts in an exploratory way, rather than simply trying to find an answer and moving on. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Perspective: Thinking holistically entails looking at things from different angles, and considering your options carefully before making a decision. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Scale: Holistic thinkers tend to consider the “big picture,” and resist getting caught up in the smaller details. </li></ol>

3 Elements of Holistic Thinking

There are two main categories of thinking: holistic and linear. While both are useful, each works best in different circumstances.<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Holistic thinking: Holistic thinking takes its name from holism—used in philosophy to describe a way of thinking about the world that considers the parts as being inseparable from the whole, and not existing independently. Holistic thinking lends itself to flexibility, with a tolerance for contradiction and <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-paradox-in-writing-learn-about-the-differences-between-literary-paradox-and-logical-paradox-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://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-paradox-in-writing-learn-about-the-differences-between-literary-paradox-and-logical-paradox-with-examples","linkCopy":"paradox","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>paradox</a>. Thinking holistically enables you to find hidden correlations that linear thinkers might overlook. </li><li class="">Linear thinking: Also known as analytical thinking, linear thinking is more results-oriented than holistic thinking. Linear or analytical thinkers tend to be logical and rational, and they can consider the parts separately from the whole, as independent objects. Linear thinking is often faster than holistic thinking. As with <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-critical-thinking' 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/guide-to-critical-thinking","linkCopy":"critical thinking","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>critical thinking</a>, it emphasizes logical analysis. Linear thinkers often find it easier to choose from a wide range of possibilities, especially when there are clear values for correct or incorrect, true or false. </li></ul>

Holistic vs. Linear Thinking: What’s the Difference? 

Holistic thinking doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but it is a skill that you can learn. Here are a few tips to think more holistically: <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Consider alternatives. Holistic thinking helps you consider other points of view. When you broaden your perspective, you can become more sensitive to subtleties of differentiation: how you can utilize different aspects of a situation constructively, how elements that seem irrelevant or extraneous can interconnect with other, and more important-seeming elements. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Keep your objective in mind. Stay focused on the big picture, especially when problem-solving. One of the principles of holistic thinking is that many things that seem like opposites actually share a connection. This relationship, known as a dialectic, can help you see how a site of conflict might serve as an opportunity for growth. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Relax. Slow down and relax. This holistic approach may run counter to the instincts of analytical thinkers, but it allows you to steady your pace and receive more stimuli from the world around you. Rather than seek the fastest way to complete a task, assess the situation broadly before you take any action. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Resist the temptation to reduce. The holistic perspective is not reductionist. Instead of breaking something down into its constituent parts, look at the interconnectedness of all the individual objects working together. While some categorical distinctions are okay, temper your reductionism by always keeping in mind how the pieces interconnect. </li></ol>

How to Think Holistically: 4 Tips

When you learn to think holistically, you will gain a valuable skill that can benefit everything from your social life to your professional career. Read on for more about holistic thinking.

When you learn to think holistically, you will gain a valuable skill that can benefit everything from your social life to your professional career. Read on for more about holistic thinking.


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