Beyond the Numbers: What Sport Scientists Can Teach Us About Performance and Progress
In a recent conversation with sport scientists Dr. Morgan Smith and Dr. Mo Merritt, we explored the intricate relationship between metrics, mindset, and human performance. Their insights, drawn from years of working with elite athletes and extensive research, offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to improve their performance – whether in sports, fitness, or life in general.
The Human Behind the Numbers
Dr. Smith, a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford studying applied human performance, emphasizes a crucial point often overlooked in our data-driven world: "Before you check your metrics, before you check your readiness score, check in with yourself first. How do you feel?"
This simple yet powerful approach reminds us that while data can be invaluable, it shouldn't overshadow our intuitive understanding of our bodies and capabilities. As technology advances and we have access to more metrics than ever before, it's essential to remember that these are tools to support our journey, not define it.
The Power of Perspective
Dr. Merritt, who works with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, brings a compelling perspective on mindset and learning. She shares that one of the most significant barriers to progress is our comfort with familiarity. "As adults, we've done it in the past, but it's easy to get away from those types of things as we age and we kind of settle into who we are and who we think we are."
When facing new challenges or learning new skills, Merritt suggests two primary approaches:
- Cognitive behavioral shift: Challenging negative thoughts and exploring alternative perspectives
- Acceptance: Acknowledging where you are while focusing on moving forward
Breaking Through Perceived Limits
One of the most interesting discussions centered around how people often underestimate their capabilities. Dr. Smith shared an example of working with untrained individuals in the weight room: "They'll push the leg sled or the leg press and they'll be like, 'okay, that's it.' Like that feels hard... It's them actually learning what their body is capable of."
This revelation highlights an important truth: what feels like our limit often isn't. It's simply our current perception of what's possible, shaped by our experience – or lack thereof.
Practical Takeaways for Personal Growth
Both scientists offered valuable advice for anyone looking to improve their performance or start a new health journey:
From Dr. Smith:
- Find a movement or activity that you genuinely enjoy
- Be kind to yourself during the process
- Remember that change and progress take time
- Don't get too caught up in the metrics – use them as tools, not rules
From Dr. Merritt:
- "Enjoy the traffic" – appreciate the process of creating new habits
- Take small, manageable steps forward
- Build trust with yourself through consistent action
- Understand that the process of creating habits is as valuable as achieving the goal
The Role of Data in Modern Performance
While both experts acknowledge the value of metrics and data in performance optimization, they emphasize the importance of context. Data should inform our decisions and understanding, not dictate them. As Dr. Smith points out, "Games don't get rescheduled based on your readiness score."
Moving Forward
The key to sustainable progress lies in finding the right balance between objective metrics and subjective experience. Whether you're an elite athlete or someone just starting their fitness journey, remember:
- Trust the process
- Be patient with yourself
- Use data as a tool, not a master
- Focus on progress, not perfection
- Embrace the journey of learning and growth
As we continue to navigate an increasingly data-driven world, these insights remind us that while numbers can guide us, it's our human experience – complete with its ups and downs, triumphs and struggles – that truly defines our journey to better performance and health.
Remember Dr. Merritt's powerful closing thought: enjoy the traffic. The process of creating new habits and pushing past our perceived limitations isn't just a means to an end – it's where the real growth and learning happen.
0:00 - Introduction and Guest Backgrounds
2:26 - Morgan Smith's Path to Sport Science
3:05 - Mo Merritt's Journey Through Kinesiology and Team USA
6:58 - Applied Sports Science and Performance Research
9:16 - Working with Athletes and Real-Time Data Collection
12:18 - Learning New Skills and Brain Aging
14:02 - Practical Mindset Strategies for Athletes
15:03 - Acceptance and Different Approaches to Mental Challenges
18:20 - Managing Performance Metrics and Self-Assessment
20:09 - Performance Beyond Readiness Scores
21:34 - Tools vs. Metrics: Finding the Right Balance
24:39 - Using Metrics to Push Past Barriers
27:19 - Understanding Physical Capacity and Effort
29:20 - Building Trust and Taking First Steps
31:45 - Key Takeaways:
- Morgan: Finding Enjoyable Movement and Self-Kindness
- Mo: "Enjoying the Traffic" - Embracing the Process
- 34:55 - Closing and Contact Information
For more insights from Dr. Morgan Smith and Dr. Mo Merritt, you can find them on LinkedIn, where they continue to share their expertise in human performance and athletic development.
