I love watching the Olympics, except for the endless commercials.
My wife Ellen and I attended the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and it was an experience we'll never forget.
The international atmosphere was amazing and there was a buzz everywhere we went.
We can't wait to attend the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
This month we're reading The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward by Daniel Pink in the Mastermind Book Club.
In the book, they analyzed the expressions of the medal winners in the 2016 Olympics.
Of course, gold medal winners were ecstatic.
Did you see the smile on Simone Biles after she won the gold medal?
Silver medalists, the second-best performer in the world, were neutral to unhappy as they received their medal.
Bronze medalists were significantly happier than the silver medalists.
Did you see the US men's gymnastics team celebrate like they won the Super Bowl when they won a bronze medal in the team event?
Did you see "Pommel Horse Guy Stephen Nedoroscik" jump for joy when he won a bronze medal?
Why?
Researchers concluded it was due to counterfactual thinking.
Counterfactuals can point down or up.
When the researchers viewed the post-event interviews, the bronze medalists were focused on "At least..." thinking. At least I didn't finish fourth. At least I received a medal.
Silver medalists viewed their performance as a disappointment.
"If only..."
If only I started my kick two seconds earlier.
If only I didn't wobble on my landing.
The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward goes deep into why regrets are a good thing.
Join the discussion on Thursday, August 22nd at 11:30 AM Pacific/2:30 PM Eastern time.
Don't worry if you don't have time to read the book.
Tom Ruwitch and I read the book for you so you just have to show up and join the lively discussion.
>>> Here's the link
Ted
