Short Memory, Big Vision: The Key to Athletic Growth
In sports, mistakes are inevitable. Whether it’s missing a crucial shot, turning over the ball, or misreading a play, every athlete faces moments they wish they could take back. But the truth is, the best athletes don’t dwell on their mistakes—they learn from them. They embrace a powerful mindset I like to call “Short Memory, Big Vision.”
This approach helps athletes stay locked into the present during competition while using mistakes as learning tools for long-term growth. Here’s how adopting this mindset can take your performance to the next level.
What Does Short Memory, Big Vision Mean?
Short Memory
Having a short memory means letting go of mistakes as quickly as they happen. It’s about bouncing back mentally, staying focused on the present, and not allowing one error to snowball into more. The faster you can move on, the faster you regain control and confidence.Big Vision
Big vision is the ability to reflect on mistakes after the game with a clear, growth-focused mindset. Instead of seeing errors as failures, athletes with big vision view them as opportunities for improvement. This perspective allows you to continually grow and elevate your game over time.
Why This Mindset Matters
In sports, emotional control and focus are key to high performance. Mistakes, however, can shake an athlete’s confidence and trigger emotional reactions like frustration or self-doubt. These reactions, if unchecked, can lead to a downward spiral, affecting both individual and team performance. That’s why adopting a short memory is crucial—it helps athletes move on from mistakes quickly, maintaining their composure and focus in the heat of competition.
Beyond the immediate benefits during a game, the big vision component ensures long-term growth. Athletes with a big vision understand that mistakes are not failures; they’re learning opportunities. This broader perspective fosters resilience and encourages continuous improvement. Instead of being weighed down by errors, these athletes see them as stepping stones toward success, fueling their motivation to get better with each performance.
How to Develop a Short Memory During Competition
Developing a short memory requires practice and intentionality. One effective strategy is using reset cues—simple, actionable techniques that signal your brain to move on. This might be taking a deep breath, repeating a focus phrase like “Next play,” or performing a physical gesture such as clapping your hands or shaking out your arms. These cues act as mental switches, helping you let go of the mistake and refocus on the task at hand.
Another key to building a short memory is anchoring your focus on the present. After a mistake, immediately shift your attention to what’s next—whether that’s positioning for defense, setting up for the next play, or supporting a teammate. This forward-thinking approach keeps your mind engaged in the game rather than stuck in the past. The more you practice these techniques in training, the more automatic they’ll become during high-pressure situations.
How to Cultivate a Big Vision After Competition
Growth happens in reflection. After each game, take time to review your performance with a clear and objective mindset. Start by identifying what went wrong—describe the mistake without attaching emotion or blame. Then, dig deeper to understand why it happened. Was it a technical error, a lapse in focus, or a misunderstanding of strategy? Finally, turn your reflection into action by creating a plan to address the issue in practice. This structured approach ensures that every mistake becomes a stepping stone for improvement.
It’s also important to focus on growth rather than perfection. No athlete is flawless, and mistakes are a natural part of development. By keeping a big vision, you’ll learn to view errors as opportunities to sharpen your skills, rather than setbacks. Along the way, remember to celebrate your progress. Growth isn’t just about reducing mistakes—it’s about improving how you recover from them and applying those lessons to future performances. Recognize your achievements and use them as motivation to keep moving forward.
The “Short Memory, Big Vision” mindset is a game-changer for athletes. It allows you to stay mentally tough during competition and continuously improve after it. By letting go of mistakes quickly and learning from them later, you’ll build resilience, confidence, and a higher level of performance.
So the next time you make a mistake, remember:
Short memory keeps you in the game.
Big vision makes you better for the next one.
About Coach Kristin Tullo, creator of Think Strong. Play Strong Mental Performance Coaching:
I’m a Mental Performance Mastery Certified Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach with over a decade of experience working with athletes at all levels, from youth to collegiate and beyond. My unique journey sets me apart—I didn’t come from a traditional college athletic background. Instead, my foundation is in social work and psychology, and my coaching is rooted in what I learned from stepping away from competitive sports and reflecting on what I missed.
My mission is to help athletes see their value beyond wins and losses, play to their full potential, and understand that perfection isn’t the goal—progress and enjoyment are. I believe that with the right mindset, athletes can embrace setbacks as part of their journey and thrive under pressure.
If you’re looking to sharpen your focus, boost your confidence, and stay motivated, follow me on Instagram for daily tips. You can also join my email list to stay updated on free workshops and mental performance training opportunities designed to take your game to the next level.
