Representational Systems in Use
To solidify my earlier discussion of representational systems in use, I want to offer you a story that I have acquired somewhere. I assume it is true.
In the world series between the New York Yankees and the Milwaukee Braves, Elston Howard was at bat in the 9th inning. Warren Spahn was pitching. Winning run(s) on base. The coach walked out to the mound and told Spahn, “Whatever you do, don’t throw it high and outside!” Spahn delivered the next pitch high and outside and Howard hit it out of the park, winning the series for the Yankees. When asked later, Spahn said that all he could see and think about was high and outside.
The message is this.
- Always state what you do want rather than what you don’t want. The mind has to create a picture of the thought before it can negate it.
- Know how to use your language to construct representations of what you do want.
Craig @ March 1, 2008