Thaindian News

Washington, Oct 21 (IANS) Individuals perform better and are more confident when they focus more on the team they belong to rather than on themselves, new research says.

Simply changing “I” to “we” in self-talk motivational statements has a significant impact on an individual’s — and thus a group’s performance, reveals the study led by Veronica Son and Deborah Feltz, from the Michigan State University.

Most of the research on “self-talk” — the internal talk one does in getting ready for performance — examined the effect of building up an individual’s confidence, Son stated.

“I believe in the power of ‘we’,” Son said.

The study revealed that group-oriented self-talk enhanced a team’s confidence, reports the Journal of Sports Sciences.

As part of the research, 80 subjects were randomly assigned to three different groups before completing a team-based dart-throwing activity, according to a statement from the university.

One group used self-talk statements focusing upon its personal capabilities; another used statements emphasizing the group’s capabilities; and the third was a control team where neutral statements were implemented.

Overall, performance indicators and confidence in the team were the greatest for individuals who practised self-talk focusing on the group’s capabilities.

“By focusing on the team, you include yourself without putting the focus or extra pressure on yourself,” said Feltz.