When it comes to the psychology of perception, it’s quite fascinating to learn how the order in which we see things has a direct impact on how we interpret events — including how long we remember them. Do first and last impressions count? According to psychology research, yes!! In fact, not only do we tend to recall first and last things more readily, we often give more weight to the events we witness first and last. These important findings can be used to help kids, especially as it applies to starting out on tasks ready to go, as well as remembering the importance of finishing strong.
The primacy and recency effects
The primacy effect is defined as is the tendency to remember the first piece of information we encounter better than information presented later on. For example, if I read a random sequence of 5 numbers, you might not remember all the numbers, but you almost certainly would remember the first number of the sequence. Similarly, the recency effect is the tendency to remember the most recently presented information best. Using the same example from a moment ago, not only would you remember the first number in a sequence of 5 numbers, but you would also very likely remember the last number as well.
Before you write off these psychology findings as nothing more than quirky, think about how often we make biased decisions based simply on what we saw first, or last. Job interviews always risk this bias, as first and last applicants tend to form the most lasting memories. Similarly, you might have had an otherwise fine dining experience, only to be ruined at the end when your bill was calculated wrong, or the valet couldn’t find your car (recency effect). There are countless examples every day that we are influenced by the order in which we view things, and rarely do we make this distinction consciously.
Applying to youth sports
For kids, making strong first and last impressions in sports is a very worthwhile pursuit! Coaches love to see energized, spirited kids, and this should be the first lesson kids hear as it is a choice to carry a positive attitude. In fact, there are a number of things can do in order to make powerful first and last impressions, including:
First impressions:
- Being fully prepared and arriving ahead of time.
- Keeping a positive, uplifting attitude that helps others and adds to team culture.
- Hustling at all times!
- Staying engaged, listening when the coach is speaking, and carefully following through on all instructions.
- Being a leader.
Last impressions:
- Finishing strong, even when you are tired.
- Lifting teammates and showing appreciation for a hard run practice..
- Being the last one done, and making sure to get in extra work if the coach is willing to stay after a few minutes.
As you review the list above, two important things should jump out right away. First, the behaviors listed are qualities found within all successful athletic teams and programs. Second, the behaviors are all things 100% under the control of each kid, meaning they don’t have to have exceptional speed or strength, but instead need to completely commit to playing their hardest each day.
Final thoughts
Perceptions count, regardless of whether it’s youth sports or any other aspect of life. For kids, it is important for them to realize just how much influence they have on their playing time, beginning with the first and last impressions they make each day. When kids show they are committed, coaches generally find ways to get them on the field or court as a reward for their efforts. Make a great first impression, and leave an even better last impression, and you will soon witness increased opportunities for future success.
drstankovich.com
