Feeding on the Disrespect of Others is Not Our Optimal State
Resilience, cooperation, and performance emerge from physiological safety and trust.
We evolved to be a species that regulates our feelings through trusted others. We are influenced by the verbal and nonverbal cues of those around us, whether we like it or not. Changes in how we feel reflect changes in our physiological state (e.g., heart rate, breathing).
Novak Djokovic lashed out at the crowd after his Wimbledon win, accusing fans of disrespecting him. He taunted them by saying, “Have a good night,” while his body language showed tension and discomfort. This reaction reveals that we are not untouched by the people around us.
When we feel disrespected, we have been touched. Being impacted by others is not a defect but a powerful resource embedded in our DNA. Our gift is to rapidly detect and evaluate whether someone is with us or against us through facial expressions, vocalizations, and body language.
Some athletes feed on negative energy to perform better, while others find it draining. However, this approach is unsustainable and can lead to detachment from the pure essence of who we are and why we play.
In contrast, Alex de Minaur, an Australian tennis player, found a young fan, Paul, who became his biggest supporter during his first Grand Slam fourth-round win. They exchanged feelings and energies, which led to a more authentic performance. This exchange is the essence of who we are when we include, value, and trust one another.
References
HOWARD FENDRICH and KEN MAGUIRE. Djokovic uses Wimbledon crowd’s ‘disrespect’ as fuel as he moves closer to another title. Beatrice Daily Sun. July 9, 20[…].+
+Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-pressure-paradox/202407/feeding-on-the-disrespect-of-others-is-not-our-optimal-state