(by: Alan Chu)

As we witnessed the Saudi Smash unfold, many were surprised by the upsets of underdogs defeating stronger players like Fan Zhendong and Ma Long. One key factor that likely contributed to these wins was the ability to “let go of expectations.” In their journeys to the finals, both Patrick Franziska and Wang Chuqin mentioned playing one match and one point at a time, without thinking too far ahead. In this blog post, we’ll explore why letting go of expectations is crucial and how to do so, ultimately increasing your chances of achieving your desired outcomes.

The Impact of Different Expectations

When discussing expectations, it’s important to distinguish between expectations of the outcome and expectations of the process. Expectations of the outcome involve anticipating whether we’ll win or lose based on factors like rankings, ratings, past records against opponents, or gut feelings. As discussed in my previous Mental Training Tip, having outcome expectations directs our mind to the future rather than the present, causing anxiety because the outcome is often uncertain. This is especially true when we’re “expected to win” due to a higher ranking or rating than our opponent, triggering feelings of underperformance and additional pressure.

On the other hand, not having expectations of the outcome frees our mind to focus on one match and one point at a time, as Franziska and Wang discussed. This allows us to execute our skills and shots without hesitation. Furthermore, having expectations of the process could be helpful for harnessing the power of process and performance goals discussed in my last Mental Training Tip. For example, expectations of the process can involve playing smart and avoiding overly aggressive shots or giving your best effort and attitude regardless of the score. Doing so can help you perform at your best, increasing your chances of winning.

Ways to Let Go of Expectations

There are several ways to let go of expectations, and the following are ones that you can start implementing in your game.

1. Focus on yourself rather than your opponent:
• Develop a consistent pre-match routine for how you approach the table and start a match, regardless of your opponent’s level.
• Ignore, or better yet, don’t look at your opponent’s ranking or rating.

2. Focus on process goals rather than outcome goals before a competition:
• Concentrate on the specific actions, behaviors, and processes required to execute your skills.
• Emphasize the journey of playing one match and one point at a time.

3. Focus on what you can control rather than what you can’t:
• Focus on showing the best attitude, preparation, and effort (APE).
• Write down all the short-term and long-term performance outcomes you can’t control on a piece of paper and physically “let go” (e.g., crumpling and throwing it away).

By letting go of expectations of winning or losing and focusing on playing each point to the best of your ability, you’ll be surprised at how much calmer and more focused you feel on the court. Give these techniques a try during your next practice or match and see how they help improve your game!

“Our job is to have zero expectations and just let go.” – Ted Lasso

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