The Irony of Limited Perception
In anticipation for the so-called “Game of the Century” last weekend, Alabama coach Nick Saban was interviewed by sports reporters. He explained the challenges that his players faced in preparing for such a high visibility game. Distractions abounded and the pressure on the young men to perform their best was considerable.
Coach Saban offered a simple bromide that had applications far beyond the scope of football or sports. He stated:
See little; see a lot. See a lot; see nothing.
Wow! What in heaven does this mean? Saban explained that players perform at their best when they can focus on their role in a game and can shut out all distractions surrounding the game. Extending the football example, each player has a task to perform if a given play is to succeed. The center, for example, must focus on the snap count and which of the other team’s players he is supposed to block. He must not allow himself to be concerned about what the quarterback or wide receiver should be doing. He cannot afford to worry about what a win or a loss in this important game might mean for his future. He cannot afford to worry about the future, nor can he dwell on past mistakes. He must affix his attention on the task at hand: the snap count and his blocking assignment. Seeing “little” enables him to see “a lot” which is his job. Seeing “a lot” (future career outcomes, other players’ performance, the roar of the crowd) distracts him from his performance and is a precursor to failure. He is seeing so much, through fear or worry, that he loses himself and nothing is seen or accomplished.
In our lives, while we may never play in a football game leading to a national championship, the principle of “see little; see a lot” is, nevertheless, relevant. It applies to our daily lives as well. Everyday provides us with the opportunity to perform at our optimum level. What should we be doing today to enhance our careers and our personal lives? Seeing that “little” enables us to accomplish “a lot.” Worrying about the future or fretting about the past expands our thoughts and fears and, ironically, distracts us from achieving the tasks of the day. When we attempt to see everything, we see nothing.
What few things should you be focusing on today? What thoughts about the past or future paralyze us?
See the little things and accomplish a lot. If you focus on today, tomorrow will take care of itself.