E + R = O: The Formula for Success

In Urban Meyer’s book Above the Line, he introduces a powerful formula: E + R = O, which stands for Event + Response = Outcome. Let’s take this concept a step further and incorporate the teachings from the Control the Controllable: The Key to Reducing Anxiety and Increasing Performance Post:

• Event (External = CAN'T Control): The situations or circumstances life throws at you.
• Response (Internal = CAN Control): Your reaction or mindset in the face of these events.
• Outcome (External = CAN'T Control but Influenced by Response): The result, which is highly shaped by how you respond.

A good response heavily influences a potential good outcome, while a bad response heavily influences a bad outcome.

A Story That Brings This Formula to Life

One of my former coaches told a story that perfectly illustrates this formula in action: The Twin Orphan Story.

There were two twin brothers who grew up as orphans, facing the same challenging circumstances. Yet their lives took radically different paths:

• The Successful Brother: He built a great family, thrived in his career, maintained good health, and maximized his potential.
• The Struggling Brother: He remained jobless, never married, faced poor health, and seemed to wither away.

A reporter caught wind of this one day, and she was fascinated at how two twin brothers who grew up in the same place, with the same circumstances with almost the same DNA, could end up in two totally different places in life. She proceeded to reach out to them and get their take for her story.

She first approached the successful brother and asked, “How did this happen?” His response: “I was an orphan. I had to succeed. I wanted to create a better life for myself and my family.” He explained how his circumstances motivated him to take ownership of his life and find solutions.

Next, she interviewed the struggling brother and asked the same question. His response: “I was an orphan. How could I have succeeded?” He blamed his circumstances and provided a long list of excuses for his struggles.

The Power of the "R" in E + R = O

This story perfectly illustrates the power of the Response in the formula. Both brothers experienced the same external event (being orphans), which they couldn’t control. However, their responses—one positive, one negative—heavily influenced the outcomes of their lives.

• The Successful Brother: Took ownership, focused on what he could control, and created a positive trajectory.
• The Struggling Brother: Adopted a victim mindset, allowed excuses to dictate his response, and remained stuck in a negative trajectory.

This formula underscores a vital truth: Your response to the events in your life is a major key to shaping your outcomes. This is true not only in your sport but also in your life.

Mind Strength Skill: Control the Controllable

You won’t always be able to control the events in your life, but you can always control how you choose to respond.

• Focus on What You CAN Control: Your attitude, effort, thoughts, and words.
• Let Go of What You CAN'T Control: Dwelling on uncontrollable factors only increases anxiety and decreases performance.
• Shift Your Focus: When you concentrate on what you can control, your anxiety decreases, and your performance improves. Conversely, focusing on uncontrollable factors increases anxiety and hinders performance.

Mind Strength Workout for the Week

1. Choose to have a positive “R” (Response) in each moment.
   • Throughout the week, identify moments where you can apply this formula. Ask yourself: “What is within my control here, and how can I respond in a way that leads to a better outcome?”

By mastering your response, you’ll not only improve your performance but also create a more fulfilling and successful life. Remember, the power is in your hands to drastically shape your outcomes by controlling your responses. Have a great week!

“If you get caught up in things over which you have no control, it will adversely affect those things which you have control.” – John Wooden