The Two Words From Successful NBA Players

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Data scientist, Sean Farrel analyzed speech patterns from over 26,000 transcripts and 1,500 collegiate athletes.  

Farrel looked at interviews with NBA draft prospects and found two words that were used more often by players who successfully made it to the NBA.

These players used the words “realize” and “believe” more often than those who didn’t.

• “Realize” showed players had self-awareness. They talked about what they needed to work on or understood what it really takes to succeed at the next level.

• “Believe” showed confidence and vision. These players weren’t just hoping to make it — they believed they belonged.

It turns out, the way players talk about their journey says a lot about how they think — and that mindset can be just as important as physical skills.

Interestingly, the converse was also true, athletes that spoke in complex sentence structure, correlated with lower success.

Believe in what you’re doing. Realize what it takes. That mindset might just be your secret weapon.