The Expectation Effect

In his book “The Expectation Effect: How Your Mindset Can Change Your World” Dave Robson shares some interesting research on the power our expectations have on our body.

In one study researchers brought people with gluten intolerances into the lab and fed them a meal. Research participants were told the meal contained gluten, but it actually didn’t have any in it at all. However the researchers found that the participants were breaking out with hives, inflammation, and diarrhea. Remember, they didn’t say any gluten, but they were suffering as if they did. Why? Because they EXPECTED too!

In another study researchers tested participants VO2 Max on a stationary bike. The study involved an equal number of participants with a genetic mutation that increases V02 Max and participants without the mutation. The participants were split into two different groups with both groups comprised of an equal number from both groups of participants. One group was told they have the mutation, even though half of them did not, and the other group was told they don’t have the mutation, even though half of them did.

You probably won’t be surprised to hear that the group that was told they have the mutation did better. What is really interesting is that when the researchers studied what was happening inside the body, the bodies of the people who did not have the mutation actually performed at a nearly identical level as those who did in terms of efficiently blowing off Co2 and lower heart rates. Their body actually responded to what their mind EXPECTED it to do! The reverse was also true. The group who did have the mutation, but were told they didn’t, well their body also responded accordingly. Performing nearly at identical levels to those in their study group who did not have the mutation in terms of NOT blowing off Co2 and higher heart rates.

Dave Robson writes in his book “your expectations are more powerful than your genes.” Now I don’t want you to assume that you can “expect” your way to being the best of the best, but I do think it is worth leveraging the power of POSITIVE EXPECTATIONS to your benefit!

JOURNAL ACTIVITY

I want you to reflect on what you typically expect as you prepare to compete.

Do you EXPECT to play well (assuming you’ve prepared well)? Do you EXPECT to make an impact for your team? Do you EXPECT to respond well when adversity hits in your competition (because it WILL hit)?

I would encourage you to start the habit of regularly writing about the type of player you EXPECT yourself to be! As you learned today, you can use the EXPECTATION EFFECT to your benefit!