Every person has an answer or reason why they think one team or one country has dominance. From the taxi diver to the Prime Minister, and from the passionate supporter to the chief executives of our largest companies, we all have our thoughts as to why.
So when Australia is mentioned, we inevitably come to the conclusion that they are mentally stronger than us. Time and time again we hear on radio or TV from sports experts that the Australians have an inner determination - a never-say-die attitude. Yes, I am one of those who have this opinion but that does not mean New Zealanders do not also have this trait within.
We must take into consideration that inner strength is not the only factor determining who is dominant over another.
Skills obviously come into consideration, as does having a will, an aspiration along with speed, determination and a good game plan; just a few factors that do not necessarily give you the right to win, but certainly give you the best opportunity to do so.
One feature we must possess if we are to have a chance of winning is belief. Having belief of one's ability and the ability of the team is a major contributor to performing to an optimum. But I do not want people to misinterpret the difference between belief and hope.
A number of sportspeople hope they win if they do all the right things. Hope is a wish and that is what you do at a wishing well. We hope we are in the right frame of mind, hope we have the right game plan and if we do, hopefully we will win.
How many times have we heard our sportspeople utter these statements in pre-game interviews?
We must give ourselves an environment where the belief empowers us to do our job effectively, which in turn positions the team to in a better place to win. When this environment of belief becomes ingrained, where there are minimal personnel changes, a metamorphosis takes place and this environment becomes a culture.
This culture is based on values, and we see these cultures in the most successful teams; Brisbane Broncos, Canterbury Crusaders, Manchester United and New York Yankees are teams or organisations that are, or have been, successful because of the culture fostered within them.
We have also seen cultures develop within international teams over the years; All Blacks, Brazil's football team, Australian cricket, league, rugby, swimming, hockey.
Why do we have so few of these teams in New Zealand?
We can look at the population base but I prefer to look at the controllables, like emotions. Belief is an emotion, not measurable by facts and figures.
Some New Zealand individuals and teams need to believe in themselves and know they'll win.
Let's forget about hoping, and instead build a culture to rival those we aspire to be as good as.
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